According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Take It Back
She & Him Lyrics
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Oh, take it back
I don't want your lovin' anymore
Let me live, oh let me live
It's not you who I sing for
So don't sit next to me
I don't wanna wonder whether you love me
I don't wanna wonder whether you care
So don't try to woo me
Don't try to fool me
Oh, I know all of your tricks
It's the possibility of stayin' in my corner
I don't wanna wonder whether you love me
I don't wanna wonder whether you care
So don't try to woo me
Don't try to fool me
Oh, I know all of your tricks
It's the possibility of stayin' in my corner
The song "Take It Back" by She & Him is a classic break-up song with a twist. It's not the typical ballad where the singer is heartbroken and begging their lover to come back. Instead, the song takes a more assertive and empowering stance, with the singer declaring that she no longer wants her lover's love and that she is ready to move on.
The lyrics "I don't want your lovin' anymore, let me live" show that the singer has reached a point where she values her own happiness more than being in a relationship with someone who doesn't make her happy. The line "It's not you who I sing for" implies that the singer is a musician or performer and that she is singing for herself and not for her former partner anymore.
The chorus "So don't try to woo me, don't try to fool me, oh I know all of your tricks" shows that the singer has moved on and is not interested in being won back by her former partner. The line "It's the possibility of stayin' in my corner" suggests that the singer is open to the possibility of a future friendship, but only if her former partner can respect her boundaries and not try to win her back romantically.
Overall, "Take It Back" is a song about empowerment and self-love. It encourages listeners to prioritize their own happiness and not to settle for less than they deserve in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Take it back
Retract what you've given me
Oh, take it back
Please, I implore you to retract what you've given me
I don't want your lovin' anymore
I am no longer receptive to your affection
Let me live, oh let me live
Allow me to exist without interference from you
It's not you who I sing for
My artistic expressions are not dedicated to you
So don't sit next to me
Please do not occupy the adjacent seat
Sit by yourself
Choose to sit alone, away from me
I don't wanna wonder whether you love me
I desire clarity regarding your feelings
I don't wanna wonder whether you care
I require certainty that you have concern for me
So don't try to woo me
Do not attempt to win me over with your charm
Don't try to fool me
Do not try to deceive or mislead me
Oh, I know all of your tricks
I am well aware of your tactics
It's the possibility of stayin' in my corner
I am attracted to the idea of you remaining present in my life, but only as a supportive figure and nothing more
Contributed by Brayden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.