If I Said I Don't Mind
Lori Chaffer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
don't seem to matter which side you used to fight
all you gotta do is get by
another day another night
the sea's a little deep, the sea's a little wild
i don't care what you answer most of the time
but right now it would be a lie
if i said i don't mind
you drink a little gin to lift the load
you cut your skin so you won't explode
all you really want is to be left alone
or so we're told
you seem a little weak just like a little child
i don't care what you answer most of the time
but right now it would be a lie
if i said i don't mind
if i said i don't mind
well i mind, well i mind
The song "If I Said I Don't Mind" by Lori Chaffer speaks to the complexity of human emotions and relationships. The opening lyrics, "way down low, way up high, don't seem to matter which side you used to fight, all you gotta do is get by, another day another night" suggest that life can be a struggle no matter where one is coming from, but ultimately the goal is simply to survive each day. The sea is referenced as being deep and wild, which can be seen as a metaphor for the uncertain and tumultuous nature of life.
As the song progresses, Chaffer delves into the coping mechanisms people use to deal with their struggles. Drinking and self-harm are mentioned as ways to try to lift the burden or escape from overwhelming emotions. The line "all you really want is to be left alone, or so we're told" speaks to the idea that sometimes people just need space to deal with their issues, but this desire can also be misconstrued or dismissed by others.
Overall, the chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships. Chaffer admits that she cares about the other person's answer, even though she might not always be able to fix their problems. By saying "if I said I don't mind, well I mind," she acknowledges the hurt and pain that the other person is going through and recognizes that it is not something to be brushed off or ignored.
Line by Line Meaning
way down low, way up high
No matter where you are in life, it doesn't seem to matter which side you used to fight.
don't seem to matter which side you used to fight
Your past doesn't matter and you just have to keep going.
all you gotta do is get by
You only need to focus on surviving one day at a time.
another day another night
Your days and nights seem to blend together, with each one feeling the same as the last.
the sea's a little deep, the sea's a little wild
Life can be unpredictable and overwhelming, like the depths of the ocean.
i don't care what you answer most of the time
It doesn't matter what you say, because the truth is hard to convey.
but right now it would be a lie
In the moment, the truth needs to be told.
if i said i don't mind
It's not true that I'm okay with the situation.
you drink a little gin to lift the load
Sometimes you turn to harmful habits to deal with the weight of life.
you cut your skin so you won't explode
Others resort to self-harm to cope with their pain.
all you really want is to be left alone
Sometimes you just need solitude to process your emotions.
or so we're told
However, society may not always understand this need for isolation.
you seem a little weak just like a little child
At times, you feel vulnerable and exposed, like a child who needs protection.
well i mind, well i mind
Even though I try not to, I do care about your well-being.
Contributed by Carson N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.