A re-recorded version would later appear on their 2013 debut album The Bones of What You Believe, and this version would be formally released as a single on December 2, 2013.
The song’s lyrics can be interpreted multiple ways. A common interpretation is that it is about an abusive and manipulative relationship, with singer Lauren Mayberry taking the perspective of the abuser.
In a 2013 interview with Timeout, Iain Cook discussed the band’s goal when “Lies” was initially released in 2012:
“At that early stage, there wasn’t really any goal other than to put a song out on the internet and see what kind of response we got. We weren’t really into the band at that point in time; we’ve just been writing songs in the studio and we’ve never played anything live. So we didn’t even know if it was something that we could or even wanted to do. We noticed that the reaction we got on Neon Gold was unbelievable, way beyond what we expected. Then we thought, ‘Okay, now we have to figure out how to play this live!’“
Lies
CHVRCHES Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shouldn't leave, feeling faint, we both know why
You got to show me, both knees, cold I lie
Hold me, slowly, hide me, 'til I can fight
Always, we can sing, we can make time
Old songs, flood and flame, you could be mine
But you got to show me, both knees, skin and bone
'Til I can sell you lies
You can't get enough
Make a true believer of
Anyone, anyone, anyone
I can call you up
If I feel low
I can feed your dirty mind
Like I know, like I know what you want
Icon of symmetry, swallowing sides
Fall down in front of me, follow my eyes
But I got to see you moving, waste no time
Teach me, make me holy
'Til I can sell you lies
You can't get enough
Make a true believer of
Anyone, anyone, anyone
I can call you up
If I feel low
I can feed your dirty mind
Like I know, like I know what you want
Anyone, anyone, anyone
Anyone, anyone, anyone
Like I know, like I know what you want
Like I know, like I know what you want
I can sell you lies
You can't get enough
Make a true believer of
Anyone, anyone, anyone
I can call you up
If I feel low
I can feed your dirty mind
Like I know, like I know what you want
The lyrics to CHVRCHES’ “Lies” speak of a manipulative relationship where the singer is being controlled by their partner. The first verse addresses the need to leave and the knowledge of why they should leave, but being unable to do so. The chorus suggests that the partner is willing to buy into the singer’s lies, thereby making them a true believer who can’t get enough. The second verse describes the partner as an “icon of symmetry” who swallows the singer’s sides (their thoughts and feelings) and is willing to fall down in front of them and follow their eyes. This suggests that the singer is using their partner as a mirror to reflect back their own desires and beliefs. They want the partner to move and not waste time, teach them, and make them holy, meaning that they want to be dominated and controlled in this way.
The song uses vivid imagery to convey the control and power dynamics at play in this relationship. The use of terms like “cold,” “both knees,” and “skin and bone” suggest a certain amount of vulnerability on the part of the singer, while the idea of being clothed, thrown, and moved suggests that they are being acted upon rather than acting themselves. The repeated phrase “like I know what you want” is particularly significant, as it suggests that the singer is not interested in the partner as an individual, but only as a tool to fulfill their own wants and desires.
Overall, the song paints a picture of a toxic and controlling relationship, where one partner seeks to manipulate and dominate the other. The repeated chorus suggests that the singer is successful in this endeavor, as they are able to sell their lies and make their partner a true believer.
Line by Line Meaning
Faster, faster, you won't go far
You're rushing, but you'll only end up going in circles
Shouldn't leave, feeling faint, we both know why
We shouldn't separate because we both feel weak and incomplete without each other
You got to show me, both knees, cold I lie
You need to prove your loyalty and devotion to me, even if it means sacrificing your comfort for mine
Hold me, slowly, hide me, 'til I can fight
Be my support and shelter until I am strong enough to face my problems on my own
Always, we can sing, we can make time
We will always have music and moments to share, no matter what happens
Old songs, flood and flame, you could be mine
The memories of our past love and passion still linger, and I wish to rekindle our relationship
But you got to show me, both knees, skin and bone
You have to reveal your true self to me, bare and vulnerable, so I can trust you completely
Clothe me, throw me, move me
Take care of me, challenge me, and help me grow
'Til I can sell you lies
Until I can convince you of my love, even if it means lying to myself and to you
You can't get enough
You crave for more of me, even if it's not entirely true or sincere
Make a true believer of anyone, anyone, anyone
Make anyone believe in our love story, even if it's just a facade
I can call you up
I can rely on you anytime, especially when I feel down or lonely
If I feel low
When I am depressed or hopeless
I can feed your dirty mind
I can satisfy your sexual desires, because I know them all too well
Like I know, like I know what you want
Because I've studied and memorized your needs and fantasies so well
Icon of symmetry, swallowing sides
You are perfectly balanced, but it also means you can be indecisive or neutral
Fall down in front of me, follow my eyes
Submit to me and trust me, as I guide and control your movements
But I got to see you moving, waste no time
But I need to see your actions and efforts, and you shouldn't delay or procrastinate
Teach me, make me holy
Teach me how to be a better person, and purify me from my flaws and sins
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAIN ANDREW COOK, LAUREN EVE MAYBERRY, MARTIN CLIFFORD DOHERTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshadkin7021
Just...wow!
As a teen of the eighties... listening to radio stations, television programmes, cable, etc literally CLING to the music of that era...even through grunge, and other assorted genres...
Seeing this European synth wave return...
It defines something.
Describes something.
Something about the human experience...
Broody, moody, mellow, minor, hidden, beautiful...
Cheers Scotland, from one Taff to the Isle of Chucks!
@jame6sthe6issilent
Probably my most favorite song by CHVRCHES of all time.
@paulomedford5972
My favorite too 😍
@Thhumper
Agreed.
@g1wzz
never say die one love
@SCconservative2011
Agreed. Such an awesome sounds
@laserphasers1016
chvrches is great with headphones
@christinawoodard7289
Yes they are 🎧
@claudiacardoso7906
😌🎧🎶🎶
@jamesbump4765
Got the buds in now :)
@ashleyfaulk8368
I can't go back