Set Me Free
The Sweet Lyrics
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Feel just the same
Heads on the wall
Maybe you're just playing games
Set me free
Mauled by her hound
Hangin' around
Is this for real
Set me free
Ah set me free
Ah set me free, from you
Taken by force
By you of course
Far from my bed
I know I'd rather be dead
Set me free
Ah set me free
Ah set me free, from you
Fire in my brain
Burn me insane
Making your mark
Don't leave me here in the dark
Set me free
Call me a saint
That's what I ain't
Inside my head
Maybe I'd feel better dead
Set me free
Ah set me free
Ah set me free, from you
The Sweet’s song “Set Me Free” is about the desire to break free from a controlling and manipulative relationship, with lyrics overflowing with anguished frustration. The opening lines - “Gagged, ball and chained, Feel just the same, Heads on the wall, Maybe you're just playing games, Set me free” - paints a picture of feeling trapped and vulnerable, like being gagged, ball and chained, unable to escape the situation. The singer believes that they are being toyed with by their partner, leaving them wondering if their relationship is genuine or a game.
The lyrics continue, revealing the extent of the singer's torment - “Mauled by her hound, Hangin' around, Is this for real, I don't know when I'll be found, Set me free”. This particular line suggests an abusive relationship, where the person is repeatedly being attacked by their partner's words or actions. The need to be freed grows as the pain and torment continues to rise.
The chorus of the song “Ah set me free, Ah set me free, from you” reiterates the singer's cry for help. The verses follow the same theme, describing the agony of being in the relationship, until the climax of the song - “Call me a saint, That's what I ain't, Inside my head, Maybe I'd feel better dead, Set me free.”. The person is wishing for death even though they know that being free of this relationship is what they truly desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Gagged, ball and chained
I feel restricted and trapped, as if I'm being forced to silence myself.
Feel just the same
Nothing has changed. I'm still struggling with this oppressive situation.
Heads on the wall
I feel like I'm hitting a wall, or running into an insurmountable obstacle.
Maybe you're just playing games
I'm not sure if you're being serious, or if you're toying with me.
Set me free
I want to be released from this situation and have the ability to make my own choices.
Mauled by her hound
I feel attacked and harmed by someone or something else's actions or words.
Hangin' around
I'm stuck in this situation and can't seem to move forward or escape from it.
Is this for real
I'm questioning the reality of the situation and whether it's actually happening to me.
I don't know when I'll be found
I feel lost and unsure of when or how I'll be able to free myself from this situation.
Taken by force
I feel like I've been forced into this situation against my will.
By you of course
It's clear that you are the one who has put me in this situation.
Far from my bed
I'm uncomfortable and unhappy in this situation, and it feels like I'm far away from where I should be.
I know I'd rather be dead
I feel like there's no way out of this situation, and death seems like a better option than continuing to suffer.
Fire in my brain
I feel consumed by strong and intense emotions or thoughts.
Burn me insane
These emotions and thoughts are causing me to feel like I'm losing my mind.
Making your mark
You're leaving a lasting impression on me, and it's not a positive one.
Don't leave me here in the dark
I feel like I'm alone in this situation, and I need more information or guidance to make it through.
Call me a saint
You may be trying to flatter me, or make me feel like I'm better than I actually am.
That's what I ain't
I know that I'm not perfect or saintly, and these false compliments don't change that.
Inside my head
These feelings and thoughts are all happening internally to me, and I can't seem to escape them.
Maybe I'd feel better dead
I feel like there's no way out of this situation, and death seems like a better option than continuing to suffer.
Ah set me free
This is my plea to be released from this oppressive situation and the person who put me in it.
Ah set me free, from you
I want to be free from the person who put me in this situation and is causing me so much pain and discomfort.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVID KUSHNER, DUFF MCKAGEN, MATT SORUM, SAUL HUDSON, SCOTT WEILAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind