| “ | I started "Mean It" from the perspective of what I thought somebody might want to say to me (I’m not perfect and I’ll be the first to admit it). Paul [Klein] and I had been talking about working together for a long time, then one day I texted him the idea for the song and it just clicked. So we all got in the studio and had a grand ol’ time finishing the record. I’ve been a fan of LANY for a long time, and I think it’s a perfect blend of our two sounds, so I’m super stoked and honored to have this song together. | ” |
— Lauv
| ||
"Mean It" is a song by American singer Lauv and American indie pop band LANY. It was released on November 14, 2019 as the seventh single from Lauv's debut studio album, How I'm Feeling (2020).
Background[]
"Mean It" is the first collaboration between pop artists Lauv and LANY. The song describes the feeling of wanting to mean more to someone who only sees you as a second choice.
LANY teased the song by calling it "the only collaboration that matters", and later said "this couldn’t be more pure 100% lauv 100% LANY." On the day of the release, Lauv said:
- "LAUV X LANY WAS A FANTASY FOR A LONG TIME BUT NOW ITS REAL I LOVE THIS SONG"
Lauv said the following on Instagram:
- "the first time i met paul we sat in my studio for hours and just talked. about life, love, relationships, growing up, how drake is the best communicator of a generation lol. everything. i felt like i could say anything and it would be safe. so when i sent paul the demo of mean it and he wanted to do it together, i was super stoked. working with someone you not only love musically, but that you connect with on a real level is the best thing in the world. i’m so proud of what we made. it’s so lany. it’s so lauv."
Lyrics[]
[Lauv:]
Small talk, no conversation
That look makes me impatient
I can't tell what you're thinking
Please, tell me what you're thinking
Last night, we were more than fine
Just tell me if you changed your mind
If you changed your mind (Mind)
'Cause I'm all, I'm all in
I'm calling, no answer
Would you text me when you feel like?
When it feels right to you
But I'm all, I'm all in
I'm falling faster
But if you're looking at me with a heart of doubt
Don't kiss me right now
Don't tell me that you need me
Don't show up at my house
All caught up in your feelings
Don't run me 'round and 'round
Don't build me up just to let me down
Just to let me down, down, down (Hey)
Don't mess with my head
Don't tell me you're falling
With your feet still on the ledge
I'm all out of breath
Baby, don't run me 'round and 'round
Don't kiss me, no, don't kiss me right now
On your lips, just leave it
If you don't mean it
[Paul Klein:]
Oh, yeah
You know you got me in the palm of your hand
But I love those hands
Oh, yeah
But you only let me hold you when he can't
Yeah, I don't understand
'Cause I'm all, I'm all in
I'm calling, no answer
Would you text me when you feel like?
When it feels right to you
But I'm all, I'm all in
I'm falling faster
But if you're looking at me with a heart of doubt
Don't kiss me right now
Don't tell me that you need me
Don't show up at my house
All caught up in your feelings
Don't run me 'round and 'round
Don't build me up just to let me down
Just to let me down, down, down (Hey)
Don't mess with my head
Don't tell me you're falling
With your feet still on the ledge
I'm all out of breath
Baby, don't run me 'round and 'round
Don't kiss me, no, don't kiss me right now
On your lips, just leave it
If you don't mean it
[Paul Klein & Lauv:]
Hurry home, let's never leave the house (But you don't mean it)
Let's stay in bed while all our friends go out (But you don't mean it)
Why you let those words come out of your mouth? (If you don't mean it)
You've been staring at me with a heart of doubt (Ah)
Don't kiss me right now
Don't tell me that you need me
Don't show up at my house
All caught up in your feelings
Don't run me 'round and 'round
Don't build me up just to let me down
Just to let me down, down, down (Hey)
Don't mess with my head
Don't tell me you're falling
With your feet still on the ledge
I'm all out of breath
Baby, don't run me 'round and 'round
Don't kiss me, no, don't kiss me right now
On your lips, just leave it
If you don't mean it