In 1981, Cetera released his first solo album on Warner Bros. Records. The album was a commercial failure, which Cetera has attributed to Warner Bros.' refusal to promote him as a solo artist out of fear that he would leave Chicago, who had only recently signed with the label.
In 1985, Cetera was interested in recording another solo album. He had stated his lack of interest for the extensive touring schedule of the band. When the 17 Tour concluded in late-April 1985, Chicago's management, along with several members of the band, had expressed a desire to book another tour for that summer and start work on the next Chicago album.
Cetera insisted that they take a break from touring so that he could concentrate on a solo album and spend more time with his family. After the band rejected his offer to stay in the band while recording a solo album, it was announced that Cetera and Chicago would go their separate ways in July 1985.
Almost immediately, Cetera continued his streak of success. His first single, "Glory of Love" (the theme to the movie The Karate Kid, Part II), was a US No. 1 hit in 1986, and achieved similar success throughout the world.
He has many hits, such as:
1982 - "Livin' In The Limelight" #6 (Mainstream Rock) US
1986 - "Glory of Love" #1 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #3 UK (also appears on the soundtrack to The Karate Kid, Part II)
1986 - "The Next Time I Fall" (with Amy Grant) #1 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #78 UK
1987 - "Only Love Knows Why" #24 (Adult Contemporary) US
1987 - "I Wasn't the One (Who Said Goodbye)" (with Agnetha Fältskog) #93 US, #19 (Adult Contemporary) US
1988 - "One Good Woman" #4 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #82 UK
1992 - "Restless Heart" #35 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US
1993 - "Even A Fool Can See" #68 US, #3 (Adult Contemporary) US
1995 - "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight" (with Crystal Bernard) #86 US, #22 (Adult Contemporary) US
1997 - "Do You Love Me That Much" #6 (Adult Contemporary) US
How many times
Peter Cetera Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How many tears have you cried
How many eyes have you dried
How many ways have you tried
And don't you get tired of people sayin'
How many times, how many times
How many dream have been bad
How many days have you had
When you get tired of people sayin'
How many times, how many times
How many times, how many times
[Chorus]
I said tired of people sayin'
Don't you get tired of people sayin'
How many times, how many times
How many times, how many times
How many times, times, times, times
Times, times, times, times, times
The lyrics of Peter Cetera's song, How Many Times, explores the emotional exhaustion that comes from experiencing pain and heartbreak. Throughout the song, the singer questions the number of times they have cried, tried, and failed in their pursuit of happiness. The repetition of the phrase "how many times" highlights the frustration and weariness that the singer feels towards the situation.
The chorus specifically asks about the number of tears shed, eyes dried, and attempts made. The verses then expand on the consequences of these experiences, such as bad dreams, sad nights, and difficult days. The ending of the song repeats the phrase "how many times" multiple times, emphasizing that the exhaustion and pain of heartbreak can last for an indefinite amount of time.
The song captures the universal experience of heartbreak and the frustration that comes from feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of negative emotions. The repetition of the chorus and use of simple, straightforward language adds to the effect, making the lyrics relatable and poignant for listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
How many tears have you cried
Asking how much emotional pain the listener has experienced.
How many eyes have you dried
Asking how much of other people's emotional pain has the listener helped to alleviate.
How many ways have you tried
Asking how hard the listener has been trying to handle their own and others' emotional struggles.
And don't you get tired of people sayin'
Acknowledging how frustrating it can be to repeatedly hear these questions.
How many times, how many times
Repeatedly asking the same questions as a way to drive home the emotions behind them.
How many dream have been bad
Asking how many nightmares or negative aspirations the listener has had.
How many nights have been sad
Asking how many nights the listener has spent in a melancholy mood.
How many days have you had
Asking how much of the listener's time has been consumed by negative emotions.
When you get tired of people sayin'
Acknowledging that the listener has probably heard these questions many times before.
How many times, how many times
Again asking the same questions to emphasize how much the listener has been through.
I said tired of people sayin'
Expressing a desire to stop hearing these questions.
Don't you get tired of people sayin'
Asking the listener if they are also tired of hearing these questions.
How many times, how many times
Repeating the questions yet again to hammer home the emotional weight behind them.
How many times, how many times
Further emphasizing the intensity of the emotions being expressed.
How many times, times, times, times
Echoing the repetition of the questions to create a sense of depth and reflection.
Times, times, times, times, times
Repeating the previous line to further drive home the intensity of the emotions being expressed.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER P. CETERA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind