Hostage
Glenn Tilbrook Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's been a long time since the two of us were joined up as one
We had some good times for a few years we forgot to have fun
Though splitting up was never what either of us intended
Now that's all past we're big and brave enough to try and be friends
Dinner at your house

We sit around and have a drink, catch up on people we know
Although it's awkward I appreciate you having a go
After a while your partner ducks out for a smoke and then he says
I'm tired excuse me if I stretch out on the sofa to rest
Dinner at your house

You have a weary look on you face
As if you're not in the right place
Happy? You say so
I would guess not though
It gives no pleasure to see
You look just like a hostage to me

He's fast asleep the TV's droning on about something boring
You flinch when he shouts to be quiet and then returns to his snoring
You look embarrassed, whisper sorry as we clear away the dishes
A glimpse I wish I hadn't seen how your relationship is
Dinner at your house

You have a weary look on you face
As if you've ended up in the wrong place
Happy? You say so
I would guess not though
It gives no pleasure to see
You look just like a hostage to me

Happy? You say so
I would guess not though
It gives no pleasure to see
You look just like a hostage to me

If he loses his temper
That easily




There's two good reasons
For me to worry

Overall Meaning

The song "Hostage" by Glenn Tilbrook is about a former couple who meet up for dinner at one of their houses. The lyrical content suggests that the two were once in a committed relationship, but after a few years, they stopped having fun and eventually split up. A split that was never intended leaves the two awkwardly trying to rekindle a friendship, even though they both are aware of the underlying tensions between them. As they sit down for dinner, the partner of the person whose house they are at, steps out for a smoke, leaving him to stretch out on the sofa and rest.


Throughout the song, the singer shows concern over the situation that his friend is in. He sees that the relationship between his friend and her partner may not be as healthy and loving as it should be. The partner seems to be possessive and jealous, and his temper can quickly become a source of worry. Tilbrook sings, "If he loses his temper that easily, there's two good reasons for me to worry." The lyrics are a stark reminder that even though the two individuals have moved on, the abuse and hurt remain as memories. While the two of them may have tried to become friends, the past seems to have caught up with them, and they are still bound by their shared experiences.


In conclusion, the song "Hostage" emphasizes the unfortunate reality that some relationships can be toxic, and the fear of being isolated and alone can keep one a hostage to their abuser. It portrays the agony of trying to reconcile but eventually realizing that, even though one had the best intentions, it is not possible to change the past. The song's melancholic and reflective tone highlights the harsh truth that even when relationships end, the damage can last a lifetime.


Line by Line Meaning

It's been a long time since the two of us were joined up as one
It's been a while since we were in a relationship


We had some good times for a few years we forgot to have fun
Our relationship started out well but lost its spark


Though splitting up was never what either of us intended
Our breakup wasn't planned


Now that's all past we're big and brave enough to try and be friends
We've moved on and can be friends now


Dinner at your house
Having dinner at your place


We sit around and have a drink, catch up on people we know
We talk and reminisce about mutual acquaintances


Although it's awkward I appreciate you having a go
Even though things are uncomfortable, I appreciate the effort


After a while your partner ducks out for a smoke and then he says
Your significant other leaves for a smoke and then speaks


I'm tired excuse me if I stretch out on the sofa to rest
I'm tired, I'll rest on the couch


You have a weary look on you face
You look exhausted


As if you're not in the right place
As if you don't belong


Happy? You say so
Are you truly happy? You claim to be


I would guess not though
I think otherwise


It gives no pleasure to see
It's not enjoyable to witness


You look just like a hostage to me
You look trapped in your relationship


He's fast asleep the TV's droning on about something boring
Your partner falls asleep while the TV plays uninteresting content


You flinch when he shouts to be quiet and then returns to his snoring
You react to his outburst and he goes back to snoring


You look embarrassed, whisper sorry as we clear away the dishes
You apologize for his behavior as we clean up


A glimpse I wish I hadn't seen how your relationship is
I saw a part of your relationship that I wish I hadn't


If he loses his temper
If he gets angry


That easily
That quickly


There's two good reasons
There are two good reasons for concern


For me to worry
For me to be worried




Contributed by Hunter F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions