Verstikken means "to suffocate" or "to choke". It's a strong and evocative verb that immediately grabs attention.
In the context of the song, it's used metaphorically to describe how conflicts can overwhelm and destroy a relationship: "Conflicten zijn normaal maar het moet ons niet verstikken" (Conflicts are normal but it shouldn't suffocate us). This powerful imagery makes it a memorable and impactful word to learn.
Picture two lovers stuck on the platform while the train of life refuses to leave the station. Duurt Te Lang ("It’s Taking Too Long") captures that restless moment when a once-passionate relationship turns into an emotional traffic jam. Glen Faria sings from the viewpoint of someone who poured his heart into grand declarations—texts, songs, promises—only to discover that the spark has faded into awkward silence across the kitchen table.
With vivid images of slammed doors, broken glass, and suitcases that keep coming back inside, the song shows a couple trapped in a loop of arguing, apologizing, and pretending everything is fine. The chorus, “Het duurt te lang,” repeats like a warning bell: they have been standing still for far too long, and something has to change. Beneath the catchy beat lies a bittersweet reminder that love can be overwhelming, comforting, and suffocating—sometimes all at once.