Following the release of Country Strong, Meester took her music in a different direction away from pop and began collaborating with the band Check in the Dark on a more singer-songwriter style of music. The previously anticipated pop album was never released and in 2012 she embarked on a five-date tour with Check in the Dark that featured the new music live for the first time. In June 2012 Meester confirmed all songs had been recorded with Check in the Dark as a demo.
In September 2014 Meester announced the release of her debut album, Heartstrings, through her own record label, Hotly Wanting. The title track was available with pre-order; the album was released on October 28 2014. The music video for the title track was also released, one day later. All nine songs were written by Meester and produced by Jeff Trott. Heartstrings received generally positive reviews and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart upon release. From January to March 2015 she toured with Jeff Trott and the recording band members in support of the album, visiting nine cities in two weeks, including a residency at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles.
Birthday
Leighton Meester Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, as you're takin' the wheel
Move like you're more than just wantin' me
Soon I will dig in my heels
Just listen to these words that I say
This is not a game I play
With just any other guy
Just keep me in your arms, baby
Don't be careless with my heart
When my breath, it starts to shake
I'm not too delicate to love
But i'm not too delicate to break
Ooh i can feel in your fingertips
Ooh that your grip is for real
Come find yourself lost within these hips
Yeah let me see how you feel
Just listen to these words that I say
This is not a game I play
With just any other guy
It's no use to be afraid
Of kinetic energy, yeah
Don't be careless with my heart
When my breath, it starts to shake
I'm not too delicate to love
But delicate enough to break
Love me up (x8)
The lyrics of Leighton Meester's "Birthday" talk about a passionate love affair where the woman is asking her lover to take control and take the lead. She is enjoying the power this person has over her and how it makes her feel. Leighton sings about how the connection between them is not just physical, but there is a deeper emotional connection that she doesn't want to be taken for granted. She pleads with her lover to be careful with her heart, as she is not too fragile, but also not too tough to love or to break.
The lyrics also suggest that the woman is in control of their relationship as she states that she will dig in her heels, a metaphor for standing her ground and not being pushed around. She tells her lover to not be afraid of the energy between them, suggesting that they embrace it and enjoy the ride. The repetition of the phrase "love me up" at the end is an indication of her desire to be loved and taken care of by her partner.
Overall, the song is a seductive and empowering ode to passionate love where the woman is in full control of herself and the relationship, and the man is willing to reciprocate and satisfy her desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, boy, your drive is affecting me
Your ambition and motivation for life are drawing me towards you.
Ooh, as you're takin' the wheel
As you're taking control of your life and decisions, I'm feeling captivated by your drive.
Move like you're more than just wantin' me
Your actions towards me show that you care about me more than just wanting me for physical pleasure.
Soon I will dig in my heels
I will become uncomfortable if I feel like you're being insincere or not invested in me as a person.
Just listen to these words that I say
This is not a game I play
With just any other guy
I take relationships seriously and only want to be with someone who values me and treats me with respect.
It's no use to lose your way
Just keep me in your arms, baby
Don't stray from the path we have together because I want to feel secure in your affection for me.
Don't be careless with my heart
When my breath, it starts to shake
I am vulnerable when I'm emotionally invested in someone, so don't play with my feelings or lead me on.
I'm not too delicate to love
But i'm not too delicate to break
I am capable of handling love and affection, but I'm also aware that relationships can be fragile.
Ooh i can feel in your fingertips
Ooh that your grip is for real
Your touch makes me feel like you're genuinely invested in being with me.
Come find yourself lost within these hips
Yeah let me see how you feel
Let me show you what it feels like to be close to me and see if we have a strong connection.
It's no use to be afraid
Of kinetic energy, yeah
Don't be afraid of pursuing a relationship with me; let our attraction and chemistry guide us forward.
Love me up (x8)
Show me your affection and commitment through your words and actions.
Contributed by Ava P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
xophxo
love her voice! deep, yet unique. its different from everyone elses. i kinda like her cover for bette davis eyes and good girls go bad better but this is still good too.
Romy
Forever waiting for an HQ version of this song
GP Creative
hello! I'm here 10 years later still singing this song while driving my car into the sunset
Luiz Ribeiro
🥺🥺
LillaEplet
She's such a good singer! I never knew before now!! When is her album coming out? Does someone know if its gonna be available at Spotify? Tell me if you know:) And the songs I've listened to with her singing has a different sound to it too;)
winterlover89
I love this song, the sound is so original, i hope her album is as good as this song!
James Jones
she should do more songs like this, with a band.
italianbaby307
her first single is coming out in July and her album will be out in the fall! Can't wait :) love her!!
Kerem
and it's never be
Wordless06
I still love this song. I forgot that this was my jam.