Chains
The Beatles Lyrics


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Chains
My baby's got me locked up in chains
And they ain't the kind
That you can see
Whoa, these chains of love
Got a hold on me, yeah

Chains
Well, I can't break away from these chains
Can't run around
'Cause I'm not free
Whoa, these chains of love won't let me be, yeah

I want to tell you, pretty baby
I think you're fine
I'd like to love you
But Darling, I'm imprisoned by these

Chains
My baby's got me locked up in chains
And they ain't the kind
That you can see
Whoa, it's chains of love got a hold on me, yeah

Please believe me when I tell you
Your lips are sweet
I'd like to kiss them
But I can't break away from all of these

Chains
My baby's got me locked up in chains
And they ain't the kind
That you can see
Whoa, these chains of love got a hold on me, yeah

Chains
Chains of love




Chains of love
Chains of love

Overall Meaning

The Beatles' song "Chains" talks about the feeling of being in love and not being able to break away from it, like being locked up in chains. The lyrics convey the singer's desire to be with his significant other, but the strong affection he has for them makes him feel trapped. The line "these chains of love won't let me be" emphasizes how the hold of love can limit one's freedom.


The metaphoric use of chains implies that love, at times, can be painful, restricting, and imprisoning. The lyrics, paired with the upbeat music, create a feeling of being trapped in the quick pace of the melody, amplifying the emotions the singer is experiencing. The use of the phrase "chains of love" is also vital, as it suggests that love can, at times, be more of an obligation than a desire.


"Chains" was originally written by the American songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was then recorded by The Cookies in 1962, and in the same year, The Beatles released their version on their debut album, Please Please Me. Interestingly, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were the lead vocalists in the song, chose to switch their parts for the recording, with Lennon singing McCartney's typically higher part.


Line by Line Meaning

My baby's got me locked up in chains
My significant other has me trapped in a binding relationship.


And they ain't the kind That you can see
The chains represent emotional ties and are not literal objects.


Whoa, these chains of love Got a hold on me, yeah
The love is overpowering and controlling, preventing me from breaking free.


Well, I can't break away from these chains Can't run around 'Cause I'm not free
I would like to get out of the relationship, but I am emotionally restrained and restricted by my feelings.


Whoa, these chains of love won't let me be, yeah
The love is so intense and binding that it is suffocating me and hindering my freedom.


I want to tell you, pretty baby I think you're fine
I have positive feelings towards my significant other and find them attractive.


I'd like to love you But Darling, I'm imprisoned by these
I want to fully commit to the relationship, but my emotions are making it hard to do so.


Please believe me when I tell you Your lips are sweet
I am trying to express my affection towards my significant other.


I'd like to kiss them But I can't break away from all of these
I have a desire to be physically intimate, but am unable to because of my emotional ties.


Chains of love Chains of love Chains of love
The love is so strong that it feels like physical chains that are impossible to break free from.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gerry Goffin, Carole King

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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