Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear, this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Takin' this one to the grave
If I show you, then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

Why do you smile
Like you've been told a secret
Now you're tellin' lies
'Cause you have sworn to keep it
But no one keeps a secret
No one keeps a secret
Why when we do our darkest deeds
Do we tell?
They burn in our brains
Become a living hell
'Cause everybody tells
Everyone tells

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear, this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Takin' this one to the grave
If I show you, then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

Look into my eyes
Now you're getting sleepy
Are you hypnotized
By secrets that you're keeping?
I know what you're keeping
I know what you're keeping

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear, this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Takin' this one to the grave
If I show you, then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

"Allison?"
"Yes, Catherine"
"I have something I want to tell you, but
You have to promise to never tell anyone"
"I promise"
"Do you swear on your life?"
"I swear on my life"

You swore you'd never tell
You swore you'd never tell
You swore you'd never tell
You swore you'd never tell

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear, this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Takin' this one to the grave
If I show you, then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear, this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Takin' this one to the grave
If I show you, then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear, this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Takin' this one to the grave
If I show you, then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

Yes, two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
Yes, two can keep a secret
If one of us is dead


Lyrics submitted by analogue

Secret Lyrics as written by Catherine Eleanor Pierce Allison Margaret Pierce

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Secret song meanings
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24 Comments

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  • +6
    My Interpretation

    Alright, lets disect this shit.

    got a secret. can you keep it? swear this one you'll save. better lock it in your pocket, taking this one to the grave. if i show you, then i know you wont tell what i said. because two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

    First verse is basically establishing the gothic (ish) vibe in the song. The singer's saying that the secret must be kept secret, or basically she'll kill the other girl.

    why do you smile like you've been told a secret? now you're telling lies, because you just want to keep it. but no one keeps a secret. no one keeps a secret.

    Second verse is about the other girl being told a secret. The singer saying that no one keeps a secret.

    why when do our darkest deeds do we tell? they burn in our brains, become a living hell. because everybody tells. everybody tells.

    The rest is probably easy enough to figure out. The songs basically straight foward and east to get. Has to be one of my favourite songs right now.

    Third verse is questioning why we share our secrets. How they become a burden in our own minds as we think about them over, and over, until we can't bear it and tell someone.

    BunnyBeeRoseon August 21, 2010   Link
  • +4
    General Comment

    I completely agree with what Reedstar and andsoshedanced said. Especially about the voice speeding up and becoming more frantic near the end of the song, and the line being changed from; "Yes, two can keep a secret if one of them is dead." to "Yes, two can keep a secret if one of US is dead."

    Also, I think it's funny (and a little ironic) how this song is the theme to Pretty Little Liars, and they say the name Allison in it.

    rskid14on August 12, 2010   Link
  • +3
    My Opinion

    To be honest? I think it's more about wanting to get the secret out, wanting to tell the person you trust most but if they would ever tell then you want to murder them, and they have already murdered you by denying the trust you have so given.

    I don't think it's totally about actually murdering someone, it's frantic frenzy of wanting to spill but so terrified that perhaps they can't be trusted at all. Just imagine frantic eyes, someone's been thinking and turns to the other 'Catherine.' 'Yes Alison.' the threat becomes somewhat of a joke, but can't help but wonder how angry the person would be.

    Of course, when you you keep a secret and something is asked of you relating to a secret... you're kinda forced into dodge lying, aren't you? Another thing, toward the end of the song she sounds even more frantic like the person may have let it slip. Maybe not. It's such an accusation in her voice.

    Just an opinion. Favorite song by far, the kind of thing that makes you want to apply white make up, wear a top hat, fishnet stockings and point a cane about in wind up doll dance.

    Reedstaron May 29, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is sooo sexy/dangerous.

    nicoleslaw89on December 11, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    this song is so different and i love it, alot of people i know thinks its freaky butt whatev its amazing. and truee.

    anonymous girlon December 19, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    The names spoken in this song, "Allison" and "Catherine" aka Cat, are the Pierces, a Los Angeles-based band consisting of two sisters.

    9Nailson July 28, 2014   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    how did you have these lyrics so far in advance?

    i love this song.

    madam mayhemon May 05, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this song is so fresh and unique, love it!

    BoundlessAsTheDarKon December 06, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    ace song awesome lyrics ridiculously good harmonies such a unique band

    alohaaon December 06, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i love this song. the sound is so...different. and it just sounds cool. (:

    elis3xxon December 06, 2007   Link

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