Jonathan
Adrianne Lenker & Buck Meek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a mess, this is not the effect
Of a loss or a vex, this is you
Hand me the key to your door
Give me one solid week, give me four years
To climb the stairs in pain
John, it's time
Let me be the moon you shine
Your tired mind
You know me new, knew me well
When I was just a girl, only nineteen
Twisted in my head
So don't try and tell me to help
This is not how you help you to know me now
In any way I said
Don't get tired
Honey, I won't keep you long
I was just calling up to find out if you're
Still in town
The song "Jonathan" by Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek is a conversation between two people who have known each other for a while. The singer, who is unnamed, is speaking to a person named Jonathan who has been a significant presence in their life. This protagonist speaks candidly and tells Jonathan that they are struggling, and the reason for their distress is him. The singer wants to spend time with Jonathan and asks for keys to his door so they can be together. They ask for one week or four years, indicating that they need an extended period to work out their emotions and feelings about Jonathan.
The singer asks Jonathan to make them feel comfortable and safe, like home, when they are together. It is clear that the singer trusts Jonathan and feels like they can be vulnerable in front of him. The singer acknowledges that Jonathan knows them better than anyone else, dating back to when they were a teenager, and Jonathan was present in their life. They also make it clear that Jonathan can't help them in this instance and that they are responsible for their emotional state. The conversation ends with the singer inquiring about Jonathan's whereabouts and letting him know that they will not keep him on the phone for long.
Overall, "Jonathan" is a poignant and raw song that explores the push and pull of a complicated relationship between two people. It portrays the desperation of a person who wants to be close to someone but is also struggling with hidden emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
John, listen up, I'm a wreck
Hey John, pay attention to me, I'm a mess
I'm a mess, this is not the effect
Of a loss or a vex, this is you
I'm not distressed due to some external factor, it's because of you
Hand me the key to your door
Give me access to your life
Give me one solid week, give me four years
To climb the stairs in pain
Let me have the time to work through the struggles in our relationship
John, it's time
It's time for us to address our issues
Let me be the moon you shine
Let me be the honest home where you can rest
Your tired mind
Let me be your comfort and support
You know me new, knew me well
When I was just a girl, only nineteen
Twisted in my head
You have seen me grow and change since we were young
So don't try and tell me to help
This is not how you help you to know me now
In any way I said
Don't think you know how to help me better than I do
Don't get tired
Don't give up on me
Honey, I won't keep you long
I was just calling up to find out if you're
Still in town
I don't want to take up too much of your time, I just want to know if you're nearby
Contributed by Katherine F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nicholastovarek6534
"John, listen up, I'm a wreck
I'm a mess, this is not the effect
Of a loss or a vex, this is you
Hand me the key to your door
Give me one solid week, give me four years
To climb the stairs in pain
John, it's time
Let me be the moon you shine
Let me be the honest home where you can rest
Your tired mind
You know me new, knew me well
When I was just a girl, only nineteen
Twisted in my head
So don't try and tell me to help
This is not how you help you to know me now
In any way I said
Don't get tired
Honey, I won't keep you long
I was just calling up to find out if you're
Still in town"
@RobLobster120
Her music is so gentle bro i just sob unexpectedly while listening to her music fr
@Aiur
Maria from the marias said she really liked this, and it's just as beautiful as I'd imagined , Adrianne is so special
@hannahrademaker7205
My favorite all time song. Had this on repeat walking in New York in the rain. Short but kills me every time.
@kadirkaya3201
One of my favorites 💯
@RaleighASMR
One of my faves in the album!
@nicholastovarek6534
"John, listen up, I'm a wreck
I'm a mess, this is not the effect
Of a loss or a vex, this is you
Hand me the key to your door
Give me one solid week, give me four years
To climb the stairs in pain
John, it's time
Let me be the moon you shine
Let me be the honest home where you can rest
Your tired mind
You know me new, knew me well
When I was just a girl, only nineteen
Twisted in my head
So don't try and tell me to help
This is not how you help you to know me now
In any way I said
Don't get tired
Honey, I won't keep you long
I was just calling up to find out if you're
Still in town"
@johnnywillpower1432
Wonderful!!! Love it!!!
@oooo4861
beautiful <3
@iwashere368
💚
@colorofboom8293
🌌