The lyrics of "Way Too Long" by Bent Knee depict a dark and ominous scene of an oil spill by the docks, with the speaker being engulfed in the consequences of environmental destruction. The speaker feels suffocated by the toxic surroundings and struggles to keep a painful secret hidden.

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Meaning of "Way Too Long" by Bent Knee


The lyrics of "Way Too Long" vividly portray the destructive impact of environmental negligence and the weight of carrying a burden alone. The imagery of an oil spill symbolizes the pervasiveness of human actions on the planet, leading to irreversible damage. The speaker's struggle to hold onto a secret mirrors the internal turmoil caused by guilt and isolation, reflecting the broader theme of the heavy toll of hiding truths and the need for accountability. The toxic environment choking the speaker serves as a metaphor for the suffocating nature of deceit and the consequences of remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing. Overall, the lyrics highlight the urgency of addressing environmental issues and the importance of speaking out against injustices, before the weight of silence becomes too much to bear.