Ivory Layne started songwriting at age six and by her teenage years had taught herself music production, working from her bedroom and posting demos online until she caught the attention of Grammy award-winning producer, Ed Cash (Dolly Parton, Amy Grant). The two wrote, produced, and released her first EP, Volume One.
The critical acclaim and industry buzz following Ivory’s debut EP led to her move to Music City to begin her professional songwriting career, joining a stellar cast of Nashville’s finest writers and producers in the studio (from Jimmy Robbins and Shane McAnally to Lori McKenna) and working with London based producer Liam Howe (Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, FKA Twigs, Tom Vek). Her sharpness in the writer's room in turn landed her two global ad campaigns, including one for prestigious jewellery house Swarovski and another for cable giant, HBO. It also gave her opportunities to collaborate with artists such as Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness and Needtobreathe. While the likes of Matt Nathanson, Andy Grammar, Ben Rector, and The Script enlisted her to support them on tour.
At the start of 2021, Ivory released her much anticipated EP, Confetti with production duo Nick Atkinson and Edd Holloway (Lewis Capaldi, James Bay). Her single Lonely Hearts secured a highly coveted spot on BBC Radio 2’s A playlist. Displaying remarkable brilliance as well as inspiring vulnerability and candor on every new offering, rising powerhouse Ivory Layne is ready to leave her mark.
Committed
Ivory Layne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not craving no Gold
I like living in the city on my own
Not trying to box you in
No chains and no rope
I like being free, flying when I want
I know we′ve only started
And having fun is harmless
Till someone else wants more
Now I don′t wanna scare you
Or make you turn and run
But I'm not really in this just for fun
Don't let me call you up if your heart′s not in it
Don′t let me fall in love if you're not needing
Don′t let me call you up if your heart's not in it
Your heart′s not in it, if you're not needing, needing
Oh no, don′t let me go, oh no, don't let me down
If you want me, then tell me where you think we'll go
Even children know to ask for what they want
And if it′s all games, there′s no blame to you
I hope you find someone who
Wants to play along with you
'Cause I know we′ve only started
But I've been here before
And I′ve gotta keep guard of my front door
Don't let me call you up if your heart′s not in it
Don't let me fall in love if you're not needing
Don′t let me call you up if your heart′s not in it
Your heart's not in it, if you′re not needing, needing
Oh no, don't let me go, Oh no, don′t let me down
Oh no, don't let me down, oh no, don′t let me down
But, honestly, I'm not looking for a lifetime now
I'm too young for that stuff
I′ve been hurt before, burned before
And I don′t wanna do it no more
Don't let me call you up
Don′t let me fall in love
Don't let me call you up if your heart′s not in it
Your heart's not in it, if you′re not committed
Don't let me call you up if your heart's not in it
Don′t let me fall in love if you′re not needing
Don't let me call you up if your heart′s not in it
Your heart's not in it, if you′re not needing, needing
Oh no, don't let me go, Oh no, don′t let me down
Oh no, don't let me down, oh no, don't let me down
In "Committed," Ivory Layne expresses her desire for a simple and unburdened life. She is not interested in material possessions such as diamonds or gold and prefers to live independently in the city. Ivory also acknowledges that she has been in this situation before and understands that it's easy to have fun without commitment until someone else wants more. She is not trying to scare off her partner or force them into a commitment, but she is not just in it for fun. Ivory warns her partner not to string her along if they do not have genuine feelings for her. Ivory sings that even children know to ask for what they want, and if it's only a game, then there is no blame for their partner. Ivory strongly emphasizes that she is not looking for a lifetime commitment, but she still wants her partner to be honest about their intentions.
The song has a clear message that Ivory does not want to be with someone who is not committed to the relationship. It's not about forcing someone into a commitment, but rather being honest and open about what you want. Ivory does not want to fall in love with someone who does not need her or want to be with her. She has been hurt and does not want to experience the pain again. The song is a cautionary tale about being honest with yourself and your partner and seeking out relationships that are based on mutual need and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Not asking for diamonds
I don't need expensive gifts
Not craving no Gold
I don't need wealth
I like living in the city on my own
I enjoy my independence
Not trying to box you in
I'm not controlling
No chains and no rope
I don't want to hold you back
I like being free, flying when I want
I value my freedom and independence
I know we′ve only started
Our relationship is new
But I've been here before
I've had experiences like this before
And having fun is harmless
It's okay to have fun
Till someone else wants more
Until someone develops deeper feelings
Now I don′t wanna scare you
I don't want to frighten or intimidate you
Or make you turn and run
Or make you want to leave
But I'm not really in this just for fun
I want something more serious
Don't let me call you up if your heart′s not in it
Don't lead me on if you don't have genuine feelings
Don′t let me fall in love if you're not needing
Don't make me develop feelings if you don't reciprocate them
Your heart′s not in it, if you're not needing, needing
Your true emotions are shown by your actions and words
If you want me, then tell me where you think we'll go
Be honest about your intentions
Even children know to ask for what they want
Even children understand the importance of communication
And if it′s all games, there′s no blame to you
If it's just a casual relationship, there's no hard feelings
I hope you find someone who
I wish you well
Wants to play along with you
Who is looking for the same kind of relationship as you
And I′ve gotta keep guard of my front door
I need to be careful who I let into my life
But, honestly, I'm not looking for a lifetime now
I'm not ready for commitment at the moment
I'm too young for that stuff
I'm still exploring what I want in life
I′ve been hurt before, burned before
I've been in situations that caused me emotional pain
And I don′t wanna do it no more
I don't want to experience that again
Your heart's not in it, if you′re not committed
If you're not willing to commit, you're not truly invested
Oh no, don't let me go, Oh no, don′t let me down
I don't want to be disappointed or let down by false promises
Oh no, don't let me down, oh no, don′t let me down
I want to be able to trust you
Writer(s): Hannah Christian Rhyne
Contributed by Gianna H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Puti Sudarsono
I heard this song in every Starbucks playlist everywhere, literally everywhere. I travelled far away from the UK to southeast Asia and yet still found this song. I love this song, you deserve more recognition.
Dean Wakefield
Exactly how i found this song. I fall in love with it all over again every time i hear it :)
elah
Wow, girl. This is incredible! So underrated :( But don't worry a really big future is coming!!
Veritas UK.
I just heard did save the queen's, a pro baby prolife talented mum & feminist. Refreshingly honest.all should be.
Mali Bu
Underrated!!!!!!!!!!!
elah
Thanks for respond omg! You're one of my huge idols now, ly!!
Ivory Layne
Thank you, Mercury! No worries at all, it's fun to be the underdog! 🌈✨
Sarahi Garcia
This song played at Forever21 and i needed to know the name so I just wrote the lyrics in my notes and now im committed💛
Monae ASMR
Yes like literally I wrote the lyrics that I heard down in my notes and then I looked it up and downloaded the song in Forever 21 😂😂
Sarahi Garcia
Really😂💕