Don't Let Me In
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker Lyrics

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I hear you found a brand new friend
Well if I try to take you back again
If I decide to make amends
Don't let me in
You know, I'd like to be inside
But don't you listen when you hear me cry
Not even just to say goodbye
Don't let me in

I say no no no no, oh no
Don't let me in
I say no no no no, oh no
Don't let me in
Don't let me in
I never wanna do you harm
Don't pay no head to all my false alarm
If I should come with pleading arms
Don't let me in
You hear it knocking on your door
You pound another heart you can't ignore
But soon it isn't there no more
[Chorus]

[Solo]
[Chorus (3x)]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's song "Don't Let Me In" express the conflicted feelings of a person who wants to reconcile with a former lover but also recognizes that he has caused too much harm in the past. The singer acknowledges that he has hurt his former partner and caused false alarms, but he still wants to be let back into her life. He even says that he would like to be inside, but he ultimately realizes that it may not be the best idea for either of them. The chorus is repetitive, emphasizing the singer's pleading with his former lover to not accept him back, despite his desire to return.

The lyrics suggest that the singer knows he has eroded the trust in the relationship and is aware of the potential for causing more hurt or damage. He recognizes that just appearing on the doorstep with "pleading arms" will not be enough to erase the past. The singer seems to be choking back tears, begging not to be allowed back in because he recognizes that he needs to take accountability for his past actions, and the reunion is not healthy for either of them.

Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Let Me In" are a reflection of the complicated and nuanced feelings that come with trying to repair a damaged relationship. The singer expresses both his desire to reconnect and the knowledge that it may not be the best idea, ultimately leaving it up to his former lover to decide whether he should remain on the outside looking in.

Line by Line Meaning

I hear you found a brand new friend
I am aware of the fact that you have found a new friend.

Well if I try to take you back again
If I attempt to get back with you again...

If I decide to make amends
If I decide to apologize and make things right...

Don't let me in
Please do not allow me to enter back into your life.

You know, I'd like to be inside
I would like to be a part of your life...

But don't you listen when you hear me cry
...but please do not pay attention to my emotional distress.

Not even just to say goodbye
Do not even let me in to just say goodbye.

I say no no no no, oh no
I am urging you not to let me in.

Don't let me in
Please do not allow me to enter back into your life.

I never wanna do you harm
I want you to know that I do not intend to bring harm to you.

Don't pay no head to all my false alarm
Please do not pay attention to all of my false distress signals.