Line-up
Jason Beebout (vocals)
Sergie Loobkoff (guitar)
Johnny Cruz (drums)
Sean Kennerly (guitar)
Jeremy Bergo (bass)
Discography
Samiam (1990)
Soar (1991)
Billy (1992)
Clumsy (1994)
You Are Freaking Me Out (1998)
Astray (2000)
The New Red Years (2000)
Whatever's Got You Down (2006)
Trips (2011)
How Long
Samiam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Samiam's song How Long centers around a person who has lost their confidence and can't make a decision about something important - possibly a relationship or an opportunity. The opening lines set the scene; the person is outside a store where they usually buy their cigarettes, but the store is out of stock. It's raining, so the sidewalks are wet. These details suggest a dreary and somewhat hopeless environment, which reflects the singer's mood.
As the song continues, it becomes clear that the person is struggling with a decision. They are hesitant and afraid, and they're not sure what to do. The lines "how long does it take to know it? not just circumstance, how long should I wait, knowing there won't be another chance" suggest that the person feels like they're running out of time to make a decision, but they're not sure what the right choice is. The repeated phrase, "an empty place you watch the floor, I hesitate," emphasizes the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward.
The repeated phrase "how long does it take to know it?" suggests that the person is waiting for some kind of clarity or insight that will help them make their decision. However, the repetition also suggests that the person is stuck in a cycle of indecision and is unlikely to find the answer they're looking for. Overall, the lyrics create a sense of uncertainty, fear, and hopelessness, while also touching on the universal experience of struggling to make a difficult decision.
Line by Line Meaning
The corner store is out of your brand of cigarettes
You cannot find what you're looking for and it's causing you stress.
The rain has stopped and left the dark grey sidewalks wet
The weather has shifted, but the aftermath of the rain is still present.
Twice burned you?e saying things that you would like to forget
Past experiences have caused you pain and now you're struggling to let it go.
It? been a while since you lost your confidence
You haven't felt good about yourself for a while now.
A nervous smile an empty place you watch the floor
You're putting on a front but inside you feel hollow and uncertain.
I hesitate how long does it take to know it?
You're unsure of what to do or whether you should act on something.
Not just circumstance how long should I wait knowing there won? be another chance too much too late
This decision is too important to leave up to chance, and you're worried that if you wait too long you'll miss your opportunity.
An empty place you watch the floor I hesitate there? nothing left to see
You feel lost and unsure of what to do, and there doesn't seem to be any clear path forward.
See my eyes closed in fear tell me what I want to her
You're afraid of what you'll hear if you ask for what you truly want.
Just circumstance how long should I wait knowing there won? be another chance too much too late
You feel trapped by the situation and know that time is running out.
An empty place you watch the floor I hesitate there? nothing left to say see my eyes shut with fear can you tell me I? not really here
You feel disconnected from reality and are desperately searching for answers.
How long does it take to know it? Just circumstance how long should I wait knowing there won? be another chance too much too late an empty place you watch the floor I hesitate
You're caught in a cycle of indecision and fear and don't know how to break free.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Burk
this is one of these albums you can listen to all the way through. Such competent song writing and very catchy. Extremely emotional and powerful lyrics. Go buy it or steal it. Just listen to it damn you.
MrSlicknick007
I've never had a band i like with this many good songs on one album
VirusDumb
MOST UNDERRATED ALBUM EVER