Do You Follow

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of two individuals grappling with a complex, intertwined relationship where personal identity and freedom are constantly negotiated. One narrator observes a perceived similarity between themselves and the other, yet immediately questions it, stating, "You're not a jailer, but I'm not free." This sets up an immediate tension: a feeling of being held back or defined by the other, even without explicit confinement. The dependence is palpable, as the narrator admits, "I still hang on every word that you say," highlighting a deep, perhaps unhealthy, fixation. Sarah Martin's verses introduce a profound sense of blurred boundaries. She describes them as "points along a line, but I don't see a boundary," suggesting a shared existence where individual selves are indistinguishable. The idea of being "punched out from the same old cast" and "vessels and we contain the past" further emphasizes this shared, almost predetermined, nature of their connection. This lack of clear separation creates an existential unease, questioning where one person ends and the other begins. The dynamic shifts with the seasons, as one narrator "stick[s] around for the spring" but then "go[es] free-ranging" in the summer, seeking individual expression. Yet, the question lingers: "Is it me or just the world that's changing?" This internal conflict between the need for autonomy and the pull of the relationship is mirrored in the chorus's desperate plea, "When you gonna call me?" The imagery of being "waiting like a coiled spring" perfectly captures the pent-up anticipation and readiness for connection, a stark contrast to the summer's freedom. Ultimately, the song questions the nature of communication and understanding within this bond. Sarah's repeated refrain, "It really doesn't matter what I say, do you follow?" coupled with the yearning in the chorus, suggests a deep-seated doubt about whether their true selves are ever truly seen or understood by the other. The song captures the painful paradox of feeling deeply connected yet profoundly alone, always waiting for a call that may never come, or for the other person to truly grasp their essence.