The song "How Long" by Gamma Ray is a powerful plea to stop war and violence. The lyrics describe the narrator standing on an island of madness and pain, seeking a way out of the darkness and destruction. They long to go to a place where they can walk, run, and breathe freely, away from the smoke and debris of war. The narrator raises their hands to the voices in the sky, symbolizing a cry for help and guidance. They feel the urge to find the other side, a metaphor for finding peace and an end to conflict. The song questions how humanity can move forward if war is not stopped, emphasizing the need to eliminate fear and violence. The lyrics further explore the frustration and confusion felt by the narrator. They encounter someone who asks for direction, but the narrator admits they don't have all the answers. Their mind is spiraling in frustration, desperately searching for a savior who seems to be missing. The repetition of the question "How long will it take?" emphasizes the urgency of ending war and promotes a call to action. The frustration reaches its peak with an exclamation of "Stop the war!" and an explicit statement of "Fuck the war!" The song "How Long" serves as a passionate plea to put an end to war and violence, highlighting the importance of finding peace and unity. It conveys the frustration and desperation felt by many in the face of ongoing conflict and raises awareness about the need to take action.
