"I Keep A Close Watch" is a song by John Cale, an influential musician and former member of the band The Velvet Underground. The song was released in 1975 as part of his album "Helen of Troy." The lyrics suggest a sense of indecision and confusion, as the narrator feels stuck between two opposing forces or choices. The lines "Never win and never lose, There's nothing much to choose, Between the right and wrong" convey a feeling of being stuck in a state of limbo, unable to make a decision or determine what is right or wrong. The narrator also expresses a sense of longing and attachment to someone. The line "Still things aren't quite the same, Between you and me" implies that something has changed in their relationship, perhaps indicating a distance or disconnect. The following lines "I still hear your voice at night, When I turn out the light, And try to settle down" suggest that even though the person is physically absent, their presence still lingers in the narrator's thoughts and memories. The chorus, "I keep a close watch on this heart of mine," reinforces the idea of the narrator's emotional struggle. They are constantly monitoring their own heart, implying a sense of vulnerability and fear of being hurt. The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance the narrator places on protecting themselves emotionally. Overall, the song portrays a sense of emotional turmoil and the difficulty of moving on after a loss or change in a relationship. It captures the internal struggle of the narrator as they try to make sense of their emotions and maintain their emotional well-being.
