I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from down
I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from...

Man I feel like hell so come on over
Be a love machine and I could be your friend
Ain't no shame feel strong for one another
Make a real true color come end to end then
God damn, change of pace
I think there's still a piece of my heart on your face
It's a shame to let it waste
How does it taste? How does it taste?

Break it down in pieces, make it simple
'Cause you know damn well that I'm a simple man
All these things go changing like the weather
And they stay that way until the weather man says
One down, gone to waste
I think there's still a piece of that smile on your face
And I would like to see it erased
There ain't no two ways about it

I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from down
I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from down, down, down

Bring it on then gone, use a lover
Like a cigarette the way that lovers do
One sweet song that starts a little slow and
Then goes on and on and makes you want to
Move around the room in circles
Everybody wants to be you
Try to find my place up on the map
Of all men you've been through
Dig a little deeper and you'll realize
All I'm building up you're tearing down

I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from down
I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from down, down, down, down, down

All you needed was a crutch
One step away from down
I could never be your crutch
I could break you down

I don't want to be the crutch
I don't want to be the crutch
I don't want to be the crutch
One step away from...



Lyrics submitted by punkmebabygal

Track duration: 03:25

"Crutch" as written by Rob Thomas

Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Crutch song meanings
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11 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:When I first heard the song (prior to hearing what Rob said the song was about), I thought it was a classic case of "friends with benefits." It all goes bad when the guy falls for the girl - and she doesn't return that feeling. She's just relying on him for the sex, to fill in that emptiness inside of her.

    "I think there's still a peice of my heart on your face, it's a shame to let it waste."

    He wants more than what they have, but she doesn't. It's really sad when you think about it. I love this song - it's probably one of my favorite Matchbox Twenty songs.
    Flag onewaronemoreon November 26, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Rob said:
    “I made it more universal, but it’s about my old guitar players from my last band. It’s kind of my big finger to them. It’s probably one of my favorites.”
    Flag mb20lifehouseon April 10, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Believe me delial, you are not alone!. It's a great song to let all those feelings out and move on. Or at least "try" to move on...It's been almost a year after my post above and I could say I'm quite still in the same situation...
    Flag Gabigson July 17, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Believe me delial, you are not alone!. It's a great song to let all those feelings out and move on. Or at least "try" to move on...It's been almost a year after my post above and I could say I'm quite still in the same situation...
    Flag Gabigson July 17, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:once again Gabigs, I agree with you wholeheartedly...I don't have much more to add but it makes me happy someone else feels the same about the song...I don't feel so alone now.

    this is also one of my favorite songs from this album.

    "Try to find my place up on the map
    Of all men you've been through
    Dig a little deeper and you'll realize
    All I'm building up you're tearing down,"

    those are my favorite lines, too.
    Flag delialon June 28, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think he could be talking about a relationship where the physical element has taken over from the emotional element of their love. He feels like the emotional love is almost gone from the relationship, and all of a sudden it's all about sex.

    And now he just feels like she's using him as a crutch, someone who she can get her dose of loving from.

    On top of that, I really think Gabigs is definitely on the right track. I agree with your thoughts.
    Flag critch48on January 25, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I can see this inspired by frienships going bad. But at the same time, I think that Rob turns it into a "loving" thing.
    I've always thought it was about the guy feeling like crap after being used by a a woman (maybe at first just a friend of his) that obviously didn't feel anything special for him, he was just another one in her list. He feels angry about it and can't understand the coolness of this woman. She is only there for him when she needs something, and he can't stand that situation anymore.
    I give it that interpretation, since I can relate to it, you feel so attached to the person and the memory of what you did together, but you can't help feeling angry and hurt inside. So, my favourite lines:

    "I think there's still a piece of my heart on your face
    It's a shame to let it waste
    How does it taste? How does it taste?..."

    "Try to find my place up on the map
    Of all men you've been through
    Dig a little deeper and you'll realize
    All I'm building up you're tearing down"

    That last one is particularly touching for me...when at the end of the day you realise that you've been "one more in her/his bed" and nothing more to be remembered because she/he never cared for it.
    Flag Gabigson August 18, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:its about a guy who doesn't wanna be used by a girl for support. he wants to really be loved by her.
    Flag happily_sullenon April 17, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I thought that it was someting to do with someone asking him for help or suppport, as a crutch is something you lean on when you have a broken leg.
    and hes just saying he doesnt want to be that person.... i could be way off, but thats what comes to mind.
    Flag Pliskinon February 05, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:That would sound plausible if one hadn't heard the lyrics before hand. It doesn't make sense. Why would he say "Man I feel like hell so come on over be a love machine and I could be your friend" if he was talking about old band members? I think it's about a guy who's in a relationship with a girl, but all he wants out of it is the sex. "Be a love machine and I could be your friend." But on the other side, she's serious about the relationship, hence "I don't wanna be the crutch" I don't wanna be the one that you stand on for support, I just want you for one thing.
    Flag mb20rox111on November 04, 2004   Link

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