Hold You Down
The Marvins Lyrics

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I’m gonna let you down
I don’t know when or how
But this you should know
My purpose is good
You can believe that I am true
Never will I try to harm you
But you’ve already found
I will let you down

I’ll let you down
Selfish is hard to control when you’re me
Consideration is not my forte
But in my defense
That’s not my intent
I’m gonna let you down
I don’t know when or how
But this you should know
My purpose is good
You can believe that I am true
That I will always love you
I clearly admit
Sometimes I’m unfit
I’ll let you down
Ego is hard to control when you’re me
Sometimes I'm impressed with my own conceit
But in my defense
That’s not my intent
Try to prove my love every day
Focus on us not just me
Struggles in my own way
We both know what that means
I'm gonna let you down
I don't know when or how
But this you should know
My purpose is good
You can believe that I'm true
That I will always love you
But you've already found

I will let you down
I'll let you down

Overall Meaning

The Marvins's song Hold You Down is a heartfelt rendition about dealing with the complexities that come with being in a relationship. The opening line "I'm gonna let you down, I don't know when or how" sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it addresses the inevitability of making mistakes and letting someone down, even if unintentionally. Despite this likelihood, the singer is certain that their purpose is good and promises to never try to harm the other person. It is evident that the singer is grappling with their own flaws and shortcomings, admitting that selfishness and ego are traits that they struggle to control. The singer acknowledges that their behavior may be unfitting at times, but they still want to prove their love every day and focus on the relationship.

The chorus reinforces the message that the singer will let the other person down, but this does not invalidate the love they have for them. The raw emotion in the lyrics and delivery of the song is what sets it apart, as it speaks to the fragility of relationships and the effort it takes to maintain them. The Marvins's Hold You Down is a reminder that relationships are not perfect, and it is okay to make mistakes, as long as there is a willingness to make it work.

Line by Line Meaning

I’m gonna let you down
I will disappoint you

I don’t know when or how
I don't know the specifics of how or when I will do so

But this you should know
However, I want you to understand

My purpose is good
My intentions are pure

You can believe that I am true
I want you to trust me

Never will I try to harm you
I will never intentionally hurt you

But you’ve already found
Unfortunately, you have already experienced it

I will let you down
I will disappoint you

I’ll let you down
I will disappoint you

Selfish is hard to control when you’re me
It can be difficult to be unselfish when you are me

Consideration is not my forte
Being thoughtful is not my strong suit