Take Me Higher
Matt Prehn & Griffin Lyrics
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No I'll turn the other cheek, leave all the loose ends
The lemons in my drink are ripe for ruining
Me and all my friends like perfect idiots
So carry me up where I can breathe, I'm weak in the knees
Everyone here is drunker than me at the party
You dancing with your hands, Me trying on an act
Now all my energy is spent on memory
It starts and then it stops, my brain's a DMV
And I'm always behind some guy with a grating voice
Same line every time, it's Hobson's choice
Running from the cold, stuck here on first ave
Balanced on the curb, one step from a cab
My heart beats no harder, however fast I run
The guilt just looms larger the longer that you're gone
Oh it's never the same, your voice in my head you don't sound like that
An ocean away in a sea of cocaine, it's a heart attack
Well they don't want the song and they don't want the dance
I'm a badly bruised brute rotting out in the rain
I'll be waking up tomorrow with my head in my hands
Assume fetal position and deep throat my dread
It's a Colt 45 in cocktail of pain
It's a woman in the corner - I don't know her name
She's trying to take me home but I won't go yet
Guess I'm falling down the stairs with a deep regret
Don't leave me alone in America with Americans
Take me out of this stupid dream
With these old-frat-boy-wanna-be-James-Deans
Don't leave me alone in America with Americans
Take me out of this stupid dream
With these East-Village-finance-bro-Steve-McQueens
Don't leave me alone
In America with Americans
Don't leave me alone
In America with Americans
Don't leave me alone
In America with Americans
Don't leave me alone
Don't leave me alone
The lyrics of "Take Me Higher" by Matt Prehn & Griffin touch on themes of escapism, self-reflection, and social disillusionment. The first verse portrays a sense of recklessness and self-destruction, with lines like "I'll never miss a thing, never sleep again" and "The lemons in my drink are ripe for ruining." It suggests a disregard for consequences and a desire to escape the mundane aspects of life. However, there is recognition of the self-destructive nature of the behavior, referring to oneself and friends as "perfect idiots."
The chorus speaks to a desire to be lifted out of this destructive pattern, seeking respite and clarity. The line "carry me up where I can breathe" suggests a need for relief from the weight of one's actions and surroundings. The mention of being weaker than others at the party implies a level of vulnerability or exhaustion.
The second verse delves into nostalgia and the power of memories. It describes the feeling of being transported back in time through a drink, almost being able to "touch the past." There are references to a past relationship, with both parties engaged in acts of self-expression, such as dancing and trying on different personas. However, the energy that was once dedicated to the relationship is now consumed by memories, creating a stagnant feeling. The metaphor of a brain being a "DMV," where things start and stop, highlights the frustration and lack of progress in finding closure.
The third verse brings a darker tone, expressing the emotional strain caused by guilt and separation. The imagery of being on a busy street, trying to escape the cold, highlights the feelings of being lost and overwhelmed. The guilt is described as looming larger with time, emphasizing the emotional weight that intensifies with the absence of a loved one. The mention of the voice in the singer's head not sounding the same suggests a detachment from reality and longing for a past connection. The reference to an "ocean away in a sea of cocaine" implies a sense of distance and isolation.
The final verse expresses a sense of alienation and frustration with society. The singer feels unwanted and rejected, describing themselves as a "badly bruised brute rotting out in the rain." The desire for self-destructive habits is evident through the imagery of waking up with regret and engaging in self-loathing behavior. There is a longing to escape the superficiality and shallowness of a dreamlike America populated by individuals striving for a false sense of identity and success.
Overall, "Take Me Higher" explores the consequences of reckless behavior, the yearning for escape, the power of memories, and the disillusionment with society. It paints a complex emotional landscape, incorporating themes of self-destruction, nostalgia, guilt, and authenticity. The lyrics provide a glimpse into the internal struggles of the singer while offering social commentary on the state of society.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll never miss a thing, never sleep again
I will always be alert and aware, never allowing myself to miss anything important and sacrificing sleep for it.
No I'll turn the other cheek, leave all the loose ends
I will choose to remain calm and forgiving, not getting involved in conflicts and leaving unresolved matters behind.
The lemons in my drink are ripe for ruining
The small joys or positive aspects of my life are vulnerable to being ruined or spoiled.
Me and all my friends like perfect idiots
Both me and my friends behave foolishly or frivolously, unaware of the consequences.
