Don't Believe in Love
Citizen Cope/Dido Lyrics

Citizen Cope and Dido’s Don’t Believe in Love is a song that focuses on the themes of love, loss, and vulnerability. The lyrics convey the feeling of being trapped in a complex emotion whereby the singer desires the affection of a loved one, but also longs for solitude. The opening verse creates a vivid picture of this ongoing struggle. The singer wants to wake up next to someone but then, when the morning comes, pretends to be asleep until the person leaves as they cannot belong. The subsequent lines such as “If I don't believe in love, nothing will last for me”, “If I don't believe in love, nothing is safe for me” and “Nothing is real for me” is the heart of the song. They indicate how the singer is unsure of love, its intensity, and its consequences, and that it affects their ability to embrace it.

Throughout the song, the phrase “You’ve overstayed your time” is repeated, implying a sense of urgency and the need for independence from this relationship. The lyrics convey that if the singer doesn't believe in love, then the other person is getting too close and that's why they must leave. It portrays the pain and heartbreak in the singer’s voice as a result of being hesitant to believe in love. The closing lines of "If I don't believe in love, you're too good for me" describe the fundamental reason for the dilemma of the singer. While they desire affection and love, their lack of belief in it makes them feel unworthy and insecure, indicating how love can be both joyous yet terrifying.