Don't Lie
Vampire Weekend Lyrics


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One look sent knees to the ground
Young bloods can't be settling down
Young hearts need the pressure to pound
So hold me close my baby

Don't lie, I want 'em to know
God's loves die young, is he ready to go?
It's the last time running through snow
Where the vaults are full and the fire is bold

I want to know, does it bother you?
The low click of a ticking clock
There's a lifetime right in front of you
And everyone I know

Young Turks, young Saturday nights
Young hips shouldn't break on the ice
Old flames, they can warm you tonight
So keep it cool, my baby

Don't lie, I want 'em to know
Got love feelings and the tournament's gold
It's the last time running through snow
Where the vaults are full and the fire is bold

I want to know, does it bother you?
The low click of a ticking clock
There's a headstone right in front of you
And everyone I know

Don't lie, I'm want 'em to know
God's loves die young, are you ready to go?
It's the last time running through snow
'Cause the fire can't last and the winter's cold

I want to know, does it bother you?
The low click of a ticking clock




There's a lifetime right in front of you
And everyone I know

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Don't Lie" by Vampire Weekend speak about young love and the fear of growing old. The first stanza mentions the passion and intensity of a young heart, and the need for a lover to hold their partner close. The chorus, with the repetition of the line "don't lie, I want 'em to know," implies that the singer is pushing their lover to be honest with themselves about their feelings. The idea of dying young is also introduced, and it's unclear whether the singer is questioning whether their lover is truly ready to live life to the fullest or whether they are scared of growing old.


The second stanza mentions how young love shouldn't be held back by fears or doubts, and the need to keep things "cool." The chorus repeats, again asking for honesty and questioning whether the lover is truly ready to live life to the fullest.


The last verse introduces the idea of a ticking clock and a headstone as a reminder of the limited time we have on earth. The urgency of the chorus grows stronger, asking whether the lover is truly prepared to take risks and live life to the fullest.


Overall, "Don't Lie" talks about the intensity of young love and the need for honesty and living in the moment. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not letting fears hold us back.


Line by Line Meaning

One look sent knees to the ground
Just a glance from someone can make someone else feel weak or powerless


Young bloods can't be settling down
Young people are not meant to be settling down into a routine, they need to explore and try new things


Young hearts need the pressure to pound
Young people need to feel excitement and intensity in their lives


So hold me close my baby
I want to feel safe and loved


Don't lie, I want 'em to know
I want people to be honest with me, no matter what the truth is


God's loves die young, is he ready to go?
People who are loved by God die young, are you ready for that?


It's the last time running through snow
This is the final opportunity to do something fun or exciting, like running through snow


Where the vaults are full and the fire is bold
This is a place where wealth and passion are abundant


I want to know, does it bother you?
I am curious if something is bothering you


The low click of a ticking clock
The sound of a clock ticking away time


There's a lifetime right in front of you
You have your entire life ahead of you


And everyone I know
All the people I know


Young Turks, young Saturday nights
Young and adventurous people who love to go out on weekends


Young hips shouldn't break on the ice
Young people should not be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if it's dangerous


Old flames, they can warm you tonight
Past love interests can still provide comfort and warmth


So keep it cool, my baby
Stay calm and collected, my dear


Got love feelings and the tournament's gold
There are strong feelings of love and competition


'Cause the fire can't last and the winter's cold
Passion and excitement cannot last forever, and life can be hard and cruel at times


There's a headstone right in front of you
Death is always looming, and you need to make the most of your time




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rostam Batmanglij, Ezra Koenig

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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