Blunderbuss
Jason Nolan Lyrics
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Close to your chest
Might make you smart
Just meaningless
I don't know where you are
I don't know where you lay
I've been making my miles
I've been and home and away
If you're seeing me straight
I've been keeping my distance
So call it a day
I've got a new stain
So I don't need a keepsake
Dropped like a fly
At the flick of a knife
And I'm sorry if it still aches
You'll always do wrong by me baby
Numb to me lately
Strong now I'm flaky
You know by now that
You'll always be there for your lover
Up then you're under
Cut and recover
You shown that but
Keeping your cards
Close to your chest
Might make you smart
Just meaningless
But, a common escape
To always assume
You're blowing hot air when I'm telling the truth
I'll level with you when you're fair
There's only a few that'll care that'll care that'll care
Know when I'm there
Know when I'm not enough
Blowing hot air
Blows when I'm not enough
Know when I'm there
Know when I'm not enough
Blowing hot air
Blows when I'm not enough
You'll always do wrong by me baby
Numb to me lately
Strong now I'm flaky
You know by now that
You'll always be there for your lover
Up then you're under
Cut and recover
You shown that but
Keeping your cards
Close to your chest
Might make you smart
Just meaningless
In the lyrics of "Blunderbuss" by Jason Nolan, the singer reflects on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of communication. The repeated phrase "Keeping your cards close to your chest" suggests a sense of guardedness or hesitation in revealing one's true feelings or intentions. This strategy may be perceived as a way to protect oneself or appear strategic, but the singer questions its true value, hinting that it may ultimately be "just meaningless."
The lyrics delve into a sense of uncertainty and distance between the singer and the subject of the song. The lines "I don't know where you are, I don't know where you lay" convey a feeling of disconnection and a lack of clarity in the relationship. Despite the singer's efforts to navigate this distance by "making miles" and being both "home and away," there's a palpable sense of confusion and longing for understanding.
The dynamics of the relationship are further explored through the imagery of a "new stain" and being "dropped like a fly at the flick of a knife." These lines evoke a sense of sudden change, rejection, or betrayal, leading to feelings of pain and regret. The singer acknowledges the hurt caused by the other person and expresses a sense of resignation, accepting that they "always do wrong" and feeling a sense of emotional numbness.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of the relationship, where the characters oscillate between being "up then under," "strong now flaky," and "cut and recover." Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there is a suggestion of resilience and acceptance that comes with knowing that the other person will always be there for their lover, even amidst the turmoil and struggles. The repeated refrain of "Keeping your cards close to your chest might make you smart, just meaningless" underscores the theme of guardedness and the potential futility of withholding emotions in the face of love and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
Keeping your cards
Guarding your true intentions or feelings
Close to your chest
Keeping them hidden and private
Might make you smart
Could make you appear wise or strategic
Just meaningless
But in reality, it lacks true significance
I don't know where you are
Uncertain about your location or emotional state
I don't know where you lay
Unsure of your motives or intentions
I've been making my miles
I've been on a journey or making progress
I've been and home and away
I've been both near and far
I don't know where you stand
Unclear about your perspective or stance
If you're seeing me straight
Do you understand me clearly
I've been keeping my distance
I've been maintaining a safe space between us
So call it a day
Let's bring this to an end
I've got a new stain
I've gained a different perspective or insight
So I don't need a keepsake
I don't require a memento or reminder
Dropped like a fly
Quickly and unexpectedly dismissed
At the flick of a knife
With a sharp and sudden action
And I'm sorry if it still aches
Apologizing for any lingering pain
You'll always do wrong by me baby
You'll consistently act against my best interests
Numb to me lately
Emotionally unresponsive to me recently
Strong now I'm flaky
Confident yet unreliable
You know by now that
You should have realized
You'll always be there for your lover
You'll consistently support your partner
Up then you're under
Confident one minute, vulnerable the next
Cut and recover
Experience pain but bounce back
You shown that but
You've demonstrated that pattern
But, a common escape
However, it's a typical way to avoid facing the truth
To always assume
To frequently believe
You're blowing hot air when I'm telling the truth
You doubt my honesty and integrity
I'll level with you when you're fair
I'll be honest with you when you're being fair
There's only a few that'll care that'll care that'll care
Only a small number of people will truly show concern
Know when I'm there
Recognize when I'm present
Know when I'm not enough
Understand when I fall short
Blows when I'm not enough
Struggles arise when I'm inadequate
You'll always do wrong by me baby
You'll consistently disappoint or harm me
Numb to me lately
Emotionally detached from me recently
Strong now I'm flaky
Confident but inconsistent
You know by now that
You should have realized by this point
You'll always be there for your lover
You'll consistently support your partner
Up then you're under
Feeling secure then vulnerable
Cut and recover
Endure pain and bounce back
You shown that but
You've proven that behavior
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jason Nolan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind