The song "Long Gone" by UFO depicts the gritty and dangerous atmosphere of a city plagued by crime and despair. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of mean streets and whispering halls, where red light bandits roam and show no mercy. The garbage filling the streets symbolizes the decay and corruption of the city. The "thin blue line" refers to the police force, who are overwhelmed and unable to fully control the overflow of crime. The city's heat and desperation are described, with alarm guns ringing in the air as people run scared. The singer acknowledges that they are "long gone" in this hellish environment. Despite the bleakness, there is a glimmer of hope. The singer asks their lover to hold them tight and let their softness fill their night. They have dreams of escaping this harsh reality, refusing to let their vision slip away. The town, depicted as heartless, never shedding a tear, will eventually be left behind. The lyrics convey the longing for a savior or a heroic figure to bring change to the city. People seek a holy one, a prophet, or a visionary who can bring hope and a better future. However, in the present, there is no tomorrow, only living for today in the midst of chaos. The song also alludes to the loneliness and immune nature of the stars, contrasting with the vulnerable and wounded streets. The police patrol cars sweep the avenues while faces in dark doorways wait in hatred. Throughout the song, the message is one of desperation, longing, and the yearning for a brighter future. The singer acknowledges the harsh reality but still believes in the possibility of breaking free from this hellish existence.
