Darling
People Eating People Lyrics

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I've been holding back what I can lately,
but things coming to mind are driving me crazy.
I got to tell you, someone has to tell you,
you're being a fool.

Everybody owes you something don't they?
You're believing that your word goes a long way,
I got to tell you, someone has to tell you,

they're laughing at you.

Oh wheels are turning, and hearts are yearning,
but darling, none of it's for you.
Fists are pumping, and chests are thumping,
but darling, none of it's for you.

I've given up on thoughts of bringing you back,
so I might as well be covering' my tracks,
let's just say that we don't know each other,
and no eye contact.

The mouths around here run a mile a minute,
if word got out you know we'd both be finished.
I understand that you could only be seen with a select few.

Oh wheels are turning, and hearts are yearning,
but darling, none of it's for you.
Fists are pumping, and chests are thumping,
but darling, none of it's for you.

You've got a certain flare to you,
you'll keep 'me talking long as you are getting' something you can use. It's over, it's over.
You are not a friend of mine, I got out just in time,
you're stuck in this so take it all, it's over, and it's over.

Oh wheels are turning, and hearts are yearning,
but darling, none of it's for you.

Fists are pumping, and chests are thumping,
but darling, none of it's for you.

Overall Meaning

The song Darling by People Eating People is a melancholic track that tells the story of a relationship that has gone sour. The singer in the song has been holding back what they really think about the other person, but their thoughts are driving them crazy. They eventually decide they need to speak up and tell the other person that they are being a fool. The person they are addressing has a feeling of entitlement, as though everyone owes them something, but in reality, everyone is laughing at them.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the message that none of the attention around them is for them. Wheels are turning, hearts are yearning, and fists are pumping, but all of it is happening around them, and none of it is coming their way. The singer has given up on trying to make things work with the other person and is instead looking to cut all ties with them. They no longer want to be associated with them for fear of the gossip doing both of them harm.

The final verse makes it clear that the singer has had enough of the relationship and wants out. They've realized that the other person is not really their friend and has been using them for their own gain. It's over, and the singer has managed to escape just in time.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been holding back what I can lately,
I have been suppressing my thoughts and feelings recently

but things coming to mind are driving me crazy.
But now my thoughts are becoming overwhelming.

I got to tell you, someone has to tell you,
I need to inform you that you're wrong.

you're being a fool.
You are acting foolishly.

Everybody owes you something don't they?
You feel entitled and assume everyone owes you something.

You're believing that your word goes a long way,
You think your words have power and influence over others.

they're laughing at you.
But in reality, people are laughing at you behind your back.

Oh wheels are turning, and hearts are yearning,
People are busy and their emotions are strong.

but darling, none of it's for you.
But you are not involved and not the focus of their attention.

Fists are pumping, and chests are thumping,
People are getting excited and worked up.

I've given up on thoughts of bringing you back,
I have given up on trying to change your behavior.

so I might as well be covering' my tracks,
So it is best for me to distance myself from you.

let's just say that we don't know each other,
We should pretend that we have no connection.

and no eye contact.
We should avoid making eye contact.

The mouths around here run a mile a minute,
This community gossips quickly and frequently.

if word got out you know we'd both be finished.
If people found out about us, it would be damaging for both of us.

I understand that you could only be seen with a select few.
I know that you only associate with certain people who you deem as important.

You've got a certain flare to you,
You have a unique and special quality.

you'll keep 'me talking long as you are getting' something you can use.
You manipulate others into talking to you for your own benefit.

It's over, it's over.
Our relationship is finished.

You are not a friend of mine, I got out just in time,
You are no longer my friend and I ended our friendship at the right moment.

you're stuck in this so take it all, it's over, and it's over.
You are trapped in your situation, so you must accept the consequences of your actions.

Contributed by Alexander W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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