Puth described the "too-loud" guitars as representing an overactive brain that can't sleep due to racing thoughts. Musical Composition
The lyrics "I'm not making the same mistake / Won't be putting my heart on display" refer to past relationship trauma that has made him hesitant to be vulnerable. Charlie Puth - Charlie Be Quiet! (Lyrics)
He worries that if his partner realizes how much he loves her, she will "run, run away," leading him to "water his feelings down" to stay safe. Puth described the "too-loud" guitars as representing an
Puth uses "word painting" to match the music's volume to the lyrics' emotional intensity. she will "run
The song acts as a message to himself to "quiet his mind" and hide his true intentions to avoid being hurt again.