… Read Full Bio ↴Ian O'Dougherty - vocals, piano, guitar, recording, mixing, producing.
Sean Merrell - drums
Adam Edwards - bass
with:
Julie Davis and Chris Fogal - additional harmony vocals
Bob Ferbrache - organ, recording, mixing, mastering at Absinthe Studio.
How Much Longer
Eolian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Electricity was gone for days
On the other side everything was fine
We could see them laughing in the light
We're waiting to be like them
How much longer how much longer how much longer
The lights came back on our side of the street
Electricity was back for us
Couldn't see them laughing in the dark
Waiting to be like us
How much longer how much longer how much longer
One side has access one side has success
One side has both but it's far from the best
Heat still off on our side of the street
Nothing to see but darkened ice
On the other side all are comfortable
We can see them laughing in the warmth
Waiting to be like them
How much longer how much longer how much longer
The lyrics of Eolian's song "How Much Longer" paint a stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots, symbolized by the division of a street where one side experiences a lack of basic necessities while the other revels in abundance. The setting of the lights going out on one side of the block signifies a power outage that plunges the residents into darkness for days, highlighting their struggle and deprivation. Meanwhile, the other side remains unaffected, with everything continuing as normal, emphasizing the disparity in quality of life between the two halves of the street.
As the lyrics progress, the power is eventually restored on the deprived side, briefly bringing relief and a sense of equality as they too can bask in the electric light. However, this transient moment of unity is shattered when the situation reverses, and now it is the other side that experiences a blackout, leaving the previously privileged residents in the dark. This shift serves to underline the precariousness and unpredictability of fortune, suggesting that circumstances can change rapidly and that no one is exempt from hardship.
The chorus, with its repeated questioning of "How much longer," conveys a sense of impatience, frustration, and yearning for a better life. The residents on both sides of the street aspire to be like the other, coveting the privileges and comforts that seem so elusive to them. The juxtaposition of laughter and warmth on one side with darkness and cold on the other intensifies the feelings of longing and envy, as the marginalized group longs to experience the same ease and joy enjoyed by their more fortunate neighbors.
The final stanza highlights the enduring divide between the two sides, with one having access and success while the other struggles with basic necessities. The imagery of heat still being off on one side, contrasted with the comfort and laughter of those on the other side, reinforces the inequality and injustice that pervade the situation. The repeated questioning of "How much longer" serves as a poignant plea for change and improvement, echoing the desire for a more just and equitable society where all can experience the same privileges and opportunities.
Line by Line Meaning
The lights went down on our side of the block
Our side experienced a loss of power
Electricity was gone for days
The absence of electricity persisted for an extended period of time
On the other side everything was fine
In contrast, the neighboring side had no power outage
We could see them laughing in the light
We observed their happiness and comfort
We're waiting to be like them
We aspire to experience the same level of privilege
How much longer how much longer how much longer
Expressing impatience and longing for equal conditions
The lights came back on our side of the street
Our side regained power
Electricity was back for us
We were once again provided with electricity
On the other side everything went black
The neighboring side experienced a power outage
Couldn't see them laughing in the dark
Their comfort and joy were not visible in the darkness
Waiting to be like us
They also yearn for the same level of privilege we now have
One side has access one side has success
One side has resources while the other achieves goals
One side has both but it's far from the best
While one side may have advantages, it is not the ideal situation
Heat still off on our side of the street
Our side continues to lack heating
Nothing to see but darkened ice
We are left with cold darkness
On the other side all are comfortable
In contrast, everyone on the neighboring side is at ease
We can see them laughing in the warmth
Their happiness is visible in the cozy environment
Waiting to be like them
We continue to desire to reach their level of comfort
How much longer how much longer how much longer
Persistently expressing impatience and longing for equality
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Ian ODougherty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind