Meaning of Keep on by Eric Church

In Eric Church's song titled 'Keep On', the overall theme revolves around a love triangle and the protagonist's determination to win over the object of his affection. Through a blend of catchy country music and clever lyrics, Church delves into the complexities of desire, competition, and the pursuit of happiness. Let's take a closer look at some standout lyrics and the imaginative themes they help develop.The song begins with the lines, "Yeah, I see you over there makin' eyes at me, like you don't wanna get caught." These words set the stage for a forbidden attraction, where the object of the singer's desire is caught in a web of commitment to another person. This lyric helps develop the theme of forbidden love, highlighting the tension that arises when feelings defy societal expectations.Continuing, Church sings, "I see you tryin' to hide that fire inside, but your hold me back's almost gone." Here, the theme of self-restraint comes to the forefront. The protagonist recognizes the struggle within his love interest, who yearns to break free from a stifling relationship. This lyric underscores the internal battle both characters face and encapsulates the desire for freedom and true passion.As the song progresses, Church introduces the love interest's partner, described as "the cowboy on your arm." This lyric prompts us to explore the theme of masculinity and dominance. The cowboy represents the old-fashioned, traditional man who asserts his territoriality. However, the protagonist, confident in his own abilities, challenges this dominance, leading to a clash between their contrasting versions of masculinity.In the chorus, Church croons, "Yeah, so keep on lookin' at me that way, that way we can move this along." This line emphasizes the power of a glance and the connection it signifies. It suggests the electric current that runs between two people when their eyes meet, providing a segue into the theme of unspoken desire. The unspoken communicates more than words ever could, as it fosters a connection that drives the narrative forward.Another compelling lyric comes when Church sings, "You can back off and let her dance with me and live to fight another day." This line delves into the theme of conflict and its potential resolution. Instead of escalating the situation, the protagonist offers the rival an opportunity to retreat gracefully, maintaining his dignity. By doing so, he showcases the value of choosing compromise over confrontation in matters of the heart.Lastly, Church concludes the song with the lines, "Yeah, I love the way the sun's comin' through, and bouncin' off the small of your back." This lyric introduces the theme of appreciating moments of beauty amidst the chaos of emotional entanglements. By focusing on the warming rays of the sun and the alluring curves of his love interest, the protagonist finds solace in the fleeting joy of the present moment, even when faced with external challenges.In 'Keep On', Eric Church skillfully explores themes of forbidden love, self-restraint, masculinity, unspoken desire, conflict resolution, and appreciating moments of beauty. Through carefully crafted lyrics, he weaves a tale of competing desires, capturing the complexities of human relationships. Whether you find yourself caught in a similar web of emotions or not, this song serves as a reminder to embrace the power of glances, compromise, and finding beauty in unexpected places. So, keep on listening to Eric Church's evocative tunes, and keep on discovering the multitude of emotions they can evoke.