Give It up
98ー Lyrics


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Hey, yeah
Now here's a story
One we both know
About two people
When they lost their self control
If we're not careful
It might be you and me
When things are good
You gotta let them be, oh
Why you wanna play me around
Why you wanna mess with this love that we've found
Why you wanna tear us apart
If you're trying to break my heart
You better give it up, give it up
'Cause I'm not gonna take anymore
Yeah, my heart has made mistakes like this before
So if you don't start treating me right
I'm gonna give it up, give it up, give it up
Starting with tonight
Oh baby, oh yeah
Starting with tonight
I'm gonna make it right
Oh, oh yeah
Why you wanna play me




Play me around
Oh, baby, calm down

Overall Meaning

The song "Give It Up" by 98 Degrees tells the story of a couple who have lost their self-control and are on the verge of breaking up. The singer warns the other person that they need to start treating them right, or else they will give up on the relationship. The song brings up the question of why someone would want to play around and mess with a love that they have found. It emphasizes the importance of valuing the good things in a relationship and not taking them for granted.


The lyrics are straightforward and understandable. They aim to convey the message about the consequences of not being faithful and honest in a relationship. The repetition of "give it up" in the chorus is meant to signify the need for the partner to stop their actions and change their ways.


The tempo of the song is upbeat and catchy, with a mixture of pop and R&B elements. The vocals are well-controlled and harmonious, providing a soothing effect even when singing about a troubled relationship. The song is relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship that starts out great, but then deteriorates due to the actions of one person.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey, yeah
Introducing the song with enthusiasm


Now here's a story
The singer is about to tell a story


One we both know
The listener can relate to the story


About two people
The story is about a couple


When they lost their self control
The couple acted impulsively


If we're not careful
The singer is warning the listener


It might be you and me
The listener and the singer could fall into the same situation


When things are good
During good times in a relationship


You gotta let them be, oh
It's important to leave things as they are


Why you wanna play me around
Asking why the other person is playing games


Why you wanna mess with this love that we've found
Questioning why they would jeopardize the love they have


Why you wanna tear us apart
Wondering why they are trying to ruin the relationship


If you're trying to break my heart
Accusing the other person of trying to hurt them


You better give it up, give it up
Telling the other person to stop their behavior


'Cause I'm not gonna take anymore
The singer won't tolerate it


Yeah, my heart has made mistakes like this before
The singer has been hurt in the past


So if you don't start treating me right
Asking the other person to treat them well


I'm gonna give it up, give it up, give it up
The singer will end the relationship


Starting with tonight
The singer will take action tonight


Oh baby, oh yeah
Expressing emotion


Starting with tonight
Reinforcing the idea that they will take action


I'm gonna make it right
The singer will fix the situation


Oh, oh yeah
Expressing emotion


Why you wanna play me
Asking the other person to stop playing games


Play me around
Manipulating the singer


Oh, baby, calm down
Asking the other person to relax




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW LACHEY, JEFFREY TIMMONS, JUSTIN JEFFRE, NICK LACHEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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