When You're Around
Matchbook Romance / Motion City Soundtrack Lyrics


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Midwest love affair
I bend when I am bored
Late night liquor blue
Will lead me to the floor.
Can we fake it?
Can we make believe?
I'm so full of love
It deeply sickens me.

But all I could do was close my eyes
And cross my heart and hope to die
'Cause you don't fucking listen
When I'm around.
The least you could do is take it back
All the vicious remarks and verbal attacks
'Cause I can't fucking stand it.
When You're Around.

Midwest aftermath, the rumors start to rise
Did I truly do the things that you've described?
They must hate me, every single one
It just sickens them, what I consider fun.

But all I could do was close my eyes
And cross my heart and hope to die
'Cause you don't fucking listen
When I'm around.
The least you could do is take it back
All the vicious remarks and verbal attacks,
'Cause I can't fucking stand it.
When You're Around.

But all I could do was close my eyes
And cross my heart and hope to die
'Cause you don't fucking listen
When I'm around.
The least you could do is take it back
All the vicious remarks and verbal attacks
'Cause I can't fucking stand it.
When You're Around.

No I can't fucking stand it, when you're around.





No I can't fucking stand it, when you're around.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "When You're Around" by Matchbook Romance / Motion City Soundtrack depict a love affair in the Midwest and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The singer expresses feeling bored and restless, seeking solace in late-night alcohol consumption. However, the presence of their loved one deeply affects them, making them question whether their love is genuine or just a fantasy. They are overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions, which sickens them.


The frustration and lack of communication between the singer and their partner becomes apparent in the chorus. The singer feels unheard and disregarded when their partner is around. They express a desire for the partner to take back the hurtful words and attacks they have made. The singer cannot tolerate the emotional distress caused by their partner's actions.


As the song progresses, the rumors and gossip about the relationship start to spread in the aftermath of their love affair. The singer questions whether they truly did the things their partner has described and believes that others must hate them because their idea of fun makes them sick. The lyrics suggest a self-doubt and a fear of judgment from others.


Overall, "When You're Around" captures the conflicting emotions and frustrations of a love affair in the Midwest. It explores themes of self-doubt, communication breakdown, and the toll that intense emotions can take on a relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Midwest love affair
A romantic relationship that takes place in the Midwest region of the United States.


I bend when I am bored
I am easily influenced or swayed when I feel uninterested or lacking excitement.


Late night liquor blue
The feeling of sadness or melancholy that arises during late-night hours, often accompanied by drinking alcohol.


Will lead me to the floor
Will cause me to become emotionally vulnerable or sad.


Can we fake it?
Is it possible for us to pretend or act as if everything is alright?


Can we make believe?
Can we engage in a collective illusion or fantasy?


I'm so full of love
I have a great deal of love and care within me.


It deeply sickens me
It greatly upsets or disgusts me.


But all I could do was close my eyes
Despite my concerns, worries, or doubts, my only course of action was to shut out the world.


And cross my heart and hope to die
I made a solemn oath or promise, hoping that severe consequences would befall me if I broke it.


'Cause you don't fucking listen
Because you consistently fail to pay attention or heed what I am saying.


When I'm around
When I am present or nearby.


The least you could do is take it back
The minimum action you could perform is to retract or apologize for your hurtful words or actions.


All the vicious remarks and verbal attacks
All the cruel or hostile comments and verbal assaults.


'Cause I can't fucking stand it
Because I cannot tolerate, endure, or accept it.


Midwest aftermath, the rumors start to rise
After the events in the Midwest, rumors or gossip begin to spread.


Did I truly do the things that you've described?
Did I actually engage in the actions or behaviors that you have portrayed or accused me of?


They must hate me, every single one
Every person despises or strongly dislikes me.


It just sickens them, what I consider fun
They feel disgusted or repulsed by my idea of enjoyment or amusement.


No I can't fucking stand it, when you're around
No, I am unable to tolerate or endure it when you are present or nearby.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSE MACK JOHNSON, JOSHUA ALLEN CAIN, JUSTIN COURTNEY PIERRE, MATTHEW SCOTT TAYLOR, TONY RICHARD THAXTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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