tell me so
Ron Pope Lyrics

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Like lights flashed on subway cars
She shines on something sad in dark
Scream through grey and filthy space
Hurdleing towards some secret place

My high school sweetheart had pretty blue eyes
She's the reason to wake up in someone else's life
I swear to God

Sometimes I can hear her say, "If this is what you want just let me know
Just let me know"

But if this is love
Love
Someone tell me so
And if this is love
Love
I won't let it go

We travel light just for effect
To love struck girls and shattered things
All the while we smile and think of comfort that the darkness brings

These linking roads won't carry us home
The sky lays a blanket of virgin white snow
Is anyone listening or am I alone

And this is the place she was starving to fit in
And I'm a mistake she wanted to live with

But if this is love
Love
Someone tell me so
And if this is love
Love
I won't let it go

You don't gotta keep me but tonight please keep me warm
You don't gotta keep me but tonight please keep me warm

If this is love
Love
Someone tell me so
And if this is love
Love
I won't let it go

I won't
I won't let it go
Oh

If this is love
Love
Love
Someone tell me so
If it's not love
Love

Oh
Please let me go

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, the singer describes a person who stands out in a gloomy and sad environment like a bright light shining on something that is usually dark. This person seems to go against the norm, moving towards a secret place with determination. The reference to subway cars and grey spaces suggests a feeling of being trapped or confined, but this person manages to shine through.

In the second verse, the singer reminisces about their high school sweetheart who had beautiful blue eyes. This person was their motivation to wake up and experience life with someone else. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and a connection to the past. The singer mentions hearing their sweetheart's voice, questioning if they want to continue in this current state. It seems like the singer seeks confirmation and guidance about the nature of their relationship.

The third verse speaks about a superficial facade and playing the part of someone in love, even when things are broken and unstable. The singer mentions how they smile and find comfort in the darkness, suggesting a desire to maintain a certain image while embracing the struggles of their relationship. They also mention roads that don't lead them home, symbolizing a sense of being lost or not finding a resolution. The lyrics convey a feeling of loneliness and uncertainty, wondering if anyone is listening or if they are alone in their struggles.

The final verse reflects on the person the singer is with, who longed to fit in and saw the singer as a mistake they had to live with. It suggests a sense of unworthiness and a desire to be wanted and accepted by the person they love. The repeated plea for someone to tell them if this is love indicates a desperate need for clarity and understanding. The final request to be kept warm for one night implies a temporary relief, a hope for comfort even if the relationship may not be what they truly desire.

Overall, these lyrics convey a complex emotional journey of searching for love and understanding. The singer is torn between wanting to hold onto love, even if it might not be true, and the constant longing for confirmation and security. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability, isolation, and the need for reassurance in matters of the heart.

Line by Line Meaning

Like lights flashed on subway cars
Similar to the bright lights that flash on subway cars, she brings light to something sad and dark.

She shines on something sad in dark
In the midst of darkness, she brings light to something sad.

Scream through grey and filthy space
Moving through a gloomy and dirty environment, perhaps metaphorically representing their journey.

Hurdleing towards some secret place
They are rushing forward, navigating obstacles, towards a hidden destination.

My high school sweetheart had pretty blue eyes
The singer reminisces about their past relationship with a person who had attractive blue eyes.

She's the reason to wake up in someone else's life
The person was the motivation for the singer to start a new life, leaving their past behind.

I swear to God
The singer emphasizes the sincerity of their statement.

Sometimes I can hear her say, 'If this is what you want just let me know'
The singer occasionally imagines hearing the person say that if this new direction is what they truly desire, they should communicate it.

Just let me know'
Implied continuation of the previous line, emphasizing open and honest communication.

But if this is love
However, if what they are currently experiencing is love...

Love
The intense feeling of affection and connection between two people.

Someone tell me so
The singer seeks confirmation from someone that what they are feeling is indeed love.

And if this is love
Furthermore, if their current situation truly represents love...

Love
The profound emotion that binds two individuals together.

I won't let it go
The singer expresses their determination to hold onto love if it genuinely exists.

We travel light just for effect
They deliberately carry little baggage or burdens to give the illusion of carefree living.

To love struck girls and shattered things
They attract and captivate young women who are infatuated, as well as broken or damaged objects.

All the while we smile and think of comfort that the darkness brings
Despite the challenges they face, they maintain a smiling facade, finding solace and familiarity in the darkness.

These linking roads won't carry us home
The paths they are traveling on cannot lead them to their true destination or a sense of belonging.

The sky lays a blanket of virgin white snow
The sky covers the landscape with untouched white snow, symbolizing a fresh start or purity.

Is anyone listening or am I alone
The singer questions whether anyone is truly paying attention and understanding their struggles, feeling isolated.

And this is the place she was starving to fit in
The person the singer mentions desired to belong or find acceptance in this specific location.

And I'm a mistake she wanted to live with
The singer believes they were seen as a regrettable decision, but one that the person chose to live with.

You don't gotta keep me but tonight please keep me warm
The singer requests temporary warmth and comfort for the night, even if the person doesn't intend to keep them in the long run.

If this is love
Returning to the central question, if what they are experiencing is truly love...

Someone tell me so
They yearn for someone to confirm and reassure them that it is indeed love.

And if this is love
Continuing the contemplation, if their current situation is an authentic representation of love...

I won't let it go
They express their determination to hold onto love, refusing to let it slip away if it truly exists.

I won't
The singer emphatically declares their refusal.

Oh
An exclamation of emotion or realization.

Love
The powerful and profound feeling that binds two individuals together.

Someone tell me so
They plea once again for someone to validate and confirm that what they are experiencing is love.

If it's not love
If their current situation doesn't align with true love...

Love
The deeply felt connection and affection between two individuals.

Oh
An exclamation of longing or uncertainty.

Please let me go
They request to be released from this situation if it isn't genuine love.