How long

Ace Of Base's song 'How Long' delves into the emotional turmoil of discovering betrayal and deception within a close relationship. The repeated question, 'How long has this been going on?' underscores the shock and disbelief of the narrator as they grapple with the realization that their trust has been broken. This repetition not only emphasizes the pain but also the confusion and need for answers that often accompany such revelations.

The lyrics suggest that the betrayal is not just a personal one but involves a wider circle of friends who may have been complicit or at least aware of the deceit. The phrase 'friends with their fancy persuasion' hints at manipulation and scheming, adding layers to the betrayal. The narrator's suspicions are piqued, and they express a sense of being underestimated with the line, 'I ain't quite as dumb as I seem.' This indicates a growing awareness and a refusal to be further deceived.

The song also touches on the theme of broken promises and the inevitability of the truth coming to light. The line 'you said you was never intending to break up our singing this way' suggests that the betrayal was unexpected and unintentional, yet it has caused significant damage. The narrator acknowledges the futility of pretending that everything is fine, recognizing that such situations can happen to anyone. This universal theme of betrayal and the quest for truth resonates deeply, making 'How Long' a poignant exploration of human relationships and the pain of deceit.