Careful Where You Stand Lyrics

Lyric discussion by okteds 

Cover art for Careful Where You Stand lyrics by Coldplay

This might sound strange but I agree with both AgathaKavka and Jplay. I think this song is about someone who is desperately in love with someone and although she really cares for him, she doesn't share the same feelings. She feels bad that there is nothing that she can do to help him: she can't make herself love him in return and he realizes this. He doesn't want to see her racked with guilt so "he'll feel better if she wants him to." But even if he can't BE with her, it still helps just to be with her. All he asks is that she be careful with how she treats him because she has the ability to make him feel really good or really depressed.

I always thought the "quiet time" line had one of two meanings. Either sometimes he needs to get away because having her around can sometimes be a painful reminder of what he doesn't have. Or maybe it's his way of saying I need to move on and leave you because the pain of being this close to you without the same feelings in return is just too much.

But either way, the two really do care for eachother, even if the feelings aren't the same, and they will always be looking out for one another.

I like your interpretation of this meaning. It's very much a kin to mine. If you think about it, this song really is quite saddening...who's to say this guy isn't in love with his best friend who happens to be in love with someone else? That could explain why they always look out for each other. Strangely enough, I still really enjoy listening to this song though it has such a tearful vibe.

this is a really deep interpret, but i think the "quiet time" could be like, they're together, and he just wants quiet time with her, even though he can't be with her, for a moment, it seems like it, and she is his.

love your interpretation! So, I like a quiet time, please Yeah, I like a quiet time

I think that in this part he is admitting that he knows that being with her makes him feel wrong, so he asks her please to let him go, but this part of him isn´t as strong as the part that wants to be with her