Orla Gartland (born 3 February 1995) is an Irish singer-songwriter from Dub… Read Full Bio ↴Orla Gartland (born 3 February 1995) is an Irish singer-songwriter from Dublin known for her quirky folk pop, bursting with personality and catchy melodies. Her songs are all tied together by her distinctive, celtic-infused vocal and trademark animated live performance.

Following 11.5 million hits on youtube and almost 80k likes on Facebook, Gartland independently released her first single in 2011 which reached top 10 iTunes placement in over 17 countries. Since then, 2 EPs have followed.

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Between My Teeth
Orla Gartland Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You say my name

I pull away

I can’t help it I can’t take on your pain

There’s a guilt in this

I taste in every kiss

I don’t know I’m just a little selfish

You need me, I don’t need you

Just admit it

I’m too broken to fix you too

I admit it, I admit it

Oh! Please don’t lean on me

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I, I think I gotta leave

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I can’t take the pressure of it

I can barely breathe

Oh! Please don’t lean on me

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

In a perfect world

I’m the perfect girl

So together always here to solve your problems

But underneath

It’s bittersweet

The more I give the more I’m feeling incomplete

You need me, I don’t need you

Just admit it

I’m too broken to fix you too

I admit it, I admit it

Oh! Please don’t lean on me

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I, I think I gotta leave

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I can’t take the pressure of it

I can barely breathe

Oh! Please don’t lean on me

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I bite my tongue

‘Cause I don’t know how to tell you

I’m getting this urge to run

I bite my tongue

‘Cause I don’t know how to tell you

That you deserve someone else

That can treat you how I want to

Oh! Please don’t lean on me

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I, I think I gotta leave

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

I can’t take the pressure of it

I can barely breathe

Oh! Please don’t lean on me

Cause I don’t want your heart between my teeth

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Between My Teeth" by Orla Gartland delve into a complex emotional dynamic between two individuals. In the first verse, the singer acknowledges a sense of guilt and selfishness in their interactions with the other person. They feel overwhelmed by the weight of the other person's pain and struggle to fully engage with it, ultimately admitting that they are too broken themselves to fix the other person. This sets the tone for a narrative of internal conflict and self-awareness.

The chorus of the song captures the singer's desire to distance themselves from the other person's emotional burdens. They express a reluctance to be relied upon for support, fearing that taking on the other person's heartache will only cause further strain and suffocation. The repetition of the plea for the other person not to lean on them underscores the singer's need for space and self-preservation in the face of emotional entanglement.

In the second verse, there is a juxtaposition between the idealized image of the singer as the perfect partner who can solve all problems and the underlying reality of feeling unfulfilled and incomplete despite their efforts. This disparity highlights the internal struggle of trying to live up to societal expectations of being a supportive and selfless partner while grappling with personal limitations and vulnerabilities.

The bridge of the song reveals the singer's internal conflict and growing realization that they may not be able to provide the other person with the kind of love and support they deserve. They struggle with the urge to distance themselves and communicate their feelings honestly, acknowledging that the other person deserves someone who can truly meet their needs and desires. This internal conflict fuels the plea in the chorus for the other person not to lean on them, as the singer grapples with their own limitations and the inevitability of needing to prioritize their own well-being.

Line by Line Meaning

You say my name
When you call out to me, I instinctively distance myself to avoid absorbing your emotional burden

I pull away
I physically move away to protect myself from the guilt and responsibility you bring into my life

I can’t help it I can’t take on your pain
I am unable to handle the emotional weight of your problems and I cannot bear to absorb your pain

There’s a guilt in this
I feel a sense of wrongdoing and unease in our relationship

I taste in every kiss
I sense a lingering bitterness in every intimate moment we share

I don’t know I’m just a little selfish
I admit to being self-centered and putting my own needs before yours

You need me, I don’t need you
While you depend on me, I realize I do not rely on you

Just admit it
Acknowledge the reality of our relationship dynamics

I’m too broken to fix you too
I understand that I am too damaged to help you heal as well

