How Far We've Come

I'm waking up at the start of the end of the world, But its feeling just like every other morning before, Now I wonder what my life is going to mean if it's gone, The cars are moving like a half a mile an hour And I started staring at the passengers who're waving goodbye Can you tell me what was ever really special about me all this time? But I believe the world is burning to the ground Oh well, I guess we're gonna find out Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Well I, believe, it all, is coming to an end Oh well, I guess, we're gonna pretend, Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come I think it turned ten o'clock but I don't really know Then I can't remember caring for an hour or so Started crying and I couldn't stop myself I started running but there's no where to run to I sat down on the street and took a look at myself Said where you going man you know the world is headed for hell Say your goodbyes if you've got someone you can say goodbye to I believe the world is burning to the ground Oh well, I guess, we're gonna find out Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Well I, believe, it all, is coming to an end Oh well, I guess, we're gonna pretend, Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come It's gone gone, baby its all gone There is no one on the corner and there's no one at home It was cool cool, it was just all cool Now it's over for me, and it's over for you Well its gone gone, baby its all gone There is no one on the corner and there's no one at home Well it was cool cool, it was just all cool Now it's over for me, and it's over for you But I believe the world is burning to the ground Oh well, I guess we're gonna find out Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Well I, believe, it all, is coming to an end Oh well, I guess, we're gonna pretend, Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come Let's see how far we've come

The song opens with a sense of impending apocalypse: "I'm waking up at the start of the end of the world." This sets the tone for a contemplative look at life, mortality, and human progress. Despite the dire setting, the narrative has an oddly matter-of-fact tone, describing the end of the world as feeling "just like every other morning before." The lyric "Can you tell me what was ever really special about me all this time?" speaks to a universal question about individual significance in the grand scheme of things. In the face of possible annihilation, the narrator reflects on what their life has meant. The recurring line, "Let's see how far we've come," serves as both a literal and metaphorical measurement of progress. On the one hand, it could refer to humanity's achievements and failures, questioning whether we've come far at all. On the other, it is also a self-reflective question, challenging the narrator to evaluate his personal journey. The phrase "Oh well, I guess we're gonna find out" encapsulates a sense of resigned curiosity. There's an acceptance of the inevitable, tempered with a desire to see what happens next—whether that's in the context of the narrator's life or the fate of the world. The section, "It's gone gone, baby its all gone," emphasizes a sense of loss and finality, suggesting that opportunities for change or improvement are past. It's a poignant reminder of impermanence, urging us to value what we have while we still can. Ultimately, "How Far We've Come" is a multi-layered song that balances existential introspection with a kind of grim optimism. The narrator might be looking at the end of the world, but he's also looking at himself, asking tough questions that have no easy answers. It's a compelling exploration of human vulnerability and the value—or potential lack thereof—of our individual and collective journeys.

About

"How Far We've Come" is a song by American rock band Matchbox Twenty, released in 2007 as part of their retrospective album, "Exile on Mainstream." This album included some of the band's greatest hits along with new material, among which "How Far We've Come" was a standout. The song was well-received and charted well, reinforcing Matchbox Twenty's hold on the alternative and mainstream rock genres.

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