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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "How Long Have You Been There" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

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Willie Nelson's "How Long Have You Been There" portrays a protagonist reflecting upon a life marked by self-imposed isolation and emotional unavailability. He confesses to having "walked among the shadows," avoiding meaningful connections and suppressing his emotions. The protagonist has built walls around himself, rejecting love and connection.

The recurring question "How long have you been there?" is directed towards love that has unexpectedly entered his life. This love catches him off guard, making him realize how long he's been hiding from genuine feelings. He is astonished that love has been present all along, patiently waiting for him to open up, despite his efforts to push it away.

A sense of realization and a desire for change permeate the final lines of the song. The protagonist is ready to "mend every broken fence and bridge," symbolizing the relationships he's damaged, and "dust the cobwebs off his heart" to learn how to love. The repetition of "How long have you been there?" at the end emphasizes the protagonist's astonishment and remorse as he recognizes the time wasted living in emotional isolation.

I've been walking in the shadows for so long that I forgot the sun can shine

I've turned away from everone and everything that wanted to be mine

Somehow I always shot my eyes and heart to everything that I could share

Now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there

And every path I've taken I have turned around and quickly closed the door

It seems as though I knew if I ever stop to feel I want more

I kept a steady run so my eyes could never focus anywhere

Now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there

How long have you been standing there protecting me from love that shouldn't be

Knowing all alone that I could realize that you were meant for me

Now I've got to mend every broken fence and bridge that I have burned

I've got to clear away the cobwebs in my heart so I can start to learn

For I realize that you've been waiting just to teach me how to care

Now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there [2x]

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