The lyrics of "Keep" speak about finding solace in stillness, shared breaths, and private moments, but also about the desire to break free and shed emotional burdens.

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Meaning of "Keep" by Sharon Van Etten


The lyrics of "Keep" paint a picture of intimacy and vulnerability, as the singer asks her partner to stay still so she can find them in moments of need, illustrating a desire for emotional connection and understanding. The repeated refrain of "keep" represents both a desire to hold onto fleeting moments of happiness and a plea to not keep emotions bottled up or hidden. The line "Don't cry for me, I can't either, I can't weep" reveals a sense of emotional distance, perhaps stemming from a fear of vulnerability, while the desire to break free and shed emotional burdens adds a layer of complexity to the song's themes. Overall, "Keep" delves into the complexities of human connection, the struggle to be truly understood, and the need for emotional release.