Leave Yourself Alone
Black Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Not for nothing at all,
Not for nothing did I call,
Reason is: you're often appalled.
Hold on now John, you never seemed cold!
I thought you were in love,
Then I guess that you're not,
Ah, but then the first thing you wrote
Was: Hold on now John,
Hold on now John,
Hold on now John.
And now you don't answer when I call,
You don't answer then.
You don't answer when I call,
Leave yourself alone,
Leave yourself alone.
Cabbages and kings in your dreams,
These are your dreams.
Maybe they're not quite what they seem.
Hold on now John,
The blame is undone.
Wash up the air,
Don't drive that car,
Never learn to play the guitar,
And leave yourself alone,
Leave yourself alone,
Leave yourself alone,
And leave yourself alone.
You don't answer when I call,
You don't answer then.
You don't answer when I call,
Leave yourself alone,
Leave yourself alone.
You don't answer when I call,
You don't answer then.
You don't answer when I call,
Leave yourself alone,
Leave yourself alone.
Sweeping up the ashes of rock,
Sweeping up the ashes of roll,
Years begin to take up their toll.
Though not for some
You've never seemed cold.
You don't answer when I call,
You don't answer then.
You don't answer when I call,
Hold on now John,
Hold on now John.
You don't answer when I call,
You don't answer then.
You don't answer when I call,




Leave yourself alone,
Leave yourself alone.

Overall Meaning

In "Leave Yourself Alone," Black sings about a strained relationship between two people, one of whom is named John. Black begins by saying that John is often appalled, suggesting that something about their interactions sparks negative reactions in John. The chorus repeats the line "Leave yourself alone," which appears to be a plea to John or a reminder to oneself to refrain from interfering in some aspect of their own life. Black references dreams and the idea that they may not be what they seem, perhaps alluding to the possibility that John's expectations or desires are unattainable or unrealistic. The second verse references sweeping up the ashes of rock and roll and the toll that time takes on people. Black concludes the song with a repetition of the earlier lyrics, indicating that the unresolved issues between Black and John remain.


The lyrics to "Leave Yourself Alone" maintain an air of mystery and ambiguity, which allows listeners to relate to the feelings of discord and uncertainty that it conveys. One possible interpretation is that Black has romantic feelings for John, but John is not reciprocating these feelings. It is unclear what aspect of their relationship needs to be left alone, but it could be some aspect of their emotional connection. Another possible interpretation is that Black and John are creative collaborators, and Black is frustrated with John's lack of engagement in this partnership. Finally, it is possible that the song is commenting on the difficulties of interpersonal relationships in general, particularly at a time when people may be more isolated and disconnected than ever before.


Line by Line Meaning

Not for nothing at all,
I had a reason for doing what I did.


Not for nothing did I call,
I had a purpose in contacting you.


Reason is: you're often appalled.
I think you are easily disgusted.


Hold on now John, you never seemed cold!
I always thought you were a warm person, John.


I thought you were in love,
I believed you were in a romantic relationship.


Then I guess that you're not,
I suppose I was wrong.


Ah, but then the first thing you wrote, was: Hold on now John, Hold on now John, Hold on now John.
But your first response to me was to ask me to wait.


And now you don't answer when I call, You don't answer then, You don't answer when I call, Leave yourself alone, Leave yourself alone.
And now you are avoiding my calls; I think you need to take some time to yourself.


Cabbages and kings in your dreams, These are your dreams. Maybe they're not quite what they seem.
You have strange dreams that might not be completely realistic.


Hold on now John, The blame is undone.
John, don't blame yourself for this situation.


Wash up the air, Don't drive that car, Never learn to play the guitar, And leave yourself alone, Leave yourself alone, Leave yourself alone, And leave yourself alone.
Try to clear the air, avoid distractions, and take some time for self-reflection.


Sweeping up the ashes of rock, Sweeping up the ashes of roll, Years begin to take up their toll. Though not for some You've never seemed cold.
Time is passing, and we are getting older, but you still seem warm and youthful to me.


You don't answer when I call, Hold on now John, Hold on now John. You don't answer when I call, Leave yourself alone, Leave yourself alone.
Please don't ignore me; take some time for yourself to figure things out.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: COLIN VEARNCOMBE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions