Checkmate
Jesse McCartney Lyrics


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Yeah yeah oh yeah yeah

How do you feel when the king has gotta lie down
When you found out and see that this is something that couldn't work out
You thought that you'd be ready
But I knew that you always had your doubts

I just wanted to be the one to save you, the one that knew how
But this all would have an ending, it was so clear to see
'Cause you couldn't wrap your head around all the jealousy

That's why I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
I'm calling checkmate on you, baby
Oh I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
You are gonna lose 'cause you chose to make the moves you made

Checkmate, checkmate
I'm calling checkmate on you, baby
Oh I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
Girl you will always lose when you choose to make the moves you make

Yeah oh

Said, how are you feeling when the king has gotta lie down?
'Cause you put up a wall around your castle and I just can't climb around

I can hear you on the other side of it, screaming
But you're too afraid to face the demons
So you let your heart just take the beating
And I'm the one who pays for it, think I gotta get

I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
I'm calling checkmate on you, baby
Oh I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
You are gonna lose 'cause you chose to make the moves you made

Checkmate, checkmate
I'm calling checkmate on you, baby
Oh I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
Girl you will always lose when you choose to make the moves you make

And I really don't wanna do this (do this)
Girl, it's breaking my heart in two (in two)
Yes, I'd give anything to keep on playing here with you

And maybe we can pick these pieces up and start again another day when things have changed
But you left me with no other moves to choose

Checkmate
I'm calling checkmate on you, baby
Oh I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
You are gonna lose 'cause you chose to make the moves you made

Checkmate, checkmate
I'm calling checkmate on you, baby
Oh I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
'Cause you will always lose when you choose to make the moves you make





I ran out of options (I ran out of options)
I ran out of options (I ran out of options)

Overall Meaning

The song, "Checkmate" by Jesse McCartney is a powerful song that speaks to the pain and frustration of a failed relationship. It conveys a sense of helplessness and desperation after trying and ultimately failing to save a relationship that was doomed to end. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being stuck in a game that you know you're destined to lose, but still playing regardless. The song opens with the lines "How do you feel when the king has gotta lie down? When you found out and see that this is something that couldn't work out?" which set the song's tone and lay the foundation for what is to come. The song is basically about the end of a relationship that was doomed from the start, and the singer is trying to convey that to his partner. The lyrics are emotional and relatable, and will likely resonate with anyone who has been through a similar situation.


The chorus of the song reinforces the theme, with McCartney singing "I'm calling Checkmate on you, baby. You are gonna lose 'cause you chose to make the moves you made." The singer has given up on the relationship and is ready to move on. While it is clear that he still loves his partner, he knows that it is time to let go. He sings, "And maybe we can pick these pieces up and start again another day when things have changed, but you left me with no other moves to choose." The song ends with "I ran out of options", conveying the sense of defeat and resignation that comes with the end of a relationship.


Overall, "Checkmate" is a powerful ballad that speaks to the pain and desperation of a failed relationship. It features raw, emotional lyrics and a soaring chorus that will likely resonate with anyone who has been through a similar situation.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah yeah oh yeah yeah
Opening sounds.


How do you feel when the king has gotta lie down
How do you react when the person you believe is in control suddenly loses power or control over a situation?


When you found out and see that this is something that couldn't work out
When reality finally sets in and you realize that what you wanted or hoped for isn't possible or realistic.


You thought that you'd be ready
You thought you were prepared for what was to come.


But I knew that you always had your doubts
But I could see that you were never truly confident or certain about it.


I just wanted to be the one to save you, the one that knew how
I wanted to be the hero who could rescue you from whatever trouble you were facing.


But this all would have an ending, it was so clear to see
However, it was obvious that our time together was going to come to an end.


'Cause you couldn't wrap your head around all the jealousy
Because you were unable to understand or handle the envy that was present.


That's why I'm calling checkmate, checkmate
That's why I'm declaring victory over you in this game we were playing.


You are gonna lose 'cause you chose to make the moves you made
You will ultimately fail because of the decisions you made and the actions you took.


Said, how are you feeling when the king has gotta lie down?
Again, asking how it feels when the person in control loses power or falls.


'Cause you put up a wall around your castle and I just can't climb around
Because you built a barrier around your heart and I am unable to penetrate it or get through to you.


I can hear you on the other side of it, screaming
I can still sense the pain and distress you are experiencing.


But you're too afraid to face the demons
But you're too scared to confront the issues or problems you're dealing with.


So you let your heart just take the beating
So you allow yourself to be hurt and bruised emotionally.


And I'm the one who pays for it, think I gotta get
And I am the one who suffers the consequences of your choices, and I think I need to leave.


And maybe we can pick these pieces up and start again another day when things have changed
And perhaps we can try again in the future when circumstances have changed.


But you left me with no other moves to choose
However, you have left me no other options or decisions to make in this situation.


I ran out of options (I ran out of options)
I have run out of possible solutions or paths to take.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JESSE MCCARTNEY, TROY JOHNSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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