Watch Over Me
Katie Graybeal Lyrics

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watch over me
he's not comfortable with ease
he's fulfilled one through three
of his hierarchy needs
watch over me
watch over me
self-sufficient, yeah, i see
but does that mean he can't

watch over me?
step inside
you will find me
this house is full of his
masterpieces disguising
press your ears to this song
you'll listen, but he refuses to let you sing along
his best friend, annabelle
she rings holy from the inside of her shell
it's only her
surmising
spelling out the sighing...
watch over me, watch over me, watch over me, watch over...
he's not comfortable with ease

the silence when she's not speaking
watch over me, he says

Overall Meaning

In "Watch Over Me" by Katie Graybeal, the singer reflects on her relationship with a man who struggles with vulnerability and allowing himself to be seen by others. He has fulfilled the bottom three levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, including physiological, safety, and love/belonging, but is unable to reach the self-actualization stage where he can truly connect with others. The singer pleads with him to "watch over me," implying that she wants him to open up to her and take care of her emotionally, but he is self-sufficient and independent, making it difficult for him to fully let her in.

The chorus repetition of "watch over me" creates a sense of longing and desperation for this man to break down his walls and be vulnerable with the singer. The line "his best friend, annabelle she rings holy from the inside of her shell" suggests that this man may also struggle with forming deep connections with even those closest to him. The singer describes the man's "masterpieces disguising" which may be referring to his accomplishments and achievements that he uses to cover up his true feelings of isolation and protection.

Line by Line Meaning

watch over me
Asking for protection and guidance

he's not comfortable with ease
He is not content with a simple and easy life

he's fulfilled one through three
He has achieved the first three levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

of his hierarchy needs
The needs in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

watch over me
Asking for protection and guidance

self-sufficient, yeah, i see
He is independent and can take care of himself

but does that mean he can't watch over me?
Questioning if his independence means he cannot offer guidance and protection

step inside
Inviting someone to come in

you will find me
Indicating that he can be found inside

this house is full of his masterpieces disguising
The house is filled with his art that masks his true emotions

press your ears to this song
Listen closely to this music