Radar
The Kicks Lyrics


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standing by the phone
wishing you'd come home
well im saying i'll be fine
while your kissing me goodbye

but you dont think its good enough
and i dont really want to waste that stuff
cause i want you to know
that when im down and im feeling so low

she's a bomb

holding on my heart
but you're tearing it apart
but you dont think its good enough
and i dont really want to waste that stuff
cause i want you to know
that when im down and im feeling so low





she's a bomb

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Kicks' song "Radar" convey a sense of heartbreak and longing. The lead singer reflects on her relationship with someone who is gone and not coming back. She stands by the phone, hoping they will return, while reassuring herself that she will be okay. The chorus reveals her true inner struggles, as she reminds herself that her partner is like a bomb, destroying her heart while still being something she desires. The lyrics capture the push and pull of a tumultuous relationship and the conflicting feelings that arise when someone you love causes you pain.


The use of metaphor throughout the song is particularly effective. The comparison of the partner to a bomb conveys both danger and allure, highlighting the singer's internal conflict. Additionally, the phrase "wasting that stuff" is an interesting turn of phrase, suggesting that love is a finite resource that should not be thrown away lightly. The repetition of the lines "but you don't think it's good enough" and "when I'm down and I'm feeling so low" adds to the emphasis on the singer's struggle to let go of a relationship that is harmful to her.


Overall, "Radar" is a compelling and emotional exploration of the ups and downs of love. The powerful lyrics and evocative imagery create a vivid picture of heartbreak and the desire to hold on to something that is ultimately damaging.


Line by Line Meaning

standing by the phone
Waiting by the phone, hoping for a call from the person who left


wishing you'd come home
Desiring for the person to return home, showing the singer's loneliness


well im saying i'll be fine
The singer says they'll be alright, but their actions show otherwise


while your kissing me goodbye
Despite the farewell, the separation is still reflecting on their mind


but you dont think its good enough
The person's criticism of the artist's efforts, leading to disappointment


and i dont really want to waste that stuff
The singer wants to hold on to what they have, despite the imperfections


cause i want you to know
The singer's desire to convey their feelings to the person, despite the distance


that when im down and im feeling so low
The artist's acknowledgement of their vulnerability and emotional state


she's a bomb
The last line, repeated twice, refers to the person as someone who is volatile and destructive


holding on my heart
The person has the artist's affection and emotions firmly in their grasp


but you're tearing it apart
Despite their hold on the singer's heart, the person's actions are causing damage




Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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