Meaning of "I Been Gone A Long Time" by Every Time I Die

The lyrics of "I Been Gone A Long Time" by Every Time I Die delve into the darker aspects of desire and infidelity. The narrator seems to be grappling with the thrill of pursuing someone new while still in a relationship, highlighting the selfish and impulsive nature of their actions. There is a sense of detachment and emotional numbness in the way they view their partner, referring to them as "she sure as hell ain't you". The mention of drugs and alcohol suggests a need to escape reality and mask any feelings of guilt or remorse. The reference to being "lonesome" and "careless" hints at a self-destructive streak, where the indulgence in forbidden desires is a temporary escape from underlying emotional turmoil. Ultimately, the lyrics depict a sense of disillusionment and emptiness in pursuing shallow encounters at the expense of deeper emotional connections.