You Belong To Me
The 88 Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I treat it like a high school dance
Waiting in the wings for my big chance
But I would only stare at my shoes
You belong to me I belong to you

I could tell an antique lie
Full of all the things I want to hide
But that would only lead to the truth
You belong to me I belong to you

But I'm lazy and I'll pull you down
Where you won't want to be
And I'm tasting what's pouring out of you
What am I supposed to do?

I could play a trick so strange
Cover up my ears and pray for rain




But that would only give you the blues
You belong to me I belong to you

Overall Meaning

The 88's song You Belong to Me is a contemplative and honest representation of the inner turmoil that goes on in someone's mind when they are trying to navigate their emotions and desires towards someone they feel for deeply. The song is a confession of the singer's insecurities and fears of not being able to measure up to the one they want. It starts with the singer comparing his situation to that of a high school dance, where he is waiting in the wings for his big chance, but he would only stare at his shoes, indicating that he lacks the confidence to take action.


The singer then considers lying, which could lead to revealing the truth eventually, resulting in further complications. The lyric, "But I'm lazy, and I'll pull you down, where you won't want to be, and I'm tasting what's pouring out of you. What am I supposed to do?" shows the character's awareness of how his actions can have an impact on the one they want, but he feels a lack of motivation to change his approach. Finally, the character considers playing a trick so strange, demonstrating their willingness to go to any extent to win the other over, but he knows that will only give the person the blues, ultimately acknowledging that they both belong to each other.


Line by Line Meaning

I treat it like a high school dance
I approach this situation with a mix of nervousness and eagerness, like I did as a teenager at school dances


Waiting in the wings for my big chance
I am hesitating, hoping for the moment to make my move


But I would only stare at my shoes
However, my shyness makes me uncomfortable, and I can't bring myself to look up


You belong to me I belong to you
Despite my awkwardness, I feel a connection and sense of belonging with you


I could tell an antique lie
I could deceive you using an old, well-worn tactic of misdirection and half-truths


Full of all the things I want to hide
I would conceal my true intentions and flaws, keeping them away from your perception


But that would only lead to the truth
However, this strategy would ultimately reveal the facts, and make things clear


But I'm lazy and I'll pull you down
I am admitting my own flawed nature, realizing that I could harm or disappoint you in our relationship


Where you won't want to be
I am afraid of taking you to an uncomfortable or unhappy place


And I'm tasting what's pouring out of you
I can sense your inner thoughts and emotions seeping through your actions and words


What am I supposed to do?
I am at a loss, unsure of how to handle the situation or my reactions


I could play a trick so strange
Perhaps I could come up with a surprising or unusual plan of action


Cover up my ears and pray for rain
Or I could avoid the situation altogether, hiding from the truth behind a metaphorical shield


But that would only give you the blues
However, any self-serving move on my part would only make you feel unhappy or let down


You belong to me I belong to you
Despite my confusion and doubts, I still feel a deep and meaningful connection between us




Contributed by Reagan I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions