The lyrics convey the narrator's realization of giving away too much of themselves, resulting in heartbreak and disappointment. They have received a letter warning them against believing certain things, but they struggle to maintain their guard up. Despite feeling burned by past experiences, the narrator decides to keep their emotions to themselves and avoid committing to anyone new.

Meaning of "Keepin' It To Myself" by Average White Band

The lyrics of "Keepin' It To Myself" by Average White Band delve into the theme of self-preservation and the emotional walls people build to protect themselves from getting hurt. The narrator reflects on past experiences where they have given their heart away only to be let down, leading them to the decision to keep their emotions bottled up inside. This internal struggle between the desire for connection and the fear of vulnerability is a universal experience. The letter warning the narrator not to believe certain things could symbolize the external influences trying to caution them against falling into the same old pattern of heartbreak. The decision to withhold their emotions and refrain from committing to love shows a sense of self-awareness and a desire to break the cycle of hurt. Overall, the lyrics capture the internal conflict between opening up to love and protecting oneself from potential pain, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and relationships.