MakeDamnSure

Vocalist Adam Lazzara has explained that the song explores the sadistic side of love, acknowledging that even beautiful relationships can have a darker, more possessive element. "MakeDamnSure" delves into the complexities of a failing relationship where both individuals are still together but emotionally distant and filled with anger. The lyrics portray a dynamic of intense desire, obsession, and a struggle for control. The line, "I just wanna break you down so badly in the worst way," is not necessarily about physical violence but rather a desperate desire to break through emotional walls and understand the other person, even if it means confronting them in a difficult or painful manner. Some interpretations suggest the song is about unrequited love and the frustration of being in a casual relationship when one person wants more. It speaks to the universal human experiences of longing, jealousy, and the fear of abandonment within a romantic context. The song captures the chaotic interplay of desire and the inherent lack of control in relationships.

The song paints a vivid picture of a turbulent and obsessive relationship. The narrator opens with a scene of his partner, their head filled with smoke, a metaphor for confusion or being clouded by their own issues. He feels inextricably linked to her, his very veins tangled with the jukebox bars she frequents as a means of escape. It is in these moments of vulnerability that her weaknesses are laid bare.

A profound sense of longing and inadequacy permeates the narrator's thoughts. He desires her intensely because she embodies everything he is not, creating a magnetic and almost dangerous attraction. This push-and-pull dynamic is further explored in their physical intimacy; they lie together, but a significant emotional distance remains, leaving him to question the very nature of their closeness. This unresolved tension fuels his desperate desire to understand her, to "break her down" and unravel the mystery she presents.

The narrator's internal conflict is palpable. He hangs on her every word, his own thoughts becoming a jumbled, "inarticulate store bought hangover hobby kit." He sees her as a vibrant, almost violent, shade of red, a color symbolizing both passion and danger. Her presence is all-consuming, hollowing out his "hungry eyes" and leaving him insatiable.

The chorus repeats with a growing intensity, emphasizing his overwhelming need to break through her emotional barriers, even if it's in the "worst way." This isn't necessarily a desire to harm her, but a desperate plea for genuine connection and understanding. The song culminates in a chilling declaration of possession. The narrator vows to "make damn sure" that she can never leave, that she will never get too far from him. This obsessive need for control underscores the toxic nature of their relationship, a desperate attempt to hold onto something that is both intoxicating and destructive.

Ultimately, the song is a raw and honest exploration of the darker side of love and desire. It captures the emotional turmoil of a relationship teetering on the edge of obsession, where the lines between love, desire, and control become dangerously blurred. The narrator's desperate and possessive declarations reveal a deep-seated fear of abandonment and an all-consuming need for connection, no matter the cost.

"MakeDamnSure" was released in 2006 as the lead single from Taking Back Sunday's third studio album, Louder Now. The song was originally titled "You're So Cool". The album marked the band's major-label debut with Warner Bros. Records. The song was written by Adam Lazzara, Fred Mascherino, Mark O'Connell, Eddie Reyes, and Matt Rubano. It was produced by Eric Valentine. Adam Lazzara has stated that the inspiration for the song's narrative, particularly the references to jukebox bars, came from his time frequenting a bar called Hi-Fi (formerly Brownies) in New York City's Lower East Side, where he did a lot of his writing. The band recognized early on that "MakeDamnSure" would be the standout track and the best choice for the lead single to introduce their new era. The song was released to radio on March 14, 2006.

"MakeDamnSure" utilizes a relatively straightforward rhyme scheme, primarily employing end rhymes in a pattern that is not strictly consistent but often follows an AABB or ABCB structure within its verses. The focus is less on complex rhyme patterns and more on the emotional impact of the lyrics. The song's rhythm is a driving force, characterized by a fast tempo and a consistent 4/4 time signature. This energetic and relentless rhythm mirrors the lyrical themes of urgency, desperation, and obsession. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is crucial to the song's effectiveness. The vocal melody often syncopates with the driving instrumental, creating a sense of tension and release that perfectly complements the emotional push-and-pull described in the lyrics. The powerful and straightforward drum beat provides a solid foundation for the layered guitars and passionate vocals, creating a sound that is both catchy and emotionally resonant.

