Out Hud's first album, S.T.R.E.E.T. D.A.D., was purely instrumental. The group added vocals on its second album Let Us Never Speak Of It Again, with Forbes singing lead (while a drum machine filled in her usual role) and Schnick singing backup.
Shortly after the release of Let Us Never Speak Of It Again it was announced that Pope would not be joining the band on tour, and instead would be concentrating on James Murphy's dance-punk band LCD Soundsystem. It was then announced in September 2005 that a concert in New York might be Out Hud's last.
The song How Long was featured in the movie I Know Who Killed Me.
How Long
Out Hud Lyrics
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We're even now and its been that way-
How long has it been since then?
She's leaving now.
But she'll be back tonight.
How long has it been since then?
Youre see-through now.
But you've been that way-
I threw half away.
Lay Low.
You're gonna be o.k.
Lay Low.
I threw half away.
Lay Low.
You're gonna be o.k.
Lay Low.
Lay Low.
How long has it been since then?
We're even now and its been that way-
How long has it been since then?
She's leaving now.
But she'll be back tonight.
How long has it been since then?
Youre see-through now.
But you've been that way-
How long has it been since then?
I threw half away.
Lay Low.
You're gonna be o.k.
Lay Low.
I threw half away.
Lay Low.
You're gonna be o.k.
Lay Low.
Lay Low.
The song "How Long" by Out Hud can be interpreted in a number of different ways, as the lyrics are vague enough to allow for multiple meanings. On one level, the song seems to be about the passage of time and how it affects relationships. The repeated question "How long has it been since then?" suggests a desire to recapture a past moment or feeling, while the line "we're even now and it's been that way" may indicate a sense of balance or closure.
Elsewhere in the lyrics, there are references to someone leaving and returning ("She's leaving now. But she'll be back tonight"), as well as a suggestion of transparency or vulnerability ("You're see-through now. But you've been that way-"). These lines could be taken to refer to a romantic relationship, but they could also be read as describing a friendship, a family dynamic, or even a broader societal trend. The refrain "Lay low. You're gonna be okay" is repeated several times, suggesting a need to find calm in the midst of uncertainty or turmoil.
One possible interpretation of "How Long" is that it is a reflection on the aftermath of a difficult or traumatic event. The repeated question about the passage of time could be a way of trying to make sense of what has happened and what has changed since then. The references to leaving and returning could be seen as an acknowledgement of the cyclical nature of emotions, whereby someone may temporarily retreat and then come back stronger. The refrain "Lay low. You're gonna be okay" could be a form of self-affirmation or encouragement, a way of finding hope amidst sadness or confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
How long has it been since then?
Reflecting on how long it has been since a certain event occurred
We're even now and its been that way-
Acknowledging that things are now balanced or equal
She's leaving now.
Stating that someone is departing
But she'll be back tonight.
Offering reassurance that someone will return soon
Youre see-through now.
Implying that someone is transparent or easily understood
But you've been that way-
Noting that this quality has always been present
I threw half away.
Admitting to discarding a portion of something
Lay Low.
Suggesting that someone take a break or relax
You're gonna be o.k.
Offering words of support and encouragement
Lay Low.
Reiterating the importance of taking it easy
Lay Low.
Emphasizing the need to rest and recharge
Contributed by Sebastian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.