How Long
Saga Lyrics


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You thought you had it in the bag
Thought you had it all figured out
But now you're having second thoughts
You don't really know your ins from outs

You won't accept the lot you've drawn
You can't face the error of your ways
You turned your back and walked away
Seem bent on finding better days

How long did your dream carry on?
How long did your dream spin around?
How long did your dream carry on?
How long did your dream spin around?

You'd better grab your things and run
All your friends have left you behind
I have no answers for you now
I just wish you had an open mind

How long did your dream carry on?
How long did your dream spin around?




How long did your dream carry on?
How long did your dream spin around?

Overall Meaning

The song "How Long" by Saga seems to be talking about a person who was once confident in their plans and decisions, but is now facing doubts and uncertainty. The opening lines indicate that this person believed they had everything under control, but now they are second-guessing themselves and feeling lost. They're dissatisfied with the situation they are in and are searching for a way out.


The chorus repeats the question "How long did your dream carry on? How long did your dream spin around?" which could refer to the person's initial hopes and ambitions that they once believed would lead them to success, but now may be feeling like they were merely a dream. The verses allude to the person having made some mistakes that they may not want to face. And at the same time, they're trying to move on from their situation, but it's not happening as quickly as they would like.


The bridge of the song suggests a sense of urgency - that the person needs to leave quickly, as everyone else has moved on, but leaves with no clear direction. The repetitive questioning of the chorus reappears again, suggesting that the person is still grappling with their unrealized dreams and uncertain future, and the singer can offer no new advice or solutions.


Overall, the song touches upon themes of uncertainty, self-doubt, and the delicate balance between holding onto dreams for too long, and letting them go.


Line by Line Meaning

You thought you had it in the bag
You were confident you had everything under control


Thought you had it all figured out
You believed you had a complete understanding of the situation


But now you're having second thoughts
You're beginning to question your previous assumptions


You don't really know your ins from outs
You're uncertain about the details and inner workings of the situation


You won't accept the lot you've drawn
You're unwilling to acknowledge your circumstances


You can't face the error of your ways
You're unable to confront your mistakes


You turned your back and walked away
You abandoned the situation and moved on


Seem bent on finding better days
You're determined to improve your situation


How long did your dream carry on?
How long did your ideal outcome continue before falling apart?


How long did your dream spin around?
How long did you hold onto an unrealistic vision?


You'd better grab your things and run
You should quickly gather your belongings and leave


All your friends have left you behind
Your social support system has abandoned you


I have no answers for you now
I cannot offer any solutions at this time


I just wish you had an open mind
I hope you are receptive to new ideas and perspectives


How long did your dream carry on?
How long did your desired outcome persist before coming to an end?


How long did your dream spin around?
How long were you attached to an unrealistic vision?




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES CRICHTON, PETER ROCHON, MICHAEL SADLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

dadonaldd

Saga have remained relevant through the decades... AMAZING band. I have been a fan since my first exposure to them in Munich, Germany in 1978.

Dan

Saga was more popular abroad than in Canada...totally inexplicable. A truly amazing band. I saw their final show in Toronto in February of 2018...incredible😊👍🏾👍🏾

61guitbox

Dan Fraser saw them twice in Toronto during the 90’s .. wish i could’ve been there.. must’ve been quite the show !

trevor smith

One of the best Canadian bands ever

Alx Jetson

Rush/Saga/Triumph

Florentino Sanz Pastor

The best

@Redbaron863

Fantastic album. I think it's their most timeless.

pianoballad2

Awesome tune! Brings me back to my high school days, thanks for posting.

Hawkwind62

I remember seeing these guys at the Bolton arena when this album was out. Have they ever gone far since those days. Great band making great music!

DrTomoculus

This is like progressive disco music. WTF! If I had heard Saga back then i would have bought this album immediately! I didn't hear them until 1981. I'm just hearing their first album now! This stuff is amazing!

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