"Out Your Window" is a song by John Cale, and the lyrics depict a sense of concern and desperation for someone who is contemplating jumping out of their window. The narrator pledges to break their fall, hold them close, and keep them calm. They plead with the person not to go and emphasize the need for them to stay. The song begins with the narrator outside, waiting to meet the person in the lunchtime sun along with other people who seem to be emotionally distressed ("screaming maniacs"). However, as they look up, they notice the silhouette of the person on the roof. The narrator quickly runs up the stairs to reach them, urging them to come down from the dangerous place they are in. The chorus acts as a repeated plea for the person not to jump, emphasizing that the narrator is concerned about their safety. They do not want them to take such a drastic action and want to sail away with them, metaphorically indicating their willingness to support and be there for them. The repeated line, "Don't you be jumping out, don't you be jumping out, your window," reinforces the urgency and concern in the narrator's voice, hoping to dissuade the person from taking such a drastic action. Towards the end of the song, the narrator offers to go with the person if they want to leave, asking them to take them along and ultimately pleading for them to come home. The repetition of "Please, please come home" sheds light on the emotional torment and desperation that the narrator feels, wanting the person to return and be safe. Overall, "Out Your Window" explores themes of support, empathy, and the desperate need to prevent someone from making a life-threatening decision. The song is a poignant plea to a person in distress, urging them to reconsider and assuring them that they are not alone.
