Last week, Lana Del Rey rode “Watercolor Eyes,” her contribution to the soundtrack for Season 2 of HBO’s Euphoria, straight to the upper reaches of the Genius Top Songs chart. Following in her footsteps is Tove Lo, who returns today with “How Long,” another Euphoria jam that’s racking up the pageviews on Genius.
In a tweet accompanying the song’s release, Lo said “How Long” is about “love, betrayal, and denial.” The Swedish pop singer wrote the song with Sibel Redžep, Ludvig Söderberg (aka A Strut), and Tim Nelson (aka TimFromTheHouse)—the latter two handled production. Musically, “How Long” has a cool, steady beat great for anyone looking to dance away the pain of being cheated on.
The first verse begins with a description of just how smitten Lo was with the dude who’ll wind up being the villain of this story.
Tried to play it cool, I like you
Had me in your hand just like that
This guy gives Lo “empty promises of love.” So one night, when he’s had a couple drinks, she decides to ask him a question that’s been bugging her.
You’re an honest man when you’re drunk
Wish I never asked ya, but it’s killin’ me to wonder
In a clever bit of songwriting, Lo and co. don’t reveal the question until the chorus.
How, how long have you loved another
While I’m dreamin’ of us together?
Technically, Lo has two questions. She’d also like to know how long this guy has been working up the nerve to break her heart.
How, how long have you tried to end it
While I’m blamin’ myself to fix it?
In the second verse, Lo flips a trope common to songs about infidelity. Singers often say they should’ve listened to their friends, but in this case, her own gut instinct was correct. (She says in the chorus, “Part of me always knew.”)
Listen to my fears, not my friends
They don’t tell the truth, they like you
Stories like this are complicated. Maybe this guy really loves the other woman, and maybe he and Lo simply weren’t meant to be. In the bridge, she cuts him a little slack while also forgiving herself for feeling what she’s feeling.
I know love isn’t fair, I know the heart wants what it wants
There’s no way to prepare for burning, brutal rejection
I know it takes some time to feel the pain of losin’ a lie
You can check out all the lyrics to “How Long” on Genius now.
