Release date: May 12, 2017
I’ve been keeping little things
Away from you
Just outside of your view
I was banking on a miss
I’m bound to this
I can’t keep playing cool
You go on and on and leave me vacant
Hang me out to dry and call it over
Running out of lies to keep it blatant
You’re much better off to walk away
I know if I keep it from you
Keep it from you
Ocean drives around in Malibu
I know if I tell you the truth
Tell you the truth
I might lose you
So it’s better if I keep it from you
When it’s easier to lie
Than tell the truth
It’s like I’m split in two
I’m an enemy to me
Not hard to see
Got nothing to do with you
Reflection & Info
This song was first teased in March in a VLOG, which detailed their trip to New Zealand in the previous month. When it was finally released, there was an immediate following. More importantly, “Keep It From You” spoke to so many people because of how relatable the lyrics were. GLADES isn’t successful just because of their catchy music. Something that they consistently do with their writing is simply connect with their listeners in the rawest of emotions and experiences.
When I contemplate about the song, I see two people involved – the singer and the person she is singing about. On the surface, the lyrics are easy to understand. However, the really touching part of this song is how you (as the listener) internalize the song, and whether you put yourself in the position of either the person holding back (the singer) or the one who is oblivious (singer’s partner). On both sides, there is fear of the unknown, and the most painful part might be that there is no conclusive resolution or reconciliation for whatever “it” is.
As powerful as the lyrics are, the stanzas are written with impressive poetry and rhyme schemes. In terms of music, the beat overall is more pop-like, with the usual GLADES flare added. This song also entirely omits a bridge – lyrics and music; there is likely no need for anything additional, as the singer is just constantly pondering the same things over and over.
Is it really better, or is she just trying to convince herself that it is?
TL;DR & Related Media
• The song has no bridge at all
• Powerful dilemma, for anyone in love
• Maybe both people might get hurt at any time, without realizing
Keep It From You (live & stripped), with interview for WFNM