In Or Out
Matthew Mayfield Lyrics


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Wake up my heart dear and shake back the feen
She fends off all my thoughts, but she won't let me see
Well she ain't right, but she's always on my mind
She's inside, but she ain't comin' back this time

So don't believe me when I'm down and out
I ain't stable unless I'm bound
So lock it up and let's take it all the way
Up and down, are you in or you out?

So kiss me with sugar lips with fire and delight Take back the phototgraphs you know
I can't stand the sight that you got rights
But you ain't leavin' with mine

Oh no no

So don't believe me when I'm down and out
I ain't stable unless I'm bound
So lock it up and let's take it all the way
Up and down, are you in or you out?

So don't believe me when I'm down and out
I ain't stable unless I'm bound




So lock it up and let's take it all the way
Up and down, are you in or you out?

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Wake up my heart dear and shake back the feen" suggests that the singer is asking their heart to wake up from a state of numbness or apathy. The next line, "She fends off all my thoughts, but she won't let me see" could be referring to the struggles the singer is having with their own thoughts and how they're being kept from seeing something they want or need. The next few lines go on to describe the hold that this person has on the singer, how they're always on their mind and inside them, even though they're not coming back this time. This indicates that there was likely some kind of separation or end to their relationship.


The chorus, "So don't believe me when I'm down and out, I ain't stable unless I'm bound" suggests that the singer may not be reliable or trustworthy when they're feeling low or unstable, but they need something to hold onto in order to feel stable. The last line of the chorus, "Up and down, are you in or you out?" could be seen as a plea for the other person to make a commitment, to decide whether they want to be part of this person's life or not.


The second verse goes on to describe the physical connection between the singer and the other person, the sweetness and passion of their kisses. The next few lines suggest that there is some kind of ownership or entitlement going on, that the other person has "rights" that the singer can't stand the sight of. The final line of the verse, "But you ain't leavin' with mine" suggests that the singer is possessive or protective of what they have or what they consider theirs.


Overall, the song seems to be about the singer's struggles with stability and reliability, and their desire for a deeper commitment from someone they're involved with. There are also themes of ownership and possessiveness, as well as emotional numbness or apathy.


Line by Line Meaning

Wake up my heart dear and shake back the feen
Get me out of this slump and make me feel alive again


She fends off all my thoughts, but she won't let me see
I can't stop thinking about her, but she's hiding something from me


Well she ain't right, but she's always on my mind
I know she's not good for me, but I can't help but think about her


She's inside, but she ain't comin' back this time
She's still in my heart, but she's not coming back into my life


So don't believe me when I'm down and out
I might say things I don't mean when I'm feeling low


I ain't stable unless I'm bound
I need stability or a strong connection to feel secure


So lock it up and let's take it all the way
Let's commit to each other and see where it takes us


Up and down, are you in or you out?
Are you willing to ride the ups and downs of a relationship with me or not?


So kiss me with sugar lips with fire and delight
Kiss me passionately and with excitement


Take back the phototgraphs you know
Take your memories and leave me alone


I can't stand the sight that you got rights
I don't want to see you with someone else, even though you have the right to move on


But you ain't leavin' with mine
You can move on, but you can't take my heart and love with you




Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Knights in Darkness

Brilliant performance! Matthew is such a good and underrated musician. Raw talent.

Lauren Fedders Umbaugh

Sometimes, music is pure magic. This night, it was indeed. Proud to call the makers of this beautiful video, a vehicle of heart and soul and passion, searing and soft, and still moved from having experienced such a wild performance. From goosebumps to fist pumps, Matthew Mayfield delivered, in possibly one of the best concert experiences I've ever had. Sometimes, in a darkened room, made brighter by being taken along on the highs and lows of a singer-songwriter bearing his soul to a packed room of complete strangers, absolutely everything falls into place, and it is something bigger. It is a gift, to watch, to feel, to share. Check this video, along with his latest single, Desire and others out by this unique and beautiful soul, friends!

River Clark

Great version of one of my MM favourites. Such a powerful song, and a emotional performance. As always your lyrics are deep, thoughtful and touching and this song is yet another example of your talent as a songwriter. What ever you do, never give this up Mathew! You're a great idol of mine, keep it up! 

Rojane Belano

your voice is full of colors... !! :))

Lorraine Biggins

Another fantastic performance. I wish you would play at a great venue in Boston so people could really get the MM experience.

Tina Coombes

I don't know if anyone has told you before, but at certain angles you look like Wolverine... Just putting that out there :)

Peter Lisboa

Nice video ;-)

Tessa Coker

Come to play Reno or Tahoe!!

mscriever2

I feel like I'm at least 2k of the 8.9k views.

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