Meaning of "You Keep Me Hanging On" by The Box Tops

The lyrics of "You Keep Me Hanging On" by The Box Tops delve into the anguish and longing of someone stuck in a one-sided relationship. The singer is pleading for liberation from a situation where they are being kept hanging on despite the other person's lack of genuine feelings. The repeated requests to be set free and allowed to move on highlight the emotional turmoil and desperation to break free from the cycle of hurt and longing. The mention of a desire to be friends after a breakup, even though it causes heartbreak, showcases the internal conflict of wanting to hold on to a connection that is no longer healthy. Overall, the lyrics capture the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to find closure in a relationship that has lingered past its expiration date.