The Black Keys – Tighten Up

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I wanted love, I needed love
Most of all, most of all

Someone said "True Love" was dead
And I'm bound to fall
Bound to fall for you

Oh, what can I do?

Take my badge, but my heart remains
Loving you, baby, child

Tighten up on your reins, you're running wild

It's true

Sick for days

So many ways

I'm aching now, I'm aching now

It's times like these, I need relief
Please show me how, show me how

To get right
Yes, out of sight

When I was young and moving fast
Nothing slowed me down, slowed me down

Now I let the others pass
I've come around, come around

Because I found

Living just to keep going
Going just to be sane

All the while I know
It's such a shame

I don't need to get steady
I know just how I feel

Telling you to be ready, my dear

Send "Tighten Up" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by josephtime, edited by bcm1866

Track duration: 03:31


Tighten Up song meanings
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16 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I thought it was "Someone said your love was dead, and I'm bound to fall"
    Flag Mathstar1on April 01, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:it's actually been said that this song is somewhat about, with using references, between patrick carney and dan auerbachs relationship as friends, supporters, and bandmates. carney was going through a divorce at the time and it tested their relationship together and it made them stronger, hence the name "tighten up".
    Flag mkr1023on May 18, 2012   Link
  • 0
    Memory:Unrequited Love, been there done that. I don't recommend it but I'll do it again in a heartbeat.
    Flag RonLeeon February 07, 2012   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I think a man has found a girl that makes him insane with his love for her. She is still running wild, and he is chasing her. He never used to be like this until he met her, but she is not ready to slow down herself yet. He knows exactly how he feels however, she is still running around doing her thing.
    Flagged nicolebrilleon February 07, 2012   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:I don't understand this part of the song:
    "Living just to keep going
    Going just to be sane"

    May anybody explain me the meaning?
    Flag withoutmusiclifewouldbeamistakeon November 01, 2011   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    General Comment:he used to be a diffenernt lover then he is now
    Flag erererereon October 20, 2010   Link
  • +3
    Lyric Correction:CORRECTED LYRICS:

    I wanted love, I needed love
    Most of all, Most of all..

    Someone said "True Love" was dead
    but I'm bound to fall for you.

    Oh what can I do?

    Take my badge, but my heart remains
    Loving you, Baby, child..

    Tighten up on your reigns, you're running wild.
    Running wild. It's true.

    Sick for days...
    So many ways...
    I'm aching now, I'm aching now...

    It's times like these, I need relief.
    Please show me how, Show me how..
    To get right..
    Yes out of sight...


    When I was young, and moving fast,
    Nothing slowed me down, Slowed me down.

    Now I let the others pass,
    I've come around, Come around.
    'Cause I found...

    Living just to keep going,
    Going just to be sane.
    All the while not knowin',
    Such a shame.

    I don't need to get steady,
    I know just what to feel.
    Telling me to be ready... my dear.
    Flag albertocespedeson August 12, 2010   Link
    • 2 Replies
  • 0
    General Comment:In an interview in May 2010 the lead singer stated that the song was about his relationship with his band mate and drummer Patrick Carney, he said Pat had a really difficult year and a divorce and that the song is about them going through these life experiences together and how it only made their relationship stronger in the end. :) Nice song, I love the Black Keys, the video is super cute too :)
    Flag kitkatpack28on July 23, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song is just filthy in all the most wonderful ways. love the bridge. love the album. love the band.
    Flag lostatlimboon July 06, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i really like this song!
    to me its about reminicing on better days, when they were younger, and when they were in love, etc.
    Flag passionpiton June 10, 2010   Link

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