Keep Me Up

Charlotte Lawrence's song "Keep Me Up" delves into the emotional and physical turmoil caused by a toxic relationship. The lyrics vividly describe the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress, such as a racing heart, sweating, and shaking. These symptoms are not just physical but also deeply emotional, highlighting the profound impact this relationship has on the singer's well-being. The repetition of the phrase "you're keeping me awake at night" underscores the relentless nature of this distress, making it clear that the presence of this person is both mentally and physically exhausting.

The song also explores the conflicting emotions that come with such a relationship. On one hand, the singer expresses a desire to have this person in their life, as seen in the lines "I want you in my life." However, this is immediately contradicted by the repeated assertion that they don't want this person in their life. This push-and-pull dynamic is a common theme in toxic relationships, where the allure of the person is intertwined with the pain they cause. The lyrics "you take, and you take, and you take" suggest a one-sided relationship where the other person is draining the singer emotionally.

Furthermore, the song touches on the difficulty of escaping this cycle. The singer's mind is constantly searching for a way to blame someone else or find a distraction, but the silence and the presence of this person are overwhelming. The line "I can feel you running through my veins" metaphorically suggests that this person has become an inseparable part of the singer's life, making it even harder to break free. The song concludes with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that sometimes understanding why things happen is elusive, but life goes on regardless.