Derby born and newly London based, Oliver Keane is a singer-songwriter and … Read Full Bio ↴Derby born and newly London based, Oliver Keane is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
Having first picked up a guitar aged nine, initially training classically and forming a strong technical foundation to his playing. Since hitting his teens Oliver was determined to forge his own path and has barely paused for breath. Explaining more, Oliver shared "I've probably written something in my notes or made a voice note every single day for the past six years. We're talking about thousands of songs. I can't remember the last time I went without making music, or having some form of an idea just sitting in the back of a train, singing to myself like a weirdo..."

In The Morning
Oliver Keane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Butterflies and heavy breathing,
I need something so I don’t feel this anymore. Walking home just overthinking,
You don’t mean this but maybe I need you after all.
And I find it hard to tell you when I’m sober,
Cause you don’t show me how you’re feeling anymore, Days just turn to weeks can you come over,
And we’ll bitch about your friends on my kitchen floor.
So call me up and tell me,
That you’re still drunk in town.

Read me like I’m paperwork,
Say you’re coming round.
And we’ll get lost in New York,
Hiding in the crowds,
Until I find you again.
But I know you’ll be gone in the morning.
Nicotine and empty bottles,
You find your way into my dreams every night, I find the way to say I’m sorry,
But I don’t know what I’m sorry for this time.
And i find it hard to tell you when I’m sober,
Cause you don’t show me how you’re feeling anymore, Days just turn to weeks can you come over,
And we’ll bitch about your friends on my kitchen floor.
So call me up and tell me,
That you’re still drunk in town.
Read me like I’m paperwork,
Say you’re coming round.
And we’ll get lost in New York,
Hiding in the crowds,
Until I find you again.
But I know you’ll be gone in the morning.
You’ll be gone in the morning You’ll be gone in the morning You’ll be gone in the morning
IN THE MORNING
So call me up and tell me,
That you’re still drunk in town.
Read me like I’m paperwork,
Say you’re coming round.
And we’ll get lost in New York,
Hiding in the crowds,

Until I find you again.
But I know you’ll be gone in the morning.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Oliver Keane's song "In the Morning" delve into themes of longing, attachment, and the fleeting nature of relationships. The singer expresses their desire for something to numb their emotions and alleviate their pain, indicating a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. The mention of butterflies and heavy breathing suggests a mix of excitement and anxiety, possibly alluding to the initial stages of a romantic relationship. Walking home while overthinking implies a state of constant introspection and uncertainty.

The lyrics also touch on the difficulties of communication and emotional transparency. The singer finds it hard to express themselves honestly when they are sober because the other person no longer reciprocates or reveals their true feelings. The days turn into weeks, emphasizing the passing of time and the need for connection. The mention of bitching about friends on the kitchen floor might symbolize an escape from reality or a way to distract themselves from the complexities of their emotions.

The chorus carries a bittersweet tone, with the singer seeking reassurance from the other person, even if they are under the influence and not physically present. The references to New York and getting lost in the crowds evoke a sense of adventure and escape, suggesting that being together can provide temporary reprieve from the uncertainties and insecurities they face individually.

However, the repeated line "But I know you'll be gone in the morning" implies a deep awareness that this connection is ephemeral and fleeting. Despite their longing and desire for closeness, the singer acknowledges that the other person will inevitably leave, highlighting the transitory nature of their relationship.

Overall, "In the Morning" captures the complexities of human emotions, the yearning for connection, and the inherent impermanence of relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Butterflies and heavy breathing
The mixture of nervous excitement and anxiety that I feel when I'm around you

I need something so I don’t feel this anymore
I desire a distraction or escape from the emotional pain that I'm currently experiencing

Walking home just overthinking
Reflecting on our interactions and analyzing every detail, causing me to spiral into negative thoughts

You don’t mean this but maybe I need you after all
Although I understand that you may not genuinely feel the same, I can't help but think that I still want you

And I find it hard to tell you when I’m sober
I struggle to express my true emotions when I'm not under the influence and you don't provide any indication of your feelings either

Cause you don’t show me how you’re feeling anymore
You no longer display your emotions openly and I'm left unsure of where we stand

Days just turn to weeks can you come over
Time seems to pass by quickly, and I long for your presence and the comfort we used to share

And we’ll bitch about your friends on my kitchen floor
We will vent and complain about the actions of your friends while sitting on the floor of my kitchen

So call me up and tell me
Please reach out and contact me

That you’re still drunk in town
Let me know that you're still out having a good time in the city

Read me like I’m paperwork
Understand me completely, just like how someone reads and comprehends official documents

Say you’re coming round
Inform me that you're planning to visit me soon

And we’ll get lost in New York
We'll explore and wander through the chaotic streets of New York City

Hiding in the crowds
Finding shelter and anonymity within the bustling masses of people

Until I find you again
Continuously searching for the connection and closeness we shared before

But I know you’ll be gone in the morning
I'm aware that you'll leave and disappear by the time morning arrives

Nicotine and empty bottles
The addictive habits and vices that I resort to as a coping mechanism

You find your way into my dreams every night
Your presence and influence continue to invade and occupy my thoughts and dreams

I find the way to say I’m sorry
I manage to discover the means to apologize

But I don’t know what I’m sorry for this time
I'm uncertain about the specific reason or offense I should apologize for on this occasion