Hostage
Jack's Mannequin Lyrics


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This might hurt
Come back to earth, come back to earth
We don't mean to drag you down
Thin air, slingshot
You always find somewhere to wander off
When I need you around

So you went to the last song and
You say it was your only friend

But I won't hold you hostage
And I won't set you free
I'll always leave the lights on
And you'll return to me
Please don't lose the keys
I won't hold you hostage
I won't hold you

Pain will cease
All things will pass
And this is gonna pass, pass
I'm just trying to keep you calm
Oh in the face of all your dreams
They might soon slip away
And miss you when they're gone
And we waited for the cab outside
I offer you a place to hide

But I won't hold you hostage
And I won't set you free
I'll always leave the lights on
And you'll return to me
Please don't lose the keys
I won't hold you hostage
Please don't lose the keys
I won't hold you hostage

This might hurt
Come back to earth,
Come back to earth yeah

I won't hold you hostage
And I won't set you free
I'll always leave the lights on
And you'll return to me
No I don't want your ransom
Just say you'll never leave
Just say you'll never leave
I'll always leave the lights on
And you'll return to me
Please don't lose the keys
I won't hold you hostage
Please don't lose the keys
I won't hold you hostage
Please don't lose the keys




I won't hold you hostage
I won't hold you

Overall Meaning

The song "Hostage" by Jack's Mannequin is a plea to someone who is struggling with mental health issues to not feel trapped in their own mind. The first verse describes how the person always seems to wander off when the singer needs them around. The second verse offers a place to hide and a promise to keep the lights on while they are gone. However, the singer also recognizes that they cannot force this person to stay and that they cannot hold them hostage. The chorus repeats this sentiment, with the singer pleading for the person to not lose the keys and to not feel like a prisoner to their own thoughts.


The lyrics are likely inspired by lead singer Andrew McMahon's personal experiences with mental health struggles. McMahon has been open about his diagnosis with leukemia in 2005 and how it impacted his mental health. He has also spoken about his struggles with anxiety and depression. The song's message of not feeling trapped or held hostage by mental illness is a powerful and relatable one.


In terms of musical style, "Hostage" features Jack's Mannequin's signature piano-driven sound. The melody is mellow and calming, juxtaposing the weighty subject matter of the lyrics. The song is a reminder that even when things feel overwhelming or out of control, there are always people who care and who are willing to help.


Line by Line Meaning

This might hurt
Acknowledgement that what is about to be said might bring up painful emotions


Come back to earth, come back to earth
A call to the person to return to reality or to stop living in their head


We don't mean to drag you down
An apology for being a burden or causing pain


Thin air, slingshot
A metaphor for feeling disconnected and propelled in a direction without control


You always find somewhere to wander off
An observation that the person has a tendency to escape or avoid situations


When I need you around
A statement of longing for this person's presence and support


So you went to the last song and
Referencing a previous conversation or interaction


You say it was your only friend
Implying that this person may have a difficult time forming meaningful connections


But I won't hold you hostage
Assurance that the artist will not restrict or control this person's actions or thoughts


And I won't set you free
Clarification that the artist will not completely let go of this person either


I'll always leave the lights on
Symbolic gesture of welcoming and waiting for this person's return


And you'll return to me
A hope or expectation that this person will eventually come back


Please don't lose the keys
Literal and symbolic reminder to keep the means of access open


Pain will cease
Assurance that the current state of discomfort will eventually subside


All things will pass
A broader statement that everything is temporary and impermanent


And this is gonna pass, pass
Reiteration of the earlier point, emphasizing that time will heal


I'm just trying to keep you calm
A statement of concern for this person's emotional state


Oh in the face of all your dreams
Acknowledgement that the person may feel like they are losing their aspirations


They might soon slip away
Recalling the impermanence of things and the fact that some opportunities are fleeting


And miss you when they're gone
An acknowledgement that one may regret not cherishing something until it's too late


And we waited for the cab outside
Setting the scene of a moment shared between the artist and this person


I offer you a place to hide
Suggesting that the artist can provide a safe haven for this person from whatever they are running from


No I don't want your ransom
Dismissing the notion that this person is a burden or liability


Just say you'll never leave
An appeal to this person to promise to not abandon the relationship


I won't hold you
Final confirmation that the singer will not hold this person hostage or captive




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDREW ROSS MCMAHON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MacSculptor

This song totally needs more hype. I am in love with this song. It's higher up than Dark Blue for me.

@jamespwest523

the beauty of music is it takes you places.. and these amazing short films only help you spark the imagination that is needed to take you far away.

@WizyWizy

This song is such a powerful example of piano-rock music. It's beautiful, sincere and makes me bite my knuckles.

@mytubebam

I feel like if they played more songs like this on the radio more often popular music would have higher quality across the board. I heard this on college-owned alternative station this morning. Seems like that's where the best songs start.

@yakyakgaming1027

I played the piano on my Ikea table while watching this. My piano is 400miles south from me.

@mdemoree

I really enjoyed this one, too! So simple yet such a powerful message.

@seth61901

love JM and SoCo. They have been my favorite shit for over 10 years.

@thatdapperfellow

This is, like, twice as long as the version I got on the album. And it doesn't cut out halfway through a sentence.

@dopenessization

I LOVE YOU ANDY <3333

@natenemetz2716

beautifully abstract

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