I admit it, I admit it
I confess and accept my limitations in our relationship

Oh! Please don’t lean on me
I plead with you not to depend on me for emotional support

I, I think I gotta leave
I believe it is necessary for me to walk away from this toxic dynamic

I can’t take the pressure of it
I cannot bear the weight and stress of our relationship any longer

I can barely breathe
I feel suffocated and overwhelmed by the emotional burden you place on me

In a perfect world
In an ideal scenario, I would be the perfect partner for you

I’m the perfect girl
I would be the ideal companion, always available to solve your problems in a perfect world

But underneath
However, beneath the surface

It’s bittersweet
Our relationship is a mix of pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow

The more I give the more I’m feeling incomplete
As I continue to give of myself, I realize that I am left feeling empty and unfulfilled

I bite my tongue
I restrain myself from speaking out and expressing my true feelings

‘Cause I don’t know how to tell you
Because I struggle to articulate my emotions and convey the truth

I’m getting this urge to run
I feel a strong desire to escape and leave this relationship behind

That you deserve someone else
I recognize that you deserve a partner who can provide the love and care you need

That can treat you how I want to
Someone who can treat you the way I wish I could

Lyrics © PFIVE Entertainment Mexico, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Aaron Williams, Ashley Francis Howes, Orla Joan Gartland

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@lonelysarawr

5y↑223

You say my name
I pull away
I can't help it, I can't take on all your pain
There's a guilt in this
I taste in every kiss
I don't know, I'm just a little selfish

You need me, I don't need you
Just admit it
Admit it
Oh, I'm too broken to fix you too
I admit it
I admit it
(Oh)

Ha, ha, please don't lean on me
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth
(Oh)
Ha, ha, think I gotta leave
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth
(Oh)
I can't take the pressure of it, I can barely breathe
(Oh)
Ha, ha, please don't lean on me
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth, no

In a perfect world
I'm the perfect girl
So together, always there to solve your problems
But underneath
It's bittersweet
The more I give, the more I'm feeling incomplete

You need me, I don't need you
Just admit it
Admit it
Oh, I'm too broken to fix you too
I admit it
I admit it
(Oh)

Ha, ha, please don't lean on me
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth
(Oh)
Ha, ha, think I better leave
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth
(Oh)
I can't take the pressure of it, I can barely breathe
(Oh)
Ha, ha, please don't lean on me
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth

I-I-I bite my tongue
'Cause I don't know how to tell you
I'm getting this urge to run
And I-I-I bite my tongue
'Cause I don't know how to tell you
That you deserve someone else, who can treat you like I want to

Ohhh
Ah, please don't lean on me
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth
(Oh)
Ha, ha, think I better leave
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth
(Oh)
I can't take the pressure of it, I can barely breathe
(Oh)
Ha, ha, please don't lean on me
'Cause I don't want your heart between my teeth, no

All comments from YouTube:

@semrose

5y↑902

"I’m too broken to fix you too" that hit right in the feels

@amarylily

Same omg

@ultraboombean

4y↑9

For me it is the 'find someone who treats you the way I want to'. Know someone I care about but I know I can never love them the way they wanted me to so we went seperate ways. Good news is they found somebody but still miss em.

@theauthor1238

@KA Suv I relate. I had a friend who was bullied at school, which really affected their mental health. But the bad thing was, they put their anger out on me, so eventually our friendship fell apart. Even though they have a special someone now, I still miss the good times.

@Caldawg97

5y↑664

This song sums up my first relationship perfectly. "You deserve someone who can treat you like I want to" is so poignant. You want the best for them, but you aren't the best for them, and every moment you're together is time you could both be with people better suited to each other, can better support one another. This really struck a chord with me, what a great song!

@ginime_

5y↑16

That’s my current relationship. We were really good friends first but I don’t think I’m suited to be his girlfriend. I have to think how to end it without ruining the friendship 😕

@lyricbot8513

5y↑14

@Gianna Mendiola I was in a similar situation earlier this year & I was just honest with him. We're still friends & he's dating one of our friends who's better suited to him :) good luck, honey!

