Hold Me Down
Camera Can't Lie Lyrics


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Maybe we′ve been here before
Jaded, battered and bored
So take your pills, if you can't sit still
I′m waiting
Show me something more
You live like there's nothing to lose
Go ahead and pull me under with all the world
Just hatin' each other
But you won′t be the one to hold me down, down
I can′t help but feel sedated with all the world
Just hesitating
And you won't be the one to hold me down
Oh, hold me down
Pull me under x2
Maybe we′ve been here before
Just fadin', tattered and torn
So sleep it off, ′cause you've had enough
I′m waiting
So pick yourself off the floor
You live like there's nothing to lose
Go ahead and pull me under with all the world
Just hatin' each other
But you won′t be the one to hold me down, down
I can′t help but feel sedated with all the world
Just hesitating
And you won't be the one to hold me down
Don′t hold me down
Oh, hold me down
Pull me under x4
Go ahead and pull me under with all the world
Just hatin' each other
But you won′t be the one to hold me down, down
I can't help but feel sedated with all the world
Just hesitating
And you won′t be the one to hold me down
Don't hold me down




No, you won't hold me down
X3

Overall Meaning

In "Hold Me Down", Camera Can't Lie seems to be exploring the idea that life can often feel repetitive and draining, especially when one is constantly surrounded by negativity. The opening lines of the chorus - "Maybe we've been here before / Jaded, battered and bored" - suggest a feeling of exhaustion and familiarity with disappointment. The repeated line "Go ahead and pull me under with all the world / Just hatin' each other" highlights the idea that the world can sometimes feel suffocating, and that interpersonal conflict can further contribute to this feeling. However, the song seems to ultimately argue that one can strive to break free from negative cycles and that others cannot hold us down - "But you won′t be the one to hold me down, down / I can't help but feel sedated with all the world / Just hesitating / And you won't be the one to hold me down."


The verses of the song continue to explore this concept of negativity and repetition, while also introducing themes of self-care and resilience. The line "So take your pills, if you can't sit still / I'm waiting" suggests that the singer is urging someone to take steps to alleviate their anxiety or restlessness, while the following line "Show me something more" evokes a longing for something beyond the confines of their current situation. Similarly, the line "So sleep it off, 'cause you've had enough / I'm waiting" suggests that the singer is willing to be patient while the person they are addressing takes the time they need to recover. Throughout the song, the message seems to be one of resilience and self-motivation - acknowledging the difficulties of life, but not allowing them to hold you down.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe we've been here before
We might have experienced this situation earlier


Jaded, battered and bored
We are tired, beaten up, and uninterested


So take your pills, if you can't sit still
Take your medication if you cannot remain calm


I'm waiting
I am waiting for you to act or do something


Show me something more
Do something beyond ordinary or usual


You live like there's nothing to lose
You behave recklessly or carelessly because you don't think there are any consequences


Go ahead and pull me under with all the world
You can bring me down or cause me harm, along with everyone else


Just hatin' each other
People are only spreading negativity and hate towards one another


But you won’t be the one to hold me down, down
You cannot keep me down or hinder my progress


I can't help but feel sedated with all the world
I feel muted or dulled because of all the negativity around me


Just hesitating
I am unsure and hesitant about what to do next


And you won't be the one to hold me down
You cannot stop me from moving forward


Oh, hold me down
Please support me in my journey


Pull me under
Bring me down or cause me harm


Just fadin', tattered and torn
We are slowly disintegrating and worn out


So sleep it off, ′cause you've had enough
Rest because you are exhausted and cannot take it anymore


So pick yourself off the floor
Get up and try again after failing or diving down


Don't hold me down
Do not obstruct me on my path


No, you won't hold me down
You cannot keep me down or restrain me




Writer(s): Richard John Harris, Eric Arjes

Contributed by Owen O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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