A move to Memphis in his late twenties brought a renewed creative energy to Keith, who soon formed the expert bar band the One Four Fives with drummer John Argroves and bassist Mark E. Stuart. The group developed a loyal following in Memphis, and tours opening for acts like Lucero and Jack Oblivian drew yet more attention to Keith's vintage rock sound. In 2011, John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives released the Bruce Watson-produced The Man That Time Forgot on Fat Possum. Memphis Circa 3AM, produced by Roland Janes, arrived from Fat Possum in the fall of 2013.
Also in 2013, Keith paired with double-bassist/vocalist Amy LaVere for their country- and rockabilly-influenced project Motel Mirrors. Over the next few years, he stayed busy touring, and playing live. He also contributed to albums by the Bo-Keys, Rich Minus, and Don Bryant. In 2018, Keith returned with both his fourth solo album, Heart Shaped Shadow, and the full-length debut album from Motel Mirrors, In the Meantime.
How Do I Say No
John Paul Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What was I supposed to do
Can you tell me something girl
How do I say no to you
I’ve been going out of my mind
You say you’ve been crazy too
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me something girl
Tell me how do I, how do I
How do I say no
How do I, how do I
How do I say no
Tell me how do I, how do I
How do I say no
How do I, how do I
How do I say no to you
We both know you’ll break my heart
But baby only you know when
And we both know when you change your mind
I’ll just take you back again
After all these sleepless nights
And after all that we’ve been through
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me something girl
How do I say no to you
Tell me how do I, how do I
How do I say no
How do I, how do I
How do I say no
Tell me how do I, how do I
How do I say no
How do I, how do I
How do I say no to you
The lyrics of John Paul Keith's song "How Do I Say No" explore the dilemma of a person who is faced with the return of someone from their past who has the potential to bring heartbreak. The singer acknowledges the history and emotional connection they share with this person, but is also aware of the consequences that come with their presence. The repeated question of "How do I say no to you" captures the struggle and inner conflict of the singer as they grapple with their feelings.
The opening lines express the sudden reentry of this person into the singer's life, leaving them unsure of how to navigate the situation. The plea for guidance, "Can you tell me something girl, how do I say no to you," reflects their desire to find a way to resist the pull of their past. The repetition of the question throughout the song emphasizes the difficulty they face in making a decision.
The second verse delves deeper into the complexity of their relationship. Both parties have experienced turmoil and uncertainty, which adds another layer of difficulty in making a choice. The acknowledgment that their heart will be broken again by this person, and the realization that they will likely take them back, speaks to the cycle of love and pain they have experienced.
Overall, the lyrics of "How Do I Say No" convey the internal struggle of someone torn between the emotional history they share with another person and the knowledge that it may lead to heartbreak. It reflects the universal dilemma of choosing between love and self-preservation.
Line by Line Meaning
You walked back into my life
You reentered my life
What was I supposed to do
I was unsure of what actions to take
Can you tell me something girl
Can you provide some insight or advice
How do I say no to you
How can I reject your advances
I’ve been going out of my mind
I have been feeling incredibly confused and overwhelmed
You say you’ve been crazy too
You claim to have experienced similar emotions
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me something girl
Please, repeatedly inform me
How do I say no to you
How can I reject your advances
Tell me how do I, how do I
Inform me, in what way can I
How do I say no
Reject your advances
How do I, how do I
In what way can I
How do I say no
Reject your advances
Tell me how do I, how do I
Inform me, in what way can I
How do I say no
Reject your advances
How do I, how do I
In what way can I
How do I say no to you
How can I reject your advances
We both know you’ll break my heart
Both of us acknowledge that you will cause me emotional pain
But baby only you know when
However, only you are aware of the exact timing
And we both know when you change your mind
Furthermore, we are both aware that when you alter your viewpoint
I’ll just take you back again
I will simply accept you back into my life
After all these sleepless nights
Following numerous nights of insomnia
And after all that we’ve been through
And considering the experiences we have shared
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me something girl
Please, repeatedly inform me
How do I say no to you
How can I reject your advances
Tell me how do I, how do I
Inform me, in what way can I
How do I say no
Reject your advances
How do I, how do I
In what way can I
How do I say no
Reject your advances
Tell me how do I, how do I
Inform me, in what way can I
How do I say no
Reject your advances
How do I, how do I
In what way can I
How do I say no to you
How can I reject your advances
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: John Paul Keith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind