Introduction: Keeping You Around by Nothing But Thieves Lyrics Meaning
Nothing But Thieves, an English alternative rock band known for their emotionally charged and introspective lyrics, delivers another powerful track with “Keeping You Around.” Released as part of their fourth studio album, Dead Club City, this song delves into themes of love, self-reflection, and the complexities of relationships. Through poignant metaphors and vivid imagery, the lyrics convey a sense of struggle, vulnerability, and the longing for change. In this lyrical analysis, we will explore the profound themes embedded in the song, examining the emotional landscape painted by Nothing But Thieves.
Verse 1: Keeping You Around by Nothing But Thieves Lyrics Meaning
“Your lips want anyone else, mine taste like everyone else Oh, that’s a tragedy Try not to pity myself, you fall back into yourself Oh, what a mess we’re in”
The opening verse sets the tone for the song, highlighting the speaker’s profound sense of disillusionment and despair. The juxtaposition of contrasting desires in the first line (“Your lips want anyone else, mine taste like everyone else”) signifies a lack of uniqueness or intimacy in the relationship. This realization is viewed as tragic, emphasizing the emotional turmoil experienced by both parties.
The second line speaks to the speaker’s struggle not to succumb to self-pity, while the third line reveals the other person’s tendency to retreat into themselves. The repetition of “Oh, what a mess we’re in” further amplifies the chaotic state of the relationship, suggesting a deep sense of entanglement and confusion.
Chorus: Keeping You Around by Nothing But Thieves Lyrics Meaning
“I’ve got more hope of killing war Or seeing sound, ah Than I’ve got of keeping you around Of keeping you around, of keeping you around”
The chorus expresses a profound sense of hopelessness and desperation. The speaker’s comparisons of “killing war” and “seeing sound” to the possibility of keeping their partner around reflect the enormity of the task at hand. It highlights the futility they feel in trying to salvage the relationship, as if these extraordinary feats are more attainable than maintaining the connection.
Verse 2: Keeping You Around by Nothing But Thieves Lyrics Meaning
“Dead club, so low So good at pretending it’s fun though Head fuck, won’t go So tired of being tired, you know”
The second verse introduces a sense of disillusionment and weariness. The description of a “Dead club” and the act of pretending to have fun signifies the emptiness and superficiality the speaker experiences. The line “Head fuck, won’t go” portrays the relentless and intrusive nature of their thoughts, suggesting a psychological battle they can’t escape. The repetition of being tired reinforces the emotional exhaustion and longing for respite.
Bridge: Keeping You Around by Nothing But Thieves Lyrics Meaning
“Build something up just to knock it down Live a quiet life in a quiet town Maybe everyone will forget me now Could we just start over?”
The bridge portrays a longing for change and a fresh start. The speaker contemplates the cycle of building something, only to see it crumble, representing the repetitive nature of their relationship. The desire to live a quiet life in a quiet town symbolizes a retreat from the chaos and turmoil. The plea to start over reflects the hope for a clean slate, a chance to rebuild without the baggage of the past.
Conclusion
“Keeping You Around” by Nothing But Thieves showcases the band’s ability to craft deeply introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt metaphors, the song delves into themes of longing, disillusionment, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship. It captures the emotional roller coaster that many individuals experience, oscillating between hope and despair. Ultimately, the track’s powerful and relatable lyrics offer a window into the struggles of love and the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on its listeners.
Thanks for reading Lyrics Meaning: Keeping You Around by Nothing But Thieves. See more lyric analyses and take music quizzes on MusicQuizzes.Net! Follow us on Instagram for bonus content and post notifications.
