High And Dry
Jamie Cullum Lyrics
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Flying on your motorcycle, watching all the ground beneath you drop
You'd kill yourself for recognition; kill yourself to never ever stop
You broke another mirror; you're turning into something you are not
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
All your insides fall to pieces, you just sit there wishing you could still make love
They're the ones who'll hate you when you think you've got the world all sussed out
They're the ones who'll spit at you, you will be the one screaming out
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
It's the best thing that you have ever had
It's the best thing that you have ever had
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
The song "High and Dry" by Jamie Cullum is about the painful and confusing emotions that come with unrequited love. The lyrics paint a picture of a young man who is determined to take risks and live life on the edge in order to gain recognition and avoid feeling stagnant. Swiftly moving on his motorcycle, this boy breaks mirrors and falls into a persona that he detests. However, he still cannot win the approval of the person he loves, who has left him high and dry. This heartbreak has left him unable to communicate, feeling as if he is falling apart, and wishing that he could reclaim his lost love. Meanwhile, those around him who he believed would support him and share in his intentions instead turn on him, adding to the pain of his situation.
The repetition of "don't leave me high, don't leave me dry" is representative of the desperation and yearning at the core of the song. The line "It's the best thing that you have ever had" can be interpreted as the boy acknowledging that the love he's lost was something rare and valuable, and he regrets his mistakes. Overall, the song is a poignant and poetic portrayal of longing, rejection, and pain.
Line by Line Meaning
Two jumps in a week, I bet you think that's pretty clever don't you, boy?
You're proud of your recent reckless actions, believing them to be impressive.
Flying on your motorcycle, watching all the ground beneath you drop
You enjoy the thrill of danger, even as you travel at great speeds.
You'd kill yourself for recognition; kill yourself to never ever stop
You'd do anything for fame and success, no matter the cost to your own well-being.
You broke another mirror; you're turning into something you are not
Your obsession with image and success is leading you to becoming someone you don't recognize.
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
Please don't abandon me when I need you the most.
Drying up in conversation, you will be the one who cannot talk
In social situations, you often struggle to communicate and connect with others.
All your insides fall to pieces, you just sit there wishing you could still make love
You feel broken and helpless, and search for comfort in physical intimacy.
They're the ones who'll hate you when you think you've got the world all sussed out
Those who disagree with your worldview will show you hostility when you believe you understand everything.
They're the ones who'll spit at you, you will be the one screaming out
Those who criticize you will leave you feeling deflated and powerless to reply.
It's the best thing that you have ever had
Your relationship with me is the most valuable and significant thing in your life.
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry
Please don't abandon me when I need you the most.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paullevavasseur8608
I was at this concert, it was pure magic... and the choir kept singing after he left the scene, and then came back one last time ! he is incredible <3
@chronix4776
For everybody who havent seen him live just yet... you have to do it, he is so increadibly good on stage.
@1966wilky
His voice is slightly out of sinc. I’m not saying he’s miming just that the sound is a tiny bit out.
It doesn’t make any difference to me, as long as I can hear him!
@klaraliontheroad
the guy screaming 'I love you Jamie' at the end is very me.
@summerbummer167
No phones, no cameras. Everybody literally just enjoyed the show
@Rob_Gibson
This is special. Wow, man. That crowd participation at the 6 minute mark, that's worth the price of a ticket and then some...
@yustinedudney
i hope someday gonna see him live!!!
@barbarareid7514
Me too...Come to NYS! I love you Jamie!
@Pinzledick
I am not saying his studio recording is bad, but his live is always better. Great!
@sljf555
I saw him last night at the London Palladium, he and his band are still on top form.