You Need Me
Nathaniel Rateliff Lyrics


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It's like you're telling me now
In the middle of the shit I need you?
Or are you telling me now
In the middle of the set it's through?
Or did I walk by and never saw it, maybe?
Or I was reading my lines and I never heard my cue?

Running to the top of the hill, then the hill starts over
You can bury yourself in the ground that you dug up
Now I was just contemplating
When do the tears dry up?
Far too easy to bait me
At least we shared the cup

Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo

Are you telling me now
In the middle of the shit I need you?
Or are you telling me now
In the middle of the shit fuck you?
I'm the only one left
On the sinking boat not believing
But you were calling from the water
And screaming back it's true

Start looking around and seeing it's far too easy
You could lose a limb in a snare you set for yourself
Now don't you try to fool me
When you're dumb, you don't fear as much
If it's gonna be that simple
I'd rather do it drunk

Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo

Stumbling 'round until you're queasy
You're losing your hair but you've got friends
And if it's gonna be that simple
I've got a long way to go to never again

Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo

Are you telling me now
In the middle of the shit I need you?
Are you telling me now
In the middle of the shit I need you?

Are you telling me now
In the middle of the shit I need you?




Are you telling me now
In the middle of the shit I need you?

Overall Meaning

In "You Need Me," Nathaniel Rateliff explores the complexities of relationships and the emotional turmoil that can arise from miscommunication and unmet expectations. The song is filled with a sense of frustration and confusion, as the lyrics depict someone questioning whether they are being depended upon or rejected during difficult times.


The opening lines suggest a sense of urgency and desperation, as the singer wonders if they are being sought out for support in the midst of chaos. They question whether they missed the signs or cues, possibly indicating that they were too preoccupied with their own concerns to notice the needs of others. The line "Running to the top of the hill, then the hill starts over" implies a relentless cycle of challenges and the feeling of never truly overcoming them.


As the song progresses, the frustration intensifies. The singer reacts with a mixture of resentment and disbelief, feeling like they are the only one left trying to believe and hold on. The mention of sharing a cup could symbolize a past bond or connection that has now been fractured. The repetition of the soothing "doo-doo-doo" melody throughout the song juxtaposes with the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics, creating an interesting contrast.


Overall, "You Need Me" captures the rollercoaster of emotions experienced within relationships, particularly during challenging times. It delves into the complexities of communication, expectation, and the toll it takes on one's emotional well-being.


Line by Line Meaning

It's like you're telling me now
It feels as though you are informing me at this very moment


In the middle of the shit I need you?
Amidst all the difficulties and chaos, do I require your assistance?


Or are you telling me now
Or are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the set it's through?
During the performance, is it all finished?


Or did I walk by and never saw it, maybe?
Perhaps I passed by and never perceived it


Or I was reading my lines and I never heard my cue?
Or I was engrossed in my own script and missed my cue


Running to the top of the hill, then the hill starts over
Ascending to the summit, only to realize the cycle repeats


You can bury yourself in the ground that you dug up
You have the ability to immerse yourself in the consequences of your actions


Now I was just contemplating
Now I was merely reflecting


When do the tears dry up?
When will the tears cease to flow?


Far too easy to bait me
It is excessively effortless to provoke me


At least we shared the cup
At least we had a connection or experience together


Are you telling me now
Are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the shit I need you?
Amidst all the difficulties and chaos, do I require your assistance?


Or are you telling me now
Or are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the shit fuck you?
In the midst of all the difficulties, expressing anger or frustration towards you


I'm the only one left
I'm the sole survivor


On the sinking boat not believing
On the sinking boat, remaining incredulous


But you were calling from the water
However, you were reaching out for help


And screaming back it's true
And vehemently affirming its authenticity


Start looking around and seeing it's far too easy
Begin to observe and realize that it is remarkably effortless


You could lose a limb in a snare you set for yourself
You have the potential to harm yourself with the traps you create


Now don't you try to fool me
Now, please refrain from attempting to deceive or mislead me


When you're dumb, you don't fear as much
Ignorance diminishes the amount of fear one experiences


If it's gonna be that simple
If it is going to be that uncomplicated


I'd rather do it drunk
I would prefer to do it while under the influence of alcohol


Stumbling 'round until you're queasy
Moving clumsily until you feel nauseous


You're losing your hair but you've got friends
You may be losing your hair, but you still have companions


And if it's gonna be that simple
And if it is going to be that uncomplicated


I've got a long way to go to never again
I still have a significant distance to cover to never repeat the same mistakes


Are you telling me now
Are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the shit I need you?
Amidst all the difficulties and chaos, do I require your assistance?


Are you telling me now
Are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the shit I need you?
Amidst all the difficulties and chaos, do I require your assistance?


Are you telling me now
Are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the shit I need you?
Amidst all the difficulties and chaos, do I require your assistance?


Are you telling me now
Are you indicating to me presently


In the middle of the shit I need you?
Amidst all the difficulties and chaos, do I require your assistance?




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nathaniel David Rateliff

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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