[General] Usage of "Cavalier"

[Luis Calil]

Hi. I'm a Brazilian songwriter and currently working on a new set of english lyrics to a song. I came up with a phrase which fits the song's melody and theme perfectly, but I'm wondering if it might sound too strange.

It's "They'll keep us in check and cavalier". It's just the "cavalier" part; although the meaning makes sense - as in "those people will do things to keep our relationship informal, uncerimonious" - I'm not sure it works. Clearly it's not the standard way to use the word in a sentence, but does it seem too strange/awkward?

Hope you guys can help me!

 

[Tarheel]

I give you credit for originality. However, that phrase does not work.

If I could see the rest of the song I might be able to suggest something.

 

[Tdol]

It seems a bit contradictory to me.

 

[Luis Calil]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've given up on "cavalier", but what if it's "Keep us in check and indifferent". Does that also seem awkward?

I'm looking for a word to sugest "casual", but it can't be just any word, it has to fit the rhythm of the line, and even sound appropriate.

EDIT: If not "indifferent", what about "oblivious". Would either of these work as a description of a relationship?

 

[Tdol]

If you keep someone or something in check, I can't see how you can also maintain their freedom/indifference.

 

[Luis Calil]

If you keep someone or something in check, I can't see how you can also maintain their freedom/indifference.

The idea is: there are external forces making sure that a relationship is kept casual, that it does not advance into something more meaningful.

 

[Tarheel]

Well, you certainly wouldn't want your partner to be indifferent.

Keeping things casual. Keeping things casual. Uh huh! Uh huh! Mm, mm, mm!

 

[Tony Phillips]

If it fits, how about "at arm's length"?

 

[Tarheel]

If it fits, how about "at arm's length"?

No sex then, huh?

;-)

 

[Tony Phillips]

No sex then, huh?

;-)

Ha, didn't see that at all.