Caring Line
Government Issue Lyrics


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Morbid feelings in an envelope
Only kidding it's only a joke
Don't let him get too close
Don't let her get too close

Don't let anyone get that close
There's a fine line a caring line
Between overbearing a caring line

Got my number and got the dime
An information depression hotline
I let him get too close
I let her get too close





Don't let anyone get that close...

Overall Meaning

In "Caring Line," Government Issue delivers a song of caution about the dangers of getting too close to others. The opening line, "Morbid feelings in an envelope, only kidding it's only a joke," suggests that the thoughts people have can be dark and unpleasant, but then the singer reassures himself that it's not that serious. The next lines, "Don't let him get too close, don't let her get too close," indicate fear of being vulnerable and exposing oneself to others. The repetition of "Don't let anyone get that close" serves as a warning to all listeners to be careful of whom they trust.


The lines "There's a fine line, a caring line, between overbearing a caring line" highlight the thin boundary between caring for someone and becoming too controlling or overbearing. The song suggests that it's easy to cross that line and perhaps even easier to allow others to cross it. The chorus "I let him get too close, I let her get too close" implies that the singer has learned this lesson the hard way.


Overall, "Caring Line" is a song that speaks to the importance of setting boundaries and being mindful of how much of ourselves we give away to others. While it's important to care for others, we need to remember that we deserve care and respect as well, and that we shouldn't allow anyone to take advantage of our openness and trust.


Line by Line Meaning

Morbid feelings in an envelope
The writer is experiencing feelings of sadness and despair that they are keeping bottled up, like a letter in an envelope.


Only kidding it's only a joke
The writer is dismissing their own feelings as a joke, possibly as a way to cope or avoid confrontation.


Don't let him get too close
The writer is expressing the importance of maintaining distance with someone they don't trust or feel comfortable around.


Don't let her get too close
The writer is expressing the importance of maintaining distance with someone they don't trust or feel comfortable around.


There's a fine line a caring line
The writer is acknowledging the delicate balance between showing concern for someone and becoming overbearing or intrusive.


Between overbearing a caring line
The writer is reiterating the previous line with a slightly different phrasing.


Got my number and got the dime
The writer is referring to someone who has their contact information and is likely to call them in a time of need.


An information depression hotline
The writer is referring to a resource that provides support and assistance for people struggling with depression.


I let him get too close
The writer is admitting that they allowed someone to become too involved in their life, and may now regret it.


I let her get too close
The writer is admitting that they allowed someone to become too involved in their life, and may now regret it.


Don't let anyone get that close
The writer is emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and not allowing anyone to become too close or overstep their boundaries.




Contributed by Alyssa F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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