In Shapiro’s beginning, Teter’s songwriting was heavily influenced by classic greats like The Beatles, Supertramp and Queen. As his writing continued to evolve, he added more indie-rock influences like Spoon, Wilco and the Arcade Fire. Lyrically, Teter draws much from his own life experiences; topics range from love and breakups to religion to the stresses of being on the road.
Since their inception, these independent rockers have devoted themselves to extensive touring around the U.S., each night being reminded of the friends and fans that keep them going. Shapiro is hallmarked for their energetic, unique, and fun-loving live show. Fans are kept on the edge of their seat as Shapiro manages to tear through their set-lists with an energy that at times seems nearly out of control. The group now has over 300 shows under their belt and has played with other renowned acts such as Mute Math, The Walkmen, The Antlers, Cage the Elephant, Mae and more.
With producer / engineer John Mark Painter (Ben Folds, Death Cab for Cutie, John Mayer) at the helm, the group recorded and released their debut self-titled album in 2010. The record is comprised of songs written over the course of the bands tenure. Fun, catchy and theatrical, the record is sure to please old fans as well as attract new ones. Shapiro continues their rigorous U.S. touring in support of this recent release. For more information, visit www.shapiropeople.com.
Leaving
Shapiro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You had me going on
Right now you've got me going on
Every word you said they had me holding on
They had me holding on
Right now I'm still holding on
That if the chance was there
I would too
I would too
Oh girl, now tell me what it's worth
Oh girl, now tell me what it's worth
I cannot look you in the eye
I cannot look you in the eye
I've been trying
But you've been lying
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
I've got to be good
I've got to be good
I remember the place, you were there
Arms crossed, and you said without a care
"I've got nobody to hold"
I've got nobody to hold"
Oh girl, now tell me what it's worth
Oh girl, now tell me what it's worth
I cannot look you in the eye
I cannot look you in the eye
I've been trying
But you've been lying
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
I've got to be good
I've got to be good
I've been trying
But you've been lying
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
I've got to be good
I've got to be good
I've been good too
I've been good too
I've been trying
But you've been lying
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
I've got to be good
I've got to be good
I've been trying
And you've been lying
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
I've got to be good
I've got to be good
In these lyrics, the artist, Shapiro, is expressing his feelings towards a relationship that has taken a turn for the worse. At one point, he was completely invested and believed in the promises and words of his partner. However, now he realizes that those words were empty and is still holding on, hoping for a change.
He admits that he has been trying to prove himself to his partner, showing them that if given the chance, he would also make things work. It seems that Shapiro is desperate to salvage the relationship and wants to know if it is worth all the effort he is putting in.
The line "I cannot look you in the eye" suggests that there is an element of guilt or shame involved. Perhaps the partner has done something to cause Shapiro to question their sincerity, and he is finding it difficult to face them directly.
The repeated phrase "L.E.A.V.I.N.G" indicates that Shapiro has reached a breaking point. He knows he needs to be strong and do what is best for himself, even though it might be painful. The repetition emphasizes the internal struggle he is facing, trying to stay true to himself while also wanting to hold on to what they once had.
The mention of a specific memory or conversation where his partner says, "I've got nobody to hold" implies that they too are feeling lonely and empty in the relationship. However, Shapiro is still questioning if it's worth it and seeking validation from his partner.
In the end, Shapiro reaffirms his desire to be good and do what is right for himself. He has been trying to make things work, but the lies from his partner have made it extremely difficult. However, he also acknowledges that he too has been good, showing his commitment and effort.
