How Many Times

Dope Lemon's 'How Many Times' is a haunting exploration of desire, longing, and the often tumultuous nature of relationships. The song opens with vivid imagery, describing a 'dope train' and a woman who defies conventional boundaries, symbolized by the absence of 'red lights' on her door. This woman is a force of nature, cooking a 'blue flame' that leaves the protagonist begging for more. The 'blue flame' could be a metaphor for an intense, almost dangerous passion that consumes those who come into contact with it.

The recurring question, 'How many times does it take to hear the phone?' suggests a sense of frustration and yearning. It implies a one-sided relationship where the protagonist is waiting for a call that never comes, symbolizing unreciprocated feelings or a lack of communication. This refrain underscores the emotional turmoil and the endless cycle of hope and disappointment that often accompanies unfulfilled desire.

The song also touches on themes of vulnerability and the destructive nature of love. The imagery of a 'street fight' and a 'fighter on the ground' parallels the emotional battles the protagonist faces. The 'blue light streaming from her eyes' and the mention of her 'little heart dies' beneath the city floors add a layer of melancholy, suggesting that both parties are trapped in a cycle of emotional pain. The final lines, 'She’s just dying to tease ya... Boy, you’re just dying to please her,' encapsulate the push-and-pull dynamic of their relationship, where both are caught in a dance of desire and manipulation, each trying to fulfill their own needs while leaving the other wanting more.