So carry me up where I can breathe, I'm weak in the knees
Please support me and elevate me to a place where I can find relief, as I am physically and emotionally exhausted.
Everyone here is drunker than me at the party
In this gathering, everyone is more intoxicated or intoxicated in a different way than me.
At the bottom of my glass I can almost touch the past
When I reach the end of my drink, I feel a nostalgic longing, almost being able to reconnect with previous memories.
You dancing with your hands, Me trying on an act
You express yourself freely and passionately through your dance moves, while I attempt to portray a character or put on a facade.
Now all my energy is spent on memory
My focus and vitality are dedicated to reminiscing about the past rather than engaging in the present.
It starts and then it stops, my brain's a DMV
The process or flow of thoughts in my mind is erratic, resembling the experience of dealing with a slow and bureaucratic Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
And I'm always behind some guy with a grating voice
I consistently find myself in the unfortunate position of being near an individual with an irritating or unpleasant voice.
Same line every time, it's Hobson's choice
This person repeats the same phrase or statement repeatedly, leaving me with no real choice or options, similar to the concept of Hobson's choice.
Running from the cold, stuck here on first ave
Escaping from the chilling atmosphere, feeling trapped and confined on First Avenue.
Balanced on the curb, one step from a cab
Standing uncertainly on the edge of the sidewalk, just a step away from hopping into a taxi.
My heart beats no harder, however fast I run
No matter how fast I try to escape or flee, my heart doesn't beat any faster, suggesting a lack of emotional investment or urgency.
The guilt just looms larger the longer that you're gone
As time passes and you remain absent, the feeling of guilt intensifies and becomes more overwhelming.
Oh it's never the same, your voice in my head you don't sound like that
The way I remember your voice in my thoughts is never quite the same as the reality, as it lacks the genuine tone or essence.
An ocean away in a sea of cocaine, it's a heart attack
Being physically distant, surrounded by a drug-fueled environment, evokes intense emotions and anxiety akin to a heart attack.
Well they don't want the song and they don't want the dance
People in this context reject or disregard both the expression of emotions through music and the act of dancing.
I'm a badly bruised brute rotting out in the rain
I am a severely damaged and vulnerable individual deteriorating under the metaphorical rain of hardships.
I'll be waking up tomorrow with my head in my hands
When I wake up tomorrow, I will be extremely troubled and distressed, feeling overwhelmed and lost.
Assume fetal position and deep throat my dread
In response to my overwhelming fear or anxiety, I will curl up in a fetal position, metaphorically suppressing or swallowing my dread.
It's a Colt 45 in cocktail of pain
My experience or situation represents a mixture of intense pain or suffering similar to the impact of a Colt 45 bullet.
It's a woman in the corner - I don't know her name
There is an unknown woman situated in a secluded area, and I have no knowledge of her identity.
She's trying to take me home but I won't go yet
She is attempting to accompany me to my place, but I am hesitant and choose not to leave just yet.
Guess I'm falling down the stairs with a deep regret
Metaphorically, I am descending into a state of distress or disappointment, filled with profound remorse and sorrow.
Don't leave me alone in America with Americans
Please, do not abandon me in America surrounded by American individuals.
Take me out of this stupid dream
Remove me from this foolish or nonsensical dreamlike state of existence.
With these old-frat-boy-wanna-be-James-Deans
Referring to individuals who strive to imitate the persona of James Dean but come across as aging fraternity boys rather than genuine rebels.
Don't leave me alone in America with Americans
Please, do not abandon me in America surrounded by American individuals.
Take me out of this stupid dream
Remove me from this foolish or nonsensical dreamlike state of existence.
With these East-Village-finance-bro-Steve-McQueens
Referring to individuals, possibly living in the East Village, who portray themselves as suave and trendy, resembling Steve McQueen, but are associated with the finance industry.
Don't leave me alone
Please, do not abandon me.
In America with Americans
In the American environment surrounded by American individuals.
Don't leave me alone
Please, do not abandon me.
In America with Americans
In the American environment surrounded by American individuals.
Don't leave me alone
Please, do not abandon me.
In America with Americans
In the American environment surrounded by American individuals.
Don't leave me alone
Please, do not abandon me.
Don't leave me alone
Please, do not abandon me.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Griffin Robillard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind