The meaning of the lyrics of the song "How Long" by the artist "Tove Lo"

The song "How Long" by Tove Lo expresses the complex feelings of a person in love with someone who doesn't seem to reciprocate those feelings.

The protagonist is tormented by suspicion and jealousy, feeling that her lover might be in love with someone else. She asks herself agonizing questions: "How long have you loved another, while I was dreaming of us?", "How long have you been trying to end it, while I was blaming myself?". The repeating question "How long?" reflects her obsession with these thoughts, her desire to know the truth, however painful it might be.

The lyrics reveal an inner conflict: on the one hand, the protagonist wants to know the truth, but on the other hand, she is afraid to hear the confirmation of her fears. She confesses that she "would be better off not saying anything," but her curiosity and insecurity are stronger.

The image of "empty promises of love" suggests that her lover is not being honest with her, perhaps trying to maintain a relationship without experiencing true feelings. The line "You're only being honest when you're drunk" reinforces this idea, hinting that he hides his true feelings when sober.

Despite the pain and disappointment, the protagonist acknowledges that love can be unfair and recognizes that "you can't tell your heart what to do." She understands that "some time it can hurt" even if the relationship was "fake."

Therefore, "How Long" is a song about unrequited love, jealousy, painful truth, and acceptance of a complex reality.