The Common Linnets is a Dutch country-Americana band currently comprising I… Read Full Bio ↴The Common Linnets is a Dutch country-Americana band currently comprising Ilse DeLange, Rob Crosby, Jake Etheridge, JB Meijers and Matthew Crosby. DeLange has stated that the group is a platform for Dutch artists to make country, Americana, and bluegrass music and that the members are likely to change.

Orginally consisting of the duo DeLange and Waylon (who had known each other prior to performing together), they first performed in 2013 for a concert in Enschede. Subsequently, Waylon left the group in June 2014 and was replaced by American country singer Jake Etheridge.

Their song Calm After the Storm reached second place in the final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest (giving The Netherlands their best result since 1975) and was a hit throughout Europe. Released as their first single in March 2014, the song won two Marcel Bezençon Awards. The band's first (eponymous) album, which features Calm After the Storm, was released in May 2014.

Give Me a Reason
The Common Linnets Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You tell me that you can't make up your mind
You've been riding fences all your life
So go ahead and build your own little boat
Won't you tell me if it floats
And if it don't, don't you cry to me

Y'tell me maybe I'd be better off on my own
Just wanna hear me tell you baby that you're wrong

So damned tired of all these constant contradictions
Baby getting your convictions
I can't make up your mind (oh no)

So why can't you just look me in the eye
The very least you owe me is goodbye
If you want a hearty
I'd give me a reason to run
If you want a love soul
Give me a reason to ride you home

You're talking of a love for heaven nothing is safe
Leaving you free in your little cave (?)
Won't you give me just a little piece of truth
It's less about me and it's more about you

So why can't you just look me in the eye
The very least you owe me is goodbye
If you want a hearty
I'd give me a reason to run
If you want a love soul
Give me a reason to ride you home

So why can't you just look me in the eye
The very least you owe me is goodbye
If you want a hearty
I'd give me a reason to run

If you want a love soul
I'd give me a reason to ride you home (2x)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Common Linnets' "Give Me a Reason" center around a partner who cannot make up their mind and constantly wavers in their decisions. The singer is tired of the contradictions and lack of conviction, and just wants some honesty and truth from their partner. They plead with their partner to give them a reason to stay, to run away or to ride home. The repeated phrase "why can't you just look me in the eye" underscores the desire for transparency and communication in the relationship.

The song reflects the frustration and uncertainty that can arise in a relationship when one partner is unable to commit or make clear decisions. It highlights the importance of communication and honesty in relationships, and the damage that can result when these are lacking. The repeated chorus of "give me a reason" is a plea for clarity and a call to action, emphasizing the need for resolution and closure.

Line by Line Meaning

You tell me that you can't make up your mind
You confess your indecision

You've been riding fences all your life
You've been avoiding taking sides for too long

So go ahead and build your own little boat
Do what you think is best for you

Won't you tell me if it floats
Let me know how it goes, update me

And if it don't, don't you cry to me
Don't come back crying to me if it doesn't work out

Y'tell me maybe I'd be better off on my own
You suggest that I'm better off without you

Just wanna hear me tell you baby that you're wrong
You're just looking for someone to disagree with you

So damned tired of all these constant contradictions
I'm sick of your mixed messages

Baby getting your convictions
You need to make up your mind

I can't make up your mind (oh no)
I can't decide for you

So why can't you just look me in the eye
Why can't you be honest with me?