Overall, these lyrics convey the struggle within a failing relationship. Shapiro is torn between wanting to hold on and hoping for change, but also recognizing the need to let go for his own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a time you had me going on
In the past, you had a strong hold on me
You had me going on
You had a significant impact on me
Right now you've got me going on
Currently, you still have a hold on me
Every word you said they had me holding on
I clung to every word you spoke
They had me holding on
Your words kept me emotionally attached
Right now I'm still holding on
Even now, I'm still emotionally attached
But I've been trying to prove to you
However, I've been making an effort to show you
That if the chance was there
If the opportunity presented itself
I would too
I would also take action
Oh girl, now tell me what it's worth
Oh girl, please inform me of its value
I cannot look you in the eye
I am unable to make eye contact with you
I've been trying
I have been making an effort
But you've been lying
However, you have been dishonest
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
Leaving, ending the relationship
I've got to be good
I need to act responsibly
I remember the place, you were there
I recall the location, you were present
Arms crossed, and you said without a care
With folded arms, you uttered without concern
"I've got nobody to hold"
"I don't have anyone to comfort me"
"I've got nobody to hold"
"I don't have anyone to comfort me"
I cannot look you in the eye
I am unable to make eye contact with you
I've been trying
I have been making an effort
But you've been lying
However, you have been dishonest
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
Leaving, ending the relationship
I've got to be good
I need to act responsibly
I've been trying
I have been making an effort
But you've been lying
However, you have been dishonest
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
Leaving, ending the relationship
I've got to be good
I need to act responsibly
I've been good too
I have also been acting responsibly
I've been trying
I have been making an effort
But you've been lying
However, you have been dishonest
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
Leaving, ending the relationship
I've got to be good
I need to act responsibly
I've been trying
I have been making an effort
And you've been lying
And you have been dishonest
L.E.A.V.I.N.G
Leaving, ending the relationship
I've got to be good
I need to act responsibly
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Carl Shapiro, Jeremy Teter, John Granofsky, Nathan Granofsky
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
avunculusmaximus
35 years ago I moved to CA for a post-grad education, with no intention of staying there long-term.
I stayed in Silicon Valley for the weather and tech industry. Yes, it was a lot more expensive than elsewhere, but back then you at least had a prayer of getting a marginally-Republican governor elected once in awhile.
CRAZY beautiful scenery by the coast and in the mountains. Plus, there was all that touted “acceptance of diversity.”
Over the years, though, living there became like being a frog in a slowly-heated water pot. One political party became the only winner. Taxes went up. People got weirder and nastier. Life got more miserable.
You haven’t lived until you’ve been scolded against smoking a cigar, in the open air, in a public park, on the Fourth of July, by a Chinese expat. Good times!
CA morphed from being the state of “whatever, dude” to “No, you can’t do/say/think/have/vote that.” Nonsensical fiscal policies. Cultlike environmental practices. Oppressive COVID restrictions. Government by Control Freak, except when it comes to immigration or basic law enforcement. “Diversity” meant differences in looks only, not in thought.
All this, plus a home evacuation due to an otherwise preventable wildfire, and I was ready for a move.
Your September, 2020 podcast, in which you announced your company’s move from LA to Nashville, was the spark that finally led me and my family to leave CA for Red State America. And yes, the stories of one-way rental trucks out of CA being in very short supply are absolutely true.
J T
As a Floridian everyone usually hates on us so it’s nice to someone appreciating us but at the same time I’d rather everyone just hate on us so they stay away and leave us alone.
Bald Eagle
i like certain parts of florida - downtown miami, fort lauderdale beach, etc but some places seem really low class with sketchy people
Brenda Lewis
The liberals say they hate you but then they can’t wait to take a vacation there
J T
@Market L23 straight lies
Vinny P
I love living in Florida. To everyone moving here, please don’t mess it up
Big Daddy
@Everyone's Favorite Akechi democrats turn places into slums. Eventually they will wise up.
Check Mate
@SuperDave Ehh, it kinda seems like a lot of people moving to Texas and libs. Idk about Florida but it’s not unlikely
Geran Simpson
Moving to Texas after 10 years in LA was definitely a "Dorothy sees in color" moment.
DMSJT
We just moved to TX from UT and it’s a whole other world down here. I’m having a hard time adjusting to the heat and particularly humidity (doesn’t help that I have an overactive sweating disorder), but we moved here with the intention to homestead so I’m just spending a lot of time working outside and it’s really a “get used to the weather or die” kind of scenario. We are living between Waco and Temple and loving it.
Vida Acheampong
Exactly 😂😂😂😂