Maps
Handsome Ghost Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh say, say, say
Oh say, say, say
Oh say, say, say
Oh say, say, say
Oh say, say, say
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Maps, wait
They don't love you like I love you
Made off, don't stray
My kind, your kind, all stay the same
Pack up, don't stray
Oh say, say, say
Oh say, say, say
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Maps, wait
They don't love you like I love you
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Maps, wait
They don't love you like I love you
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Maps, wait
They don't love you like I love you
The opening line of "Pack up, I'm straight enough" already sets the listener in a confused state. The meaning varies from being ready and good to go to possibly shutting down emotions or ambiguity. "Oh say, say, say" could possibly signify a plea to speak or to confess. The words "Wait, they don't love you like I love you" reveal an intense emotion of love and possibly jealousy. The singer believes that the recipient of the song is not being loved the way he/she deserves; thus, wanting to validate that their love is more profound. The use of the word "Maps" is most likely the key to understanding the context of the song. It could represent a physical act of mapping someone out of their lives or emotionally moving on from specific geography. The last line of "They don't love you like I love you" is a chant-like repetition of an unending emotion.
The chorus of the song is the most compelling part of the lyrics as it emphasizes the singer's desire to protect and love the object of their affection. The words, "Wait, they don't love you like I love you, Maps, wait, they don't love you like I love you," repeatedly express the singer's assurance that they are the only one who can unconditionally love and care for the recipient of the love. The final verse reiterates this emotion, and the repetition of "Wait, they don't love you like I love you" evokes a sense of desperation, suggesting a fight or an argument where the singer tries to win over the love of their interest.
Line by Line Meaning
Pack up, I'm straight enough
I'm ready to go, I'm prepared for what's to come
Oh say, say, say
An expression of uncertainty or hesitation, asking for clarification or reassurance
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
You're not appreciated or valued by others in the way that I appreciate and value you
Maps, wait
We need to slow down and take a closer look at the situation
They don't love you like I love you
Reiterating that the artist cares for the listener more than others do
Made off, don't stray
Stay the course, don't deviate from our shared path
My kind, your kind, all stay the same
We may come from different backgrounds, but we share a common bond and should remain united
Oh say, say, say
Repeating the request for clarification or reassurance
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Again emphasizing that the listener is not valued by others in the same way as by the artist
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Restating the importance of the artist's love for the listener
Maps, wait
Reiterating the need to slow down and reevaluate the situation
They don't love you like I love you
Repeating the message that others do not appreciate the listener as much as the artist does
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
The importance of the singer's love for the listener cannot be overstated
Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Again stressing that others do not value the listener as much as the singer does
Maps, wait
Emphasizing the need to reevaluate the situation before taking further action
They don't love you like I love you
Reiterating the message that the listener is not as valued by others as by the artist
Writer(s): Brian Chase, Nick Zinner, Karen Orzolek
Contributed by Caroline O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.