@lunaharber4271

5y↑3

Same right now. There’s this girl. We were together and it kinda all went down in three days or so... because I couldn’t handle all of it. I knew that I needed to leave her after this three days and then we’d have a long distance relationship and I knew I would hurt myself along trying. Plus I didn’t felt enough for her. We currently blocked each other... she said she’s ready to give me a second chance and stuff but I’m not ready yet for anything at all... I hope that we’ll be able to be friends again... wish me luck...

@user-bl3fj3xk9r

3y↑1

@Luna Harber how now ?)

@melododie

5y↑572

Yes! Such a bop! Also so cool that Orla and dodie are both releasing songs on the same day! 😆
And that cover art looks so good!

@dominabox

5y↑7

Orla, dodie, and (not very related but) Marina too, all on the same day 😍👌🏻

@m.e.6271

5y↑8

And Jacob Collier. It was a great day for music releases apparently

@melododie

5y↑2

Awesome!

@kuaker542

5y↑2

Wow!!!!

@MagWasTaken

5y↑167

I've never been disappointed by anything from Orla, and the trend continues

@MianCowell

I'd agree with that but the Pulp cover is the only one that didn't do it for me.

@edengallagher1044

5y↑1

I love everything she's ever done haha

@alysha5093

Mag. Lol yeah

@Improbabilities

5y↑145

I sure hope my neighbours love this song as much as I do, cause they're gonna hear a lot of it!

@vivsgm7538

5y↑4

LMFAO

@amarylily

5y↑2

RELATABLE

@ellastratedd1914

5y↑21

"im too broken to fix you too"
this line actually almost made me tear up. it perfectly depicts a recent relationship i was in - a toxic one, obviously - where the person pretty much just used me as thier crutch. absolutely in love with your music and writing. youre the most underrated musician ive heard lately!

@BrinsleyHammondBrouwer

5y↑229

This makes me want to dance and cry at the same time

@cuteagrawal

Why don’t you continue making what u used to make earlier??
Its sad 😔 how we loose new creators

I hope u make new videos

@Music13Guitar

5y↑3

The drop into the bridge at 2:07 is so beautiful. The drawn out I just makes the transition so smooth and it fits so well. Then it builds back into the chorus and I'm obsessed with it. What a great song!

@shadysadie8589

5y↑34

Orla finds a way to right about common problems I’ve never heard anyone write songs before every time. I relate to all of them so hard.

@arneyd1793

4y↑22

i came from DissociaDID's channel, this song is really great!

@jamilla8588

5y↑77

I love your music its so catchy and you're always able to capture the emotions you're trying to express so well wow I love this song so much already hehe

@crownjules

5y↑19

This song has honestly saved me from myself. I’ve spent the greater part of 6 years with someone I was into way more than he was into me, just hoping he was going to change his mind and I just never really understood/empathized what his problem was. This POV has made me realize it just sucks for both of us. Sometimes things just don’t work out and staying together is actually not fair to either of us. Thanks for the new perspective.

@Danny-yc7zu

5y↑217

Okay there's an overload of great music today

@alysha5093

5y↑2

True first dodie then Orla.

@jakegripp5321

5y↑1

@haasztamas

5y↑4

Dodie, Orla, LOLO, Clean Bandit & Marina, LSD | WHAT IS HAPPENING

@weronikajakubczak115

5y↑1

And Barbra Streisand omg

@ellie9730

And wildwood kin! Underrated indie- check them out :)

@unpluggedmusic101

5y↑67

OoOooOFt that cut at 1:03
and when that last chorus comes in

Orla what an absolute bop!!! All the build up this week has been totally worth it :) This will definitely be on repeat to get me through exams this week

@chesnayfortuin5591

4y↑101

Hi there, I came from DissociaDID channel, I'm staying because you have an amazing voice and relatable music. MUCH LOVE.

