Keepsake
Grace Potter The Nocturnals Lyrics


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You always hated the way I lived
You never wanted the things I had to give
But still something keeps you holding on

Leaving me is something only you can do
I'll never be the one to say we're through
But if you play the game, I'm gonna play the fool
You're holding onto me like a keepsake
Holding onto me like a keepsake
Why won't you give my heart a break
And just let me go
Oh oh, baby let me go

You keep my love in a little box
I tried to pick the lock but
You keep me hiding out behind your closet door

Tell me why you have to treat me so unkind
You keep me outta sight and outta your mind
Come on and open me up, I can't take it no more

You're holding onto me like a keepsake
Holding onto me like a keepsake
Why won't you give my heart a break
And just let me go, yeah
Oh oh, baby let me go

When you try to touch my soul
Your fingertips are always cold
Am I just your souvenir?
You buried me like treasure
Then forgot you left me here

Holding onto me like a keepsake
Holding onto me like a keepsake
Why won't you give my heart a break
And just let me go

Holding onto me like a keepsake
Maybe you love me but it's too late
Why won't you give my heart a break
And just let me go




Oh oh, baby let me go
Oh oh, let me go

Overall Meaning

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals's song "Keepsake" is a song about a one-sided, unhealthy relationship. The lyrics talk about how the singer's partner never really appreciated them or their efforts, but still holds onto them like a keepsake. The partner seems to keep the singer in their life, but only as a small part of it, hiding them away like a little box in their closet. The singer is tired of being held onto and wants to be let go.


The song has a very vulnerable and emotional feel to it. The lyrics portray the singer's desperation for their partner's affection and acceptance. They try to pick the lock and open up to their partner, but they are constantly kept hidden away, like a memory or a collection.


The song is a great example of Grace Potter's ability to write and perform songs that are both heartbreaking and catchy. The band's unique sound combines rock, pop, and country influences to create a sound that is interesting and original.


Line by Line Meaning

You always hated the way I lived
You never approved of my lifestyle choices


You never wanted the things I had to give
You had no interest in what I had to offer


But still something keeps you holding on
Despite everything, you can't seem to let go


Leaving me is something only you can do
You have the power to end our relationship


I'll never be the one to say we're through
I will not be the one to initiate the breakup


But if you play the game, I'm gonna play the fool
If you're going to keep this up, I'll end up getting hurt


You're holding onto me like a keepsake
You're keeping me around as a sentimental object


Why won't you give my heart a break
You won't allow my heart to move on


And just let me go
And let me move on from this relationship


You keep my love in a little box
You contain my love for you, keeping it small and insignificant


I tried to pick the lock but
I attempted to break down your barriers but to no avail


You keep me hiding out behind your closet door
You keep me hidden away and ashamed of our relationship


Tell me why you have to treat me so unkind
Why are you treating me poorly?


You keep me outta sight and outta your mind
You push me away and forget about me


Come on and open me up, I can't take it no more
Please reveal your true feelings and intentions towards me


When you try to touch my soul
When you attempt to understand me deeply


Your fingertips are always cold
Your efforts are cold and distant


Am I just your souvenir?
Do you keep me around as a memory of a past relationship?


You buried me like treasure
You hid me away as if I were something valuable but forgotten


Then forgot you left me here
You moved on and forgot about our relationship


Maybe you love me but it's too late
Perhaps you still love me, but the relationship cannot be salvaged


Oh oh, baby let me go
Let me move on from our relationship


Oh oh, let me go
Please allow me to move on




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: GRACE POTTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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