High & Dry
Pete Kuzma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I bet you think that's pretty clever, don't you, boy?
Flying on your motorcycle
Watching all the ground beneath you drop
You'd kill yourself for recognition
Kill yourself to never, ever stop
You broke another mirror
You're turning into something you are not
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Drying up in conversation
You will be the one who cannot talk
All your insides fall to pieces
You just sit there wishing you could still make love
They're the ones who'll hate you
When you think you've got the world all sussed out
They're the ones who'll spit at you
You will be the one screaming out
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Oh, it's the best thing that you've ever had
The best thing you've ever, ever had
It's the best thing that you've ever had
The best thing you have had is gone away
So don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
The song "High & Dry" by Pete Kuzma featuring Bilal explores the theme of alienation and self-destruction caused by a desire for recognition and success. The opening lines refer to the singer's recklessness and confidence as he takes dangerous risks to be noticed, but this behavior is not sustainable and leads to him losing sight of who he truly is. The lyrics suggest that he is becoming someone he is not, as symbolized by the broken mirror. The chorus repeats the plea "Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry," a cry for help and connection to others as the singer begins to feel isolated and unable to communicate or make meaningful connections.
In the second verse, the singer's desperation is further highlighted as his internal turmoil causes him to lose his ability to communicate and feel the joys of life. The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the singer's need for connection and fear of being left alone. The bridge brings in the voices of others, who reject and spite the singer's attempts at success, leaving him feeling betrayed and helpless.
Overall, "High & Dry" is a cautionary tale about the toll that pursuing recognition and success at any cost can have on one's mental health and relationships. It is a universal theme that speaks to the struggles many people face in finding meaning and purpose in a world that often values external achievements above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
Two jumps in a week
You're taking risks and being reckless.
I bet you think that's pretty clever, don't you, boy?
You're overconfident about your daring choices.
Flying on your motorcycle
You feel free and powerful when you make reckless decisions.
Watching all the ground beneath you drop
You're not thinking of the negative consequences of your actions.
You'd kill yourself for recognition
You're willing to put your life at risk for fame or attention.
Kill yourself to never, ever stop
You're willing to die to keep going, to keep living dangerously.
You broke another mirror
You keep having bad luck as a result of your actions.
You're turning into something you are not
You're losing yourself and becoming something you don't recognize.
Don't leave me high
Don't abandon me when things get tough.
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me alone when I need you.
Drying up in conversation
You're becoming unable to communicate or connect with others.
You will be the one who cannot talk
You'll become isolated and unable to communicate with others.
All your insides fall to pieces
You're breaking down mentally and emotionally.
You just sit there wishing you could still make love
You long for intimacy and connection that you're unable to find or maintain.
They're the ones who'll hate you
Those who see the danger in your actions will despise you for it.
When you think you've got the world all sussed out
When you think you understand everything and have it all figured out.
They're the ones who'll spit at you
Those who disagree with your choices will show their disdain and disgust towards you.
You will be the one screaming out
You'll be the one in distress, needing help and support.
Oh, it's the best thing that you've ever had
You had something wonderful, and now it's gone.
The best thing you've ever, ever had
The most positive and meaningful thing in your life.
The best thing that you've ever had
You lost something priceless and valuable to you.
The best thing you have had is gone away
You lost something priceless and valuable to you forever.
Don't leave me high
Don't abandon me when things get tough.
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me alone when I need you.
Don't leave me high
Don't abandon me when things get tough.
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me alone when I need you.
Don't leave me high
Don't abandon me when things get tough.
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me alone when I need you.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GomboJav Baterdene
Two jumps in a week
I bet you think that's pretty clever, don't you, boy?
Flying on your motorcycle
Watching all the ground beneath you drop
You'd kill yourself for recognition
Kill yourself to never, ever stop
You broke another mirror
You're turning into something you are not
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Drying up in conversation
You will be the one who cannot talk
All your insides fall to pieces
You just sit there wishing you could still make love
They're the ones who'll hate you
When you think you've got the world all sussed out
They're the ones who'll spit at you
You will be the one screaming out
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Oh, it's the best thing that you've ever had
The best thing that you've ever, ever had
It's the best thing that you've ever had
The best thing you have had is gone away
So don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Kc C
This is what needs to be on all R n B radio stations, this song is so off the hook and has a timeless groove. Bilal, did his thing!
minichris11
Been a Radiohead fan since this album came out way back in 95. When I first heard this version I was blown away. Amazing song reimagined beautifully. 🖤
mattfloyd75
Radiohead approves....and if they don't, they should.
This shit is balls deep.
우유와두유
Can’t believe I found this gem so late.. I feel complete now.
louthedude88
this is nice, i like the jazz feel but nothing beats thom's incredible voice!
Tracey Miller
This song is literally everything 😍
Chip Fortune
Great sound guys. And you picked a great song too. Love it
Lynnberna
I love the way they revised this song even better than the orginal. Awesome singers. Love to hear more of you. Can you make this instrumental and send it to Starmaker? Would love to sing this one.
Alexander McLeod
This song & associated album was scrapped/cancelled because it was heavily pirated months before it's official release date.
Bobby Burnett
This might be the best cover on that compilation. Really enjoyable bass!