NeedToBreathe - Return Lyrics
Lyrics
I won't be the circus for you to star in
I won't leave you roses to watch them die
You won't be the heartache that keeps me sleepless
You won't be the songs that I could never write
I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall
I don't want to have to see you leave me
I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall in love
Maybe I'm a fake, maybe you're a lie
Maybe our last chance died with last night
I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall in love with you again
I won't be a fortress for you to hide in
I won't be the first one you think to call
You won't be the regrets that I can't live with
And we won't be the last ones to ever have to lose it all
When we're scared and lonely
We will tell ourselves we're only
Just a word from what we needed
But we know that this ain't right
I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall
I don't want to have to see you leave me
I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall in love
Maybe I'm a fake, maybe you're a lie
Maybe our last chance died with last night
I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall in love with you again
I can't stay
I can't fall for you again
Video
NEEDTOBREATHE - "Return"
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on August 28, 2007, as part of NeedToBreathe’s compelling album, *The Heat*, the song "Return" delves into the raw, often agonizing, process of confronting a detrimental relationship and the formidable task of establishing boundaries. It is a powerful narrative of self-preservation, not born of selfishness, but from a profound understanding that some connections, no matter how deeply felt, ultimately drain life rather than nourish it. The song captures the internal struggle of recognizing a destructive pattern and summoning the courage to break free, a journey many of us face in various forms throughout our lives.
The core of "Return" lies in the speaker's resolute declarations, beginning with phrases like, "I won't be the circus for you to star in" and "I won't leave you roses to watch them die." These aren't merely expressions of hurt, but intentional statements of disengagement from a role that diminishes one's spirit and enables another's unhealthy patterns. This resonates deeply with biblical wisdom urging us to guard our hearts above all else, for everything we do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). It speaks to the sacred responsibility we have for our own well-being, acknowledging that true love, in its purest form, should build up, not tear down. Just as Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), this resolve to protect one's emotional and spiritual space becomes an act of stewardship over the life God has given. The speaker refuses to be a "fortress for you to hide in" or "the first one you think to call," reflecting a necessary distancing from a dynamic that once allowed manipulation or dependence, choosing instead to seek wholeness not found in another’s brokenness.
The recurring plea, "I don't want to stay, I don't want to fall in love with you again," reveals the deep tension between lingering affection and the hard-won wisdom of experience. This isn't a casual dismissal but a conscious fight against the current of past emotions, a recognition that falling back into old habits would lead to familiar pain. The questioning, "Maybe I'm a fake, maybe you're a lie," speaks to the confusion and doubt that often cloud judgment in such situations, where truth becomes distorted. In these moments of uncertainty, we are called to lean not on our own understanding, but on God's wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6), seeking discernment to distinguish truth from deception. The desire to avoid having to "see you leave me" again highlights the cycle of abandonment and heartache, a wound the speaker is determined not to reopen. This echoes the sentiment of finding true peace not in fleeting human comforts, but in the unwavering presence of Christ, who promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
The bridge offers a poignant moment of vulnerability, acknowledging the human tendency to compromise resolve "When we're scared and lonely." In such times, the temptation to revert to what is familiar, even if harmful, is strong, as we tell ourselves we're "Just a word from what we needed." Yet, the knowing honesty, "But we know that this ain't right," is the pivotal moment of spiritual conviction. It's in these moments of profound loneliness that the Holy Spirit often prompts us, guiding us toward what is truly right, even when it’s difficult. Jesus himself reminded his followers that in this world they would have trouble, but to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This strength to choose what is right, despite fear or loneliness, comes from drawing near to God, who promises comfort to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and assures us that He is with us, strengthening and upholding us (Isaiah 41:10).
Ultimately, "Return" culminates in the firm declaration, "I can't stay, I can't fall for you again." This isn't a defeat but a victory, a hard-won liberation from a cycle of pain. It is an inspiring testament to the power of setting healthy boundaries and trusting in a path towards healing and wholeness, even when it requires walking away from something once cherished. This journey aligns with the spiritual principle of renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and seeking true freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1), understanding that sometimes, the greatest act of self-love and faithfulness to our future is to close the door on a past that hinders our growth. The song, then, becomes an anthem for anyone striving to live a life aligned with grace and truth, finding the courage to protect the sacred space of their heart and allowing God to fill it with His enduring peace.