@CyanideLion_

4y↑6

I was looking for that comment lol

@strawwberryyy

5y↑7

I've learned the hard way that you can't ever "fix" or save another person. This song fits perfectly to a certain relationship in my life

@bridiemiddleton2843

5y↑317

we stan a poetic genius

@knudsandbknielsen1612

5y↑11

"The more I give the more I'm feeling incomplete" - I like both this line and the one in writing. This is a tight package of a song. Compact in sound and form. I like it. I would love to hear a live version - I'm rather loose ;)

@lonelysarawr

5y↑223

@crystalocelot1641

4y↑5

Came from dissociDID but you have a really good voice!

@yaoibakemonodesu

4y↑2

Great song! Great voice! I think I just became a fan! Thanks Orla for the amazing song and thanks DissociaDID for making me discover this amazing artist!

@superhunk1989

5y↑88

This song has a very high level of amazingness. Love it soooo much.

@Linlife777

5y↑132

It's a good song. I love it and you really do a good job!

@emilymurphy8968

5y↑1

I have been a fan of Orla for years and every song she's put out gets better and better. SERIOUSLY SO TALENTED.

@Sx--F

5y↑64

i love this song! even though i'm not super into pop songs, this is really good!

i highly doubt you'll answer, but are you planning on releasing polished versions of "overthinking" and "why am i like this" on spotify? those are probably my two favorite songs of yours.

have a good day, anyone who reads this.

@emilijaslepetyte2770

5y↑4

I love those songs too! They are just amazing 😍

@brid101286

5y↑1

i will loop rigbi version for now

@leahbindmancohen9962

5y↑5

Yes I was thinking this as well and also imposter?? x

@Sx--F

5y↑2

@Leah Bindman Cohen imposter is also really good!

@caryljannielazo4988

Also lifeline! 😊

1 More Replies...

@civilk.6816

4y↑2

The fact that I just heard this playing on the local radio puts a big smile on my face

@hadassahm3016

5y↑1

Orla this song is so good, the chorus is almost definitely going to be stuck in my head all week. I love how you incorporate pop with interesting and clever lyrics. I've been trying to listen to more pop or generally upbeat songs but I don't like how bland mainstream radio music can be. Your music is such a gem, it's the perfect balance

@LifesNeverHumDrum

4y↑42

DissosciaDID sent me, and then the song SENT me. This hits my ears and my head and my chest just right. I've got a smile and a watery eye. This is beautiful inside and out

@discoclauwn5209

5y↑912

Orla and Dodie uplading on the same day? This is a blessed Friday.

@SugarStump

5y↑12

Don’t forget Maisie Peters! Her ep came out today too! Such a blessed Friday

@kb_

5y↑8

Also, Panic! At the Disco covered the Greatest Show and uploaded that today

@discoclauwn5209

5y↑2

@Josie Me I don´t know her, but I´ll check the ep out as soon as possible!

@onceuponadango361

Oof ikr ! I was just gonna say that. Blessed.

@alysha5093

I know right

@mica6810

4y↑13

I came from DissociaDID, beautiful song x

@da_Meek_are_Mighty13

5y↑12

This song describes exactly how I feel these days!!!!!!.........damn!!! My heart is melting!!!!!

@lolarosemusicofficial

5y↑6

You done it again Orla. This shit CLAPS. This is so bloody good jeez

@HadynLander

5y↑1

There's a thoughtfulness and honesty in your original music which really elevates it. It allows the audience to connect in a more meaningful way, I think. It doesn't hurt that the production's great, too!

@julia-iq9rb

5y↑8

thank you for all of your hard work!! this sounds incredible

@joeisafreakk

4y↑11

Hi! I'm here from dissociadid! Hope your day is amazing everyday. Sending you all the good vibes!

@bluepharos9748

5y↑34

The more I give, the more I'm feeling incomplete.
I've already fallen for this song.

@8Rincewind

4y↑7

This is awesome, thank you DissociaDID for sharing with us this amazing song!

