Been So Long
Mike-E Lyrics
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You know you're looking to the past
That's alright for some
They let the sublime wash past
But death won't wait forever
It'll find you before that
Better make your peace with the vacuum before your body turns to ash
When you reach event horizonWhen your cards turn up the pyre
Clutching tickets to the westbound train
While the station burns like fodder
Will the ember of each smouldering coal resist itself as fire
Or will you find that you were never here
Just a ripple on the water
Always dreaming of the future
And reaching towards the past
That light, off in the distance
Trying to set a path
Gently singing a siren song
A direction to distract
You better make your peace with nowhere
Somewhere's always fleeting fast
Your love is like a bullhorn
It screams over the lake
It travels over space and time to find me, all this way
But by the time it reaches me it doesn't sound the same
And I'm not sure how to love you back when the signals bound the change
The lyrics of Mike-E's song "Been So Long" delve into contemplations on life, death, and the fleeting nature of time. The opening lines suggest a reflective stance, urging listeners to ponder the past as they gaze up at the sky. It conveys the idea that while some may let profound moments slip by unnoticed, eventually death will catch up with everyone, making it crucial to come to terms with mortality before it's too late.
As the lyrics progress, they delve into imagery of facing one's final moments, symbolized by reaching the "event horizon" and confronting the inevitable end. The mention of clutching tickets to a departing train amidst a burning station serves as a metaphor for trying to hold onto fleeting opportunities as time slips away. Here, the theme of impermanence is emphasized, questioning whether one's existence will leave a lasting impact or be lost like a ripple in the water.
The song then shifts its focus to the complexities of love and connection across time and space. The imagery of love being likened to a bullhorn that transcends physical boundaries implies a powerful and persistent force. However, the acknowledgment that love may evolve and lose its initial intensity over distance and time suggests a sense of uncertainty and change in relationships.
In the final lines, there is a poignant reflection on the challenges involved in maintaining a connection when circumstances and emotions shift. The singer grapples with the transformative nature of love and the difficulty of reciprocating feelings that have undergone change. The song captures a sense of longing, nostalgia, and existential contemplation, ultimately encouraging listeners to make peace with life's uncertainties and transience.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're looking to the heavens
Reflecting on the past and seeking answers from above.
You know you're looking to the past
Realizing that the past has a strong influence on the present.
That's alright for some
Some people are content with letting memories fade.
They let the sublime wash past
Allowing significant moments to pass by without holding onto them.
But death won't wait forever
Death is inevitable and should not be ignored.
It'll find you before that
Death can come unexpectedly.
Better make your peace with the vacuum before your body turns to ash
Come to terms with nothingness before your physical form ceases to exist.
When you reach event horizon
When you face a point of no return.
When your cards turn up the pyre
When your actions have consequences.
Clutching tickets to the westbound train
Holding onto hope for a new journey.
While the station burns like fodder
As chaos surrounds you.
Will the ember of each smouldering coal resist itself as fire
Will small sparks grow into flames of passion.
Or will you find that you were never here
Questioning your existence and impact on the world.
Just a ripple on the water
Merely a small, fleeting mark in the grand scheme of things.
Always dreaming of the future
Constantly looking ahead.
And reaching towards the past
But still holding onto memories.
That light, off in the distance
A beacon of hope in the future.
Trying to set a path
Guiding towards a new direction.
Gently singing a siren song
Softly luring towards a potentially dangerous path.
A direction to distract
An enticing but misleading path.
You better make your peace with nowhere
Accept that there may not always be a clear destination.
Somewhere's always fleeting fast
Opportunities and destinations are constantly changing.
Your love is like a bullhorn
Your love is loud and powerful.
It screams over the lake
Reaching out across vast distances.
It travels over space and time to find me, all this way
Love transcends physical boundaries to reach its recipient.
But by the time it reaches me it doesn't sound the same
Over time, expressions of love may change.
And I'm not sure how to love you back when the signals bound the change
Finding it difficult to reciprocate when circumstances have transformed.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Michael Legere
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind