The song "Long One" by Grieves explores the struggles and frustrations that come with unemployment and personal hardships. The lyrics depict a narrator waking up feeling broken and receiving negative feedback from their boss. They feel incapable of holding a job or engaging in conversations. The narrator reflects on a previous time when they were surrounded by gloom and felt overwhelmed, comparing it to when Lieutenant Dan from the movie Forrest Gump was drunk and screaming at the moon. This comparison suggests a sense of desperation and the desire to rebel against their circumstances. The lyrics then express a rejection of a conventional nine-to-five job and a disdain for societal expectations. The narrator finds solace in alcohol, specifically a fifth of bourbon, and in their friends who are also facing financial difficulties. They jokingly refer to using their severance check to get drunk, emphasizing their disregard for societal norms and their coping mechanism of alcohol. The song continues to explore the narrator's struggles in relationships. They mention a failed romantic relationship where their partner left them because of their unemployment. The narrator doesn't seem too bothered by the breakup and even mocks their ex-partner's desire for stability and material possessions. The lyrics also touch on the narrator's self-perception and the judgments they face. They mention being called an "asshole" and being told they are dealing with a "disease." It could imply that their behaviors and choices have resulted in negative consequences, with others questioning their motivations and willingness to succeed. The song concludes with the narrator acknowledging that their life circumstances and choices have pushed them to their limits. They have resigned themselves to drinking alcohol until they reach a point of spinning or being intoxicated. This suggests a form of escape or release from their struggles. Overall, "Long One" by Grieves delves into the emotions and experiences of an individual facing unemployment, relationship problems, and a general sense of discontent. It captures the frustration, defiance, and self-reflection that comes with navigating difficult times.
