Keep Up

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a chaotic, disorienting environment where the narrator and a companion are trying to navigate a world of deceit and external threats. The opening verse immediately establishes a sense of unease, with imagery of a "broadcast on a bedroom floor" and "broken politics," suggesting a pervasive sense of societal breakdown. The narrator feels alienated, noting that "noone at the party ever seems to say anything right," and urges their companion to "keep up out of your memory," implying a need to shed past experiences to survive the present, which is framed as being "surrounded by enemy fire." The core tension arises from a relationship built on shared deception and a desperate need for connection amidst external judgment. The narrator admits to being "broke from loving a hypocrite" who profits from deceit, highlighting a cycle of betrayal. The line "What's left to believe when you're born on your hands and knees?" points to a deep-seated cynicism, suggesting a feeling of being inherently disadvantaged or trapped. Despite this, the chorus reveals a defiant intimacy: "Two lovers cut from each other still good for another hit," indicating a codependent bond that thrives on shared vice or escapism, seeking solace in "never get[ting] too high." A striking element is the recurring metaphor of war and survival, juxtaposed with intimate declarations of loyalty. The lyrics speak of "enemy fire," "take cover, lie for each other," and a "war isn't over just waiting for another ship to arrive / And take us all out." This external conflict is mirrored internally by the narrator's plea in the bridge: "As long as we pull the trigger we'll be alright / And this city is your radio... As long as we stay together we'll be alright." The city itself becomes a source of constant noise and potential danger, yet the shared commitment offers a fragile sense of security against annihilation. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw portrayal of a relationship that finds strength in mutual defense against a hostile world, even if that defense is built on shaky foundations. The contrast between the bleak external circumstances and the intense, almost desperate, bond between the two lovers creates a compelling narrative of shared survival. The repeated refrain that "we'll be alright" serves not as a statement of confidence, but as a mantra, a desperate hope whispered against the encroaching chaos.