Mercy
Emma Louise Birdsall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
I love you
But I gotta stay true
My morals got me on my knees
I don't know what this is
Cause you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
But you do it well
I'm under your spell
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
I said release me
Now you think that I
Will be something on the side
But you got to understand
That I need a man
Who can take my hand yes I do
I don't know what this is
But you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
But you do it well
I'm under your spell
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
I said you'd better release
Yeah yeah yeah
I'm begging you for mercy
Yes why wont you release me
I'm begging you for mercy
You got me begging
You got me begging
You got me begging
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me yeah yeah
Break it down
The lyrics to Emma Louise Birdsall's song "Mercy" express the struggle of being in a tumultuous relationship where one person wants to leave, but feels trapped by their emotions. The repetition of "Yeah yeah yeah" at the beginning emphasizes the frustration and confusion felt by the singer. They then declare their love for the other person, but express that they need to stay true to their own morals, and cannot continue playing games. The singer acknowledges that they don't know what this relationship is, but they are hooked and under the other person's spell. They plead for mercy, begging the other person to release them from this cycle of what seems to be emotional manipulation and turmoil.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more assertive in their demands for respect and sincerity. They reject the idea of being a mere "something on the side," and state that they need a real partner who can support them. Despite their growing confidence, they are still pleading for mercy and release. The repetition of "You got me begging" highlights the singer's desperation, and the final plea of "Why won't you release me?" expresses the helplessness and confusion that often come with navigating complex emotions.
Overall, "Mercy" is a powerful and relatable expression of the difficulties surrounding unhealthy and manipulative relationships. It highlights the conflicting emotions that arise when someone loves another person but knows that they need to leave for their own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah yeah
Emma is expressing her frustration and desperation with the situation she is in.
I love you
Emma has feelings for this person or is emotionally invested in the relationship.
But I gotta stay true
Emma is committed to staying faithful and true to her beliefs and values.
My morals got me on my knees
Emma's morals and values have caused her to feel powerless or vulnerable in the situation.
I'm begging please stop playing games
Emma is pleading with her partner to be honest and sincere in the relationship, and to stop any manipulative or deceitful behavior.
I don't know what this is
Emma is unsure of the nature of their relationship or how her partner truly feels.
Cause you got me good
Emma's partner has deceived her or tricked her in some way.
Just like you knew you would
Emma's partner is aware that they have manipulated the situation and Emma's feelings.
But you do it well
Emma's partner is skilled at manipulating and controlling the situation.
I'm under your spell
Emma feels captivated, infatuated or hypnotized by her partner.
You got me begging you for mercy
Emma is desperate for a change in the situation or for her partner to treat her fairly and honestly.
Why won't you release me
Emma feels trapped or stuck in the relationship and is asking her partner to let her go.
Now you think that I will be something on the side
Emma feels that her partner is not taking their relationship seriously and is treating her as a casual fling.
But you got to understand
Emma is pleading with her partner to understand her feelings and needs in the relationship.
That I need a man
Emma is looking for a partner who can be there for her emotionally and provide support.
Who can take my hand yes I do
Emma is looking for a partner who can be there for her and take her hand in a committed relationship.
I said release me
Emma is assertive and clear in her desire to end the relationship.
You got me begging
Emma is still feeling desperate and pleading with her partner to change the situation.
Why won't you release me
Emma is still feeling trapped and asking her partner to let her go.
I'm begging you for mercy
Emma is feeling emotionally drained and in need of understanding and compassion from her partner.
Contributed by Thomas T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@elrey0776
I don't Think many people understand just how clean and beautiful her voice is... Just a voice, No short skirt, no tricks.
@virginiagiacomazzi368
After all these years, this is STILL the HIGHLIGHT for me from The Voice Australia - Seal dancing like that... OMG.... you'd have to pick me up from the floor....
@Poetic_Justice1962
Seal's reaction is priceless, and then she also turns out to be so pretty.
@caitlynanne5530
shes stunning! i really love her and her voice!
@TigerNicky73
She was my fave!! Loved her confidence and I loved how she nailed her songs!!!
@carolinarubio4227
I LOVE YOUR VOICE AND YOUR STYLE EMMA!!! YOU ARE JUST AMAZING!!
@denisemartin7695
The best thing of this performance was when Seal got up and danced wow what a great dancer!!
@DylanLeviYork
I was like don't do it, Seal! DON'T YOU -- too late. lol That's too much dude to be aiming at a teenager, yo. But yeah, he can move.
@riteasrain
She's such a sweetie.
@zd8202ap
Australian talent🌟