Higher Devotion
Jimmy Eat World Lyrics


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The quiet should be nice but isn't
I guess we're gonna spend the day like this
In psychic screaming
Don't you feel my eye-lasers hit?
Stare you down but god, your skin is thick
What's it take to notice?

Show me you can read my mind
You're useless to me if you
Don't know the why or how
Or what my body needs
Give me something I can feel
Show me you can read my mind

I'm tired of all the war you bring home
I command higher devotion
Better get busy
What makes you think I'd give in for less?
I'm only happy with my happiness
If you push me over it's over

Show me you can read my mind
You're useless to me if you
Don't know the why or how
Or what my body needs
Give me something I can feel
Show me you can read my mind

Show me you can read my mind
You're useless to me if you
Don't know the why or how
Or what my body needs
Give me something I can feel
Show me you can read my mind




Read my mind
Read my mind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jimmy Eat World's song "Higher Devotion" address the desire for deeper connections in relationships, and the frustrations that arise when those connections don't happen organically. The opening stanza sets the tone for the song, with the singer expressing disappointment that the silence between themselves and their partner is not the comforting kind, but rather indicative of a deeper rift. The psychic screaming that follows is a reference to the internal agony that comes from wanting to break through to someone but feeling unable to do so. There is a sense of frustration and desperation throughout the song, with the singer demanding that their partner understand and cater to their needs in order to avoid further conflict.


The chorus emphasizes the importance of being understood in a relationship, with the line "show me you can read my mind" being repeated for emphasis. The singer expects their partner to be able to intuit their desires without being told explicitly, and they become frustrated when this doesn't happen. The repeated refrain of "you're useless to me if you don't know the why or how" reinforces the idea that deeper understanding is necessary in order for the relationship to be successful.


Overall, "Higher Devotion" is a poignant exploration of the difficulties that arise in relationships when partners are unable to connect on a deeper level. Through its honest depiction of emotional struggles, the song offers a powerful reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining strong relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

The quiet should be nice but isn't
Despite the peace and quiet around me, I don't feel comfortable and content.


I guess we're gonna spend the day like this
It seems like we're stuck in this unpleasant situation for the foreseeable future.


In psychic screaming
We're expressing our frustration with each other without saying a word.


Don't you feel my eye-lasers hit?
Can't you sense the intensity of my gaze and my unspoken displeasure?


Stare you down but god, your skin is thick
I'm trying to intimidate you with my look, but you're not giving in so easily.


What's it take to notice?
What kind of action or reaction do I need to get from you for you to acknowledge my feelings?


Show me you can read my mind
Demonstrate that you understand my thoughts and emotions without me having to spell them out for you.


You're useless to me if you
If you're not able to connect with me on a deeper level and meet my needs,


Don't know the why or how
If you don't understand the reasons behind my behavior, or how to address them,


Or what my body needs
Or how to give me the physical and emotional support that I require,


Give me something I can feel
Provide me with tangible proof of your devotion and attentiveness so that I can trust you.


I'm tired of all the war you bring home
I'm worn out from the arguments and conflicts that you involve me in.


I command higher devotion
I demand a greater level of commitment and understanding from you.


Better get busy
You need to step up and start putting more effort into meeting my needs.


What makes you think I'd give in for less?
Why would I settle for anything less than what I truly deserve and require from you?


I'm only happy with my happiness
My own sense of contentment and fulfillment is what truly matters to me.


If you push me over it's over
If you continue to infringe on my needs and wants, I won't be able to continue this relationship anymore.


Read my mind
Understand and connect with me on a deeper level without me having to explain everything to you.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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