"MakeDamnSure" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both literary and musical, to create its powerful and memorable impact.

Literary Techniques:

• Metaphor: The lyrics are laden with metaphors, such as "new head filled up with smoke" and "veins all tangled close," which create vivid and emotionally charged imagery.
• Repetition: The repetition of the chorus, "I just wanna break you down so badly," and the bridge, "I'm gonna make damn sure that you can't ever leave," emphasizes the obsessive and desperate nature of the narrator's feelings.
• Direct Address: The use of "you" throughout the song creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the narrator is speaking directly to the object of his affection.

Musical Techniques:

• Dynamic Contrast: The song effectively uses dynamic shifts, moving from quieter, more contemplative verses to loud, explosive choruses. This reflects the emotional volatility of the lyrics.
• Driving Rhythms: The song is characterized by a driving and energetic rhythm section, which propels the song forward and contributes to its sense of urgency and intensity.
• Distinctive Vocal Delivery: Adam Lazzara's vocal performance is a key element of the song's style. His delivery ranges from melodic singing to passionate screaming, conveying a wide spectrum of emotions.
• Layered Guitars: The song features layered guitar work, with interlocking riffs and melodies that create a rich and powerful sonic texture.

"MakeDamnSure" is arguably Taking Back Sunday's most successful and widely recognized song, marking their breakthrough into the mainstream. Released in 2006, it became a major radio hit, peaking at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 8 on the Alternative Songs chart. The song's success significantly raised the band's profile, transitioning them from a popular act within the emo scene to a band with broader commercial appeal. It was a staple on music television channels like MTV2, where its music video, directed by Marc Klasfeld, was in heavy rotation. The song was also featured in the 2007 film "Because I Said So" and the video game "Saints Row 2". "MakeDamnSure" is considered a quintessential song of the mid-2000s emo and pop-punk era and is often included in discussions and playlists celebrating the genre. Its enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence on rock radio and its high streaming numbers. The song's raw emotion and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a climactic moment in Taking Back Sunday's live performances for years. The song was also ranked number 52 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Best Songs of 2006".

"MakeDamnSure" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that contribute to its intense and often unsettling emotional landscape.

• "New head filled up with smoke": This opening line can be interpreted as the subject of the song being confused, having clouded judgment, or being filled with new ideas that are alienating to the narrator.
• "Veins all tangled close to those jukebox bars you frequent": This metaphor suggests a deep, almost physical connection the narrator feels to the person of his affection, to the point where he is intertwined with the places she seeks refuge.
• "Red, violent red": The color red is a powerful symbol throughout the song, representing passion, desire, anger, and even violence. It encapsulates the tumultuous and intense nature of the relationship.
• "Hollow out my hungry eyes": This imagery conveys a sense of insatiable longing and desperation. The narrator's desire is so all-consuming that it leaves him feeling empty and perpetually wanting more.
• "Inarticulate store bought hangover hobby kit": This phrase is a metaphor for the narrator's inability to express himself clearly, possibly due to emotional turmoil or the influence of alcohol, which is hinted at as a coping mechanism.
• "Break you down": This recurring phrase is a central metaphor. While it can have aggressive connotations, in the context of the song, it's more likely about a desperate need to understand the other person on a deeper level, to dismantle their emotional defenses.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "MakeDamnSure" is the chorus line, "I just wanna break you down so badly in the worst way." This line is repeated with increasing intensity throughout the song, serving as its central and most memorable hook. Its repetition drills home the narrator's overwhelming and desperate desire to connect with and understand his partner on a deeper, more intimate level, even if the means to achieve this are fraught with emotional turmoil. The phrase encapsulates the song's core theme of a love that borders on obsession and desperation.

Another significant recurring phrase is found in the bridge: "I'm gonna make damn sure that you can't ever leave / No, you won't ever get too far from me." This repetition highlights the possessive and controlling aspect of the narrator's feelings. It transforms the song from a plea for connection into a more menacing declaration of ownership, revealing the darker, more toxic side of this relationship.

The question, "(How close is close enough?)", which follows the lines about lying together but not too close, is another recurring motif. It underscores the theme of emotional distance and the narrator's uncertainty and frustration with the lack of true intimacy in the relationship.