Dirty little secret
AAR Lyrics

The song "Dirty Little Secret" by The All-American Rejects is a pop rock anthem about keeping a secret relationship hidden from everyone else. The singer in the song is aware that what they are doing is wrong, but they continue to engage in the relationship because it satisfies something in their own desires. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been engaging in the relationship for some time, going "’round a time or two" and confesses that the other person is the only one that needs to know – creating a relationship that is based purely on secrecy and passion.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I'll keep you my dirty little secret" which further emphasizes the importance of secrecy in the relationship. The singer pleads with the other person not to tell anyone about their relationship, warning that if they do, the other person will become "just another regret". The singer suggests that it is "the best way we survive" to hide the relationship from the rest of the world - implying that the public knowledge of the relationship could have consequences and threats to individual privacy and livelihood.

The bridge of the song suggests that the relationship is taking a toll on the singer's mental state as they are struggling to keep it hidden. The lyrics state, "It's eating me apart" which demonstrates the internal struggle and conflict between what the singer wants and what may be socially acceptable. Overall, the song highlights the idea of a secret relationship which can be damaging and unwanted, but at the same time, it becomes a necessary part of their life as they may not find that passion with anyone else.