In the verses, the singer expresses their journey to find their way back home and the overwhelming emotions they experience. They are haunted by thoughts of the person they need the most, and when their mind is clouded, it suddenly hits them like a ton of bricks. This suggests that the person they desire is constantly on their mind, and their presence is overpowering.
The pre-chorus emphasizes the singer's intense yearning for this person, expressing that nothing else matters to them but having them close. The desire to "lock you up inside my heart" is a metaphorical way of conveying the strong desire to keep this person as an integral part of their being.
The chorus reflects the singer's longing for this person from the very beginning. They acknowledge that sometimes it can be difficult to have them, but they still desire to "lock you up inside my heart". This repetition emphasizes the intensity of their emotions and the desire to ensure that this person remains a permanent fixture in their life.
The second verse continues the theme of uncertainty and the realization that there are no guarantees in life. The singer walks on the edge, possibly referring to taking risks for love, with no certainty of the person being with them. The realization hits them like a "bolt of faith", suggesting a sudden understanding or acceptance of the realities of their situation.
The bridge presents a mix of desperation and vulnerability, urging the person not to leave or run away. The use of sensory imagery, such as "taste my lips, don't let go", implies a desire for closeness and intimacy. The repeated phrase "I'm in your hand" could signify a sense of surrender or dependence on this person.
The song's chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer's consistent longing for this person. The longing is still present and they want to ensure that they are securely kept in their heart, further highlighting their deep desire for a lasting connection.
The outro repeats the question "What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?" Once again, this conveys the longing and the singer's uncertainty about how to make this desire a reality. It demonstrates their desperate need to keep this person close and the desire for a solution or plan to maintain their connection. Overall, "Lock You Up" reflects an intense yearning for love and the fear of losing someone who holds great importance in the singer's life.
Lock You Up
Charli XCX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With so many things still left to say
I try and think about the one I need the most
When my mind goes black
And then it hits me like a ton of bricks
I want you, not nothing else
I want to lock you up inside my heart
I always wanted you, sometimes it's hard
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
I wanted you from the start
I want to lock you up inside my heart
Nothing says tomorrow is a guarantee
There's no way of knowing that you'll be with me
As I walk upon the edge of no escape
In the world so flat
And then it hits me like a bolt of faith
I love you, not nothing else
I want to lock you up inside my heart
I always wanted you, sometimes it's hard
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
I wanted you from the start
I want to lock you up inside my heart
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
I want to lock you up
We won't stay, we run
Love like melting suns
Please don't leave, don't run
Why don't you stay in tonight?
Taste my lips, don't let go
I'm in your head I'm in your head
I'm in your head
I'm in your head
I always wanted you, sometimes it's hard
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
I wanted you from the start
I want to lock you up inside my heart
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
I want to lock you up inside my heart
What do I do to lock up inside my heart?
The song Lock You Up by Charli XCX highlights the artist's desire for her lover to be with her. The opening lines of the song suggest that she is on her way home, reflecting on her thoughts, and trying to figure out what’s important to her. She realizes that she needs her lover the most, and wants to keep them by her side at all times. The line "I want you, not nothing else" emphasizes her strong desire to have her lover with her. She expresses her wish to lock them up inside her heart, which signifies the depth of her love and the desperation she feels to keep them close.
The second verse of the song talks about the uncertainty of tomorrow and how she wants to have her lover with her, as she walks on the edge of no escape. The line "I love you, not nothing else" signifies that her love is not just based on need, but that she genuinely loves her partner. The repetition of the lines "What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?" indicates that Charli feels helpless in expressing her love and keeping her lover by her side.
The later part of the song addresses her lover directly, urging them to not leave and to stay with her tonight. The lines "Taste my lips, don't let go" highlights the passion and intensity of her love. The final repetition of "What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?" emphasizes her desire to keep her lover with her and her desperation to understand what she needs to do to achieve that.
Overall, Lock You Up by Charli XCX is a passionate plea to her lover to be with her, and a reflection of the intensity of her feelings towards them.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a long way home, but I'm making my way
Despite the distance, I am steadily moving forward.
With so many things still left to say
There are still so many unspoken words between us.
I try and think about the one I need the most
I reflect on who I truly need in my life.
When my mind goes black
In moments of fear or doubt,
And then it hits me like a ton of bricks
I suddenly realize with great force,
I want you, not nothing else
That I want you above everything else.
I want to lock you up inside my heart
To keep you close and never let go.
Nothing says tomorrow is a guarantee
We cannot be sure what the future holds.
There's no way of knowing that you'll be with me
I cannot be certain that you will stay by my side.
As I walk upon the edge of no escape
I feel trapped and unsure of my next move.
In the world so flat
In a world that seems bland and uneventful.
And then it hits me like a bolt of faith
Suddenly, I have a moment of clarity and faith.
I love you, not nothing else
I truly love you and nothing else compares.
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
How can I keep you close forever?
We won't stay, we run
Our love is fleeting and always in motion.
Love like melting suns
Our love is passionate and intense like the heat of the sun.
Please don't leave, don't run
I beg you to stay and not leave me alone.
Why don't you stay in tonight?
I offer a plea for us to spend time together.
Taste my lips, don't let go
I want you to kiss me and never stop.
I'm in your head
I am always on your mind and in your thoughts.
I always wanted you, sometimes it's hard
I have always desired you, even when it is difficult.
What do I do to lock you up inside my heart?
How can I make sure you never leave me?
I wanted you from the start
My desire for you has been present from the beginning.
What do I do to lock up inside my heart?
What steps do I need to take to hold onto you forever?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariel Rechtshaid, Justin Raisen, Charlotte Emma Aitchison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind