Meaning of "Plead The Fifth" by Kip Moore

"Plead The Fifth" by Kip Moore explores the complexity of emotions associated with a past love. The song portrays a narrator who is unable to let go of their feelings for someone, even though they may not be together anymore. The lyrics suggest that the narrator still misses this person, as indicated by the line "Do I miss you? I can't say I don't." The use of the phrase "Plead the Fifth" in the title and throughout the song, commonly associated with the right to remain silent in court, adds an element of secrecy and emotional vulnerability. By refusing to answer questions about his feelings, the narrator is protecting himself from potential judgment or heartbreak that may arise from admitting the truth. The reference to Tennessee serves as a symbolic reminder of the person and memories associated with them, implying that the narrator often finds themselves lost in thoughts of their past love. Additionally, the narrator's hesitancy to let go of these emotions is emphasized by the line "Drown myself in 90 proof," suggesting that they try to numb their pain through alcohol. The repeated phrase "Uh huh uh huh" and the mention of a hand on the Bible and another on a bottle hint at the internal conflict the narrator faces between emotion and self-protection. Ultimately, the narrator's plea to the fifth reinforces their unwillingness to reveal the depth of their feelings, as they fear the consequences of being vulnerable. The song captures the struggle of holding onto love despite the pain, and the internal battle one faces when confronted with the past.