Vance Joy (born James Keogh in Melbourne) is an Australian singer-songwrite… Read Full Bio ↴Vance Joy (born James Keogh in Melbourne) is an Australian singer-songwriter. His debut EP God Loves You When You're Dancing was released in March 2013. The single "Riptide" became a success on Australian commercial radio and was certified Platinum by the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA). It was followed up by Dream Your Life Away, his first full-length album, in 2014, featuring the 2 singles from "God Loves You When Your Dancing" alongside many new songs, which went number 1 in Australia and number 2 in Canada, as well as charting in many other countries, eventually being certified a total of 6 times platinum.

Feeding on a diet of The Pogues, Paul Kelly, and whatever else was playing, Joy cut his teeth performing at open mic nights in Melbourne. His style is folk music with pop influences. His songs capture the familiar pulse of everyday experiences in a unique and celebratory manner. His lyrics reach out to you and hold on for a moment.

03 Play with fire
Vance Joy Lyrics

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I'm done, I'm done, I don't care how you feel
I'm done, I'm done for now
And I see, I see with every glance that I steal
I'm done, I'm done for now
You say you're used to playin with fire
You say you're heart is on your sleeve
You say you're sometimes sentimental
Well that ain't showin through to me

And I see, I see that I could do no wrong
In my old mans eyes
And I swear, I swear that I would try it on
Before the day I die

You say you're used to playin with fire
You say you're heart is on your sleeve
You say you're sometimes sentimental
Well that ain't showin through to me

And I guess I knew it
This whole time
But these old feelings
They make me blind

You say you're used to playin with fire
You say you're heart is on your sleeve
You say you're sometimes sentimental
Well that ain't showin through to me
You say you're used to playin with fire
You say you're heart is on your sleeve

You say you're sometimes sentimental
Well that ain't showin through to me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Vance Joy's song "Play with Fire" describe a relationship that has ended due to the singer feeling like they are not getting enough emotional vulnerability from their partner. The song's opening lines express the singer's sense of finality and apathy towards their partner's feelings, indicating that they are ready to move on. The repetitive chorus shows that the partner claims to be "playing with fire" and wearing their heart on their sleeve, but the singer feels that their actions do not align with their words.

In the second verse, the singer looks back on a past where they felt loved and validated by someone else - their "old man" - but now feels disconnected from their current partner. They express a desire to experience that sense of warmth and security again, even if it means trying on their partner's emotions before they die.

The last two lines speak to the overall theme of the song, which is the frustration of being in a relationship with someone who claims to be one way but acts another. The singer has known this all along, but still finds themselves attached to their partner despite their lack of emotional depth.

Overall, "Play with Fire" is a poignant reflection on the struggle for intimacy within a romantic relationship. Despite the singer's desire for real connection, they find themselves stuck with someone who plays at being vulnerable without actually opening up.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm done, I'm done, I don't care how you feel
I have reached my limit and I do not care about your emotions

I'm done, I'm done for now
I have reached a point where I need a break

And I see, I see with every glance that I steal
I notice everything even in fleeting moments

You say you're used to playing with fire
You claim to be familiar with danger and risk-taking

You say you're heart is on your sleeve
You claim to be open about your emotions

You say you're sometimes sentimental
You admit to being emotional sometimes

Well that ain't showing through to me
I am not seeing proof of your claims

And I see, I see that I could do no wrong
I am aware that in my father's eyes, I am faultless

And I swear, I swear that I would try it on
I promise that I will take the opportunity before I die

And I guess I knew it, This whole time
Deep down, I knew the truth all along

But these old feelings, They make me blind
My emotions from the past are clouding my judgment