Low Key
Tweedy Lyrics


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I wanna let it be known
Ever since I was young
I've always been a refugee
Always very high strung
I've always been low key
Just let the record show

No, I won't jump for joy, I don't
If I get excited nobody knows (nobody knows)
Ohh (ohh) but I'm gonna love you the same
I'll always be your fool
And when it looks like I don't care
I'm just playing it cool

I know, I won't jump for joy, I don't
If I get excited, no one will know (no one will know)
Ohh (ohh) I've always been low key
Oh you know me

Woo oohh oohh
Woo oohh oohh
Woo oohh oohh

I've always been low key
You know me

No, I won't jump for joy, I don't
If I get excited nobody knows (nobody knows)
Ohh (ohh) but I'm gonna love you the same
I'll always be your fool
And when it looks like I don't care
I'm just playing it cool





No, I won't jump for joy, I don't
When I get excited, nobody knows

Overall Meaning

In "Low Key," Jeff Tweedy talks about his tendency to keep emotions in check and how it has been a constant trait in his life. The song begins with him stating that he wants to express his true feelings and let everyone know about his situation. He introduces his life with the words "Ever since I was young, I've always been a refugee" which imply that he was never quite fitting in anywhere. Being a refugee usually means being displaced from one's original home, and Tweedy could have taken a similar trajectory through his life. He goes on to state that he has always been highly reactive to things, suggesting he became highly emotional, but never showed it to anyone. He then reveals that he has always been low-key, and lets the record show it.


Tweedy then goes on to elaborate on his nature. He declares that he doesn't show excitement, even though he experiences it. When he loves somebody, he will always love them but will never let anyone see it. He admits that it might look like he doesn't care or isn't excited, but instead, he is simply playing it cool. By the end of the song, Tweedy reiterates that he has always been and continues to be low key, and people should accept him for who he is.


Line by Line Meaning

I wanna let it be known
I want to make it clear


Ever since I was young
For as long as I can remember


I've always been a refugee
I've always felt like an outsider


Always very high strung
Always anxious and easily agitated


I've always been low key
I've always kept to myself and stayed under the radar


Just let the record show
Just so it's clear and on the record


No, I won't jump for joy, I don't
I won't get overly excited or show too much emotion


If I get excited nobody knows (nobody knows)
I keep my excitement to myself and don't express it outwardly


Ohh (ohh) but I'm gonna love you the same
Despite my reserved nature, I will always love you


I'll always be your fool
I'll do anything for you, even if it makes me look foolish


And when it looks like I don't care
Even if it seems like I'm not showing interest or concern


I'm just playing it cool
I'm purposely acting nonchalant and detached


Woo oohh oohh
Instrumental


I've always been low key
I've always been understated and not dramatic


You know me
You understand my personality and tendencies


When I get excited, nobody knows
Even when I'm excited, I don't show it outwardly




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JEFF TWEEDY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Adam

This might be one of the best videos ever made. Hysterical.

P.S. Everybody buy this record. Now.

paul elliott

Very funny video - those looks they throw at each other so excellently done
Brilliant stuff by the father/son and a great album
Tweedy eh? Loving them

Andrew M

The kid might just be bringing out the very best in his dad! Tweedy rules!

Dan Gohsler

Thumbs up to send good vibes to Jeff's wife who's battling cancer

Kryzs Kornhell

@Barmy Pharmacist How is she today?

Andrew M

Thanks for posting your update on her condition. I will send some visualization & other positive energizations to Ms. Tweedy & family, for a full, complete recovery. I urge any who read this to do so too, the more help, the better.

Barmy Pharmacist

She's making a steady recovery! My family is somewhat close to Jeff's.

Juliette St. La Claire

Jeff tweedy is a genius comedic, lyrical and musical.

Anne Marie Debreczenyi

I love this! What a poignant statement about the sick and pathetic state of the music industry. Great song, too!

Kristen K

The song, the video, Conan and Andy cameos, the fact that Nick Offerman directed...everything about this is yes.

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