@patricpristavec7884

You're so amazing. I've been listening to you for like 3 years now. Your music moves me and has even made me cry quite a few times. I see myself somehow when I listen to your music. Please don't ever stop making masterpieces. You're truly talented

@emmynoether9540

5y↑1

Your songs are always so poetic and the music is just a bop!! This needs to be played with volume way up and danced too. Thank you for all the music you are sharing with us, I love it!

@zephyrinebers

5y↑393

I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again

orla g-ART-land

@jessketh

5y↑5

Your voice is so pretty in a way that's hard to describe. It's gentle but purposeful and expressive and kind ? So so good

@threedrie

Massive talent, thank you Orla 💓💘💗

@wolfxoxo2555

4y↑15

I was introduced to this song by DissociaDID, now I LOVE this song!!

@snarkybunni

5y↑1

I'm having a rush of emotions. I love your music so much it was an absolute awe to stare at you on stage and appriciate your musical skills. Thank you for this so much

@pandaloverful13

5y↑5

Wow, I love this. I don't think I've ever connected with a song so much. Thank you for sharing your gift with me.

@margohansonhighkingsupreme7279

This is insane talent. Creative lyrics😍😍😍

@abilevitt3334

4y↑3

This song touched me deeply! I discovered you through DissociaDID's channel. Looking forward to checking out more of your songs.

@jackpabich763

4y↑20

DissociaDID brought me here and damn is this music incredible!

@GwenceesH

I love this song so much. Beautifully portrays the dangers of falling in love!

@LikeAMelone

5y↑1

This has to be my favourite song at the moment. When I've had a rough day, I put this song on in the evening and dance everything out, looking as stupid and dramatic as possible (luckily no one sees it) and afterwards I'm so relieved and happy. It's simply powerful.
Thank you, Orla!

@jash1966

wtf how do you always come out with such amazing songs?? I can’t even begin to explain the emotion I feel when listening to your music- you’re truly a talented musician

@zinaeberlein9987

Every song you release is a favourite song 🤩

@FatBottomedGirl98

Orla, you blow me away with every song you release. Thank you! (also i feel attacked because this is exactly how i feel)

@isabelwest5946

This song came just when i needed it, i feel exactly what this song describes. Thank you for putting it into such a beautiful song ❤

@Philippiller

Orla you are becoming one my favourite artists ever! Every little bit you release sucks me in more!
I feel like I just get every word you sing! I feel like it happens to me a lot that someone leans on me, and this urge between pushing them away and still trying to be friendly is a strugle I totally relate too!
I'm not usually someone who fangirls over anybody, but you just are magnificent!

@bonnie9109

5y↑2

so so so incredible orla! gosh I feel like a proud mum. you’re doing SO GOOD

@sammcgarry6045

4y↑3

I just came over here for Dissociadid and WOW I LOVE this song!!! I just sent it round to all my friends!!! Just downloaded on spotify too!!!

@janicew9

I've been streaming this all day, I love it so much!

@kerry9660

Orla's voice is so crisp 👌🏻
As always, amazing lyrics and a killer cover art 😍

@rawanmohammed3220

Absolutely love your voice

@idontexist2037

5y↑1

oh my goodness orla!!!! t's been so wonderful to watch your songwriting grow and develop. you have come so far from those early days of the ground and postcards. i can't wait to see what you do next <3

@marinabradley8169

Woah, this is just jaw droppingly beautiful!!! 😍💙🎉🎉🎉

@senses2000

Love your voice, nice song.

@imjusttryingtosurvivedude9499

Omg this is so cool. I love how chill it is, even in the chorus where it picks up. I just love it

@sarahkosian6475

That's just absolutely wonderful! I love the lyrics, the beat, the energy... Utterly amazing. When I heard it during the livestream yesterday I was immidietly dancing along in my room👍

@nessaolivera

Thank you Orla, this new song fucking is my new inspiration <3 The melody is in my head all day, great job

@lilys7049

this is so good orla! i love all your music and you’re so talented! ❤️

@criskp6861

I love this song sooo much!

@abbababby

5y↑60

ok i am obsessed with your voice and sound and ALSO?? let’s talk about this rad cover art please

@hanniski4733

Wow, a great song!! I love the lyrics-so honest

@Kamomilla

how can you put in words things that are so hard to describe. amazing, queen

@rosemary8136

The rhythm/melody of the music and the lyrics feel so fresh and groovy, I fell in love with the song as soon as I heard it! This is the first song of Orla that I've heard but now I just want to check out more!

@HillelHW

4y↑21

love this, so glad I saw it mentioned on dissociadid

@liya1000

i get surprised every time i listen to something new from you because for some reason it's always so much better than I was expecting it to be??? i don't often fall in love with songs the first time i listen to them, but this has managed to do that immediately. this is beautiful

@katyneve8165

This is sick I love the bass line especially and your voice sounds so good 😊

@aaditil5006

I’ve listened so many times like 10000000000 times already ahh it’s so good

@donatelhoe

new masterpiece I can jam to in my room ✨ love u orla

@PegaSummer

adding to my playlist right now!!

@FullMetalPon3

X3 X3 :3 lovely song, as always! I love your music so much, you are one of my favourite song writers! I find so many of your song so relatable, and not only that, they also just sound so beautiful. You are truly talented :)

@DawnAndHerUke

Yes I love this! I’m also hoping for an acoustic version too 😎❤️❤️

@spiffyric68cougar

4y↑3

Such a good single... You have a new fan! I came here right from DossiciaDID, after listening to this there.

You're awesome!

@angeredcheese1332

Every song is amazing from you. How does this only have 9K right now?

@treebutwhy8307

orla at it again with the good songs 👌

@derangedpoetess

This needs to go viral. It’s too dang funky. 🔥

@seventeenthousandeggs

So good, your talent astounds me

@kayleelove4455

5y↑114

One of the best gifts i could get for my birthday today😍

Edit: Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Its just so funny how this song came out on my birthday and is the same exact situation I've been in with this guy.

@ayam7652

5y↑4

Kaylee Love well happy birthday then, I hope it's a happy year for you and you have a great time!

@cryingincorner8643

5y↑2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FREN :) HAVE A GOOD DAY

@abbababby

5y↑2

happy birthdayyyy!!! you deserve a great day! have fun :)

@JNRartist

5y↑2

Happy birthday!!!!

@Sx--F

5y↑2

happy birthday! :)

9 More Replies...

@abigrace8701

This song is perfect for my current situation and it's breaking me in pieces.

@wintergreen1784

Orla holly fudging. this makes me want to cry and honestly to me it feels like I could not have stumbled across this song at a better time (I’m sorry; I didn’t see it right away). this is so beautiful. I love it & I hope overall we will both feel more complete soon

@erikabotha4008

5y↑3

What a jam!!!! It's so so good!!! 👏🏻😱

@emmaroutier7303

loving this !! when do i not love a song of yours though. please never stop creating! :)

@destineeophelia8174

I listen to your music everyday. Your lyrics connect with me so much

@vinca5657

My ears have been blessed 💞💞 i love this so much!!

@paularrais

I loveeee it! Hugs from Brazil🇧🇷💛

@freddiemakin4376

all of your songs are really cool!

@matthieua.4298

I love this, Orla !

@jpocket7330

God, every single song of yours is so so soo good. Keep on killing the game <3

@kayeuz

it's amazing how this hits me straight in the feels! every word, every sentence means everything.

@sky11rose74

I absolutely love this every time I click on one of your songs it’s just gets better and better your amazing defenetly going to re watch this like a million times 😂💜

@agawojcik5705

I'm absolutely in love with this song, it's so close to my heart ❤
This is exactly what I felt some time ago, so I pushed away most of my friends. Then I told them what was the reason - part of them understood and we are still really close, they just know I can't be there for them every time they need me.