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Keep The Lights On
Wave Machines Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hold your fingers up to the sun
Trace the bones, feel the blood run
I shot red, don't burn the day
Say your name, tell yourself that everything is okay

The night's too long
So, when we sleep, I keep the lights on
Until the morning comes
When we sleep, I keep the lights on

Clear your ground, hold your throat
Un-speak all the words you ever spoke
Leave and lead yourself astray
Say your name, tell yourself that everything is okay


The night's too long
So, when we sleep, I keep the lights on
Until the morning comes
When we sleep, I keep the lights on

If I get up I'll hold your hand
Anyone else I can, I can
If I go under understand
Anyone else, you can, you can

If I get up I'll hold your hand
Anyone else I can, I can
And if I go under understand
And anyone else, you can, you can

The night's too long
So, when we sleep, I keep the lights on
Until the morning comes
When we sleep, I keep the lights on

The night's too long
So, when we sleep, I keep the lights on
Until the morning comes
When we sleep, I keep the lights on

Overall Meaning

The song "Keep The Lights On" by Wave Machines is about holding on to hope during difficult times. The first verse encourages the listener to connect with their own physical body, encouraging them to trace the bones and feel the blood run, concluding with a reminder to tell themselves that everything is okay. The second verse urges the listener to clear their mind and let go of negative thoughts, emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-love. The chorus repeats the line "When we sleep, I keep the lights on," which reinforces the idea of holding on to a sense of safety and security even in the midst of darkness.


The overall message of the song seems to be one of perseverance and resilience. The lyrics suggest that even when life seems overwhelming and the night seems too long, it is possible to find comfort in small acts of self-care and in the company of others. The repetition of the chorus adds to the sense of determination and strength, while the imagery of light and darkness creates a powerful contrast that highlights the song's themes of hope and perseverance.


Line by Line Meaning

Hold your fingers up to the sun
Take a moment to appreciate the power of the sun and its light.


Trace the bones, feel the blood run
Reflect on the inner workings of your body and your life force.


I shot red, don't burn the day
Don't waste your time on negative emotions or actions that will make you feel burnt out.


Say your name, tell yourself that everything is okay
Remind yourself of who you are and that everything will be alright.


The night's too long
The darkness and uncertainty of the night can be overwhelming.


So, when we sleep, I keep the lights on
I'll be there to provide comfort and security even in the darkest of times.


Until the morning comes
We'll make it through the night and see the light of a new day.


Clear your ground, hold your throat
Take control of your environment and your own voice.


Un-speak all the words you ever spoke
Let go of past mistakes or regrets and start fresh.


Leave and lead yourself astray
Sometimes it's necessary to break away from the familiar and forge your own path.


If I get up I'll hold your hand
You can depend on me for support and companionship through thick and thin.


Anyone else I can, I can
I'm always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those I care about.


If I go under understand
Even if I struggle or fall, please know that I'm doing my best.


And anyone else, you can, you can
You can also find strength within yourself and others to make it through tough times.




Contributed by Asher G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@LorenaLunita

Hey y’all, I hope this message reaches someone. I’ve loved this song for over 10 years. I am wondering if it is possible to put it on Spotify? I couldn’t find it on there.

@johnnydtractive

I have listened to this song so many times it's become part of me at a molecular level.

I 'd like to see this song on the soundtrack of an amazing urban futurist/scifi/dystopian film about life after the big destruction.

@johnnydtractive

Best reply ever! :)

@Guydebute

Just wait a year or two! It's happening.

@fantasypolice

Molecules.

@remigironell244

Music + Choreography = perfect match ! 

@SuperJmbk

I had completely forgotten about this song. Nice to rediscover it.

@daviderossidautorio8178

Bass is the king of the best songs!

@kylem9416

This song was on cd when I stayed at the W hotel in South Beach, Florida. Great album, great song.

@jenkins9104

Heard this song at the Bryan Adams Concert! Love it ❤️

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