Anyway
Keb Mo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ooh, ain't we lucky
And isn't it all so strange
But you look at me with a lovers eyes
And a mind that can't be changed

You and I are distant
To share a lifetime or two
But we're obviously different

And we don't know what to do

And I don't have a nickel to my name
But I love you anyway

On my way to clean the restrooms
And lock up all the doors
I saw your diamond earring
Bouncing lightly on the floor

And I picked it up so gently
And I placed it in your hand
You politely thanked me
And put it back on your [Incomprehensible]

But I don't have a nickel to my name
But I love you anyway

Well, I probably never touch you
Or even hold your hand
But one of these eternities
I'd love to be your man

Thoughts that I am thinking
Words I dare not say
And I can't deny my feelings
But there's all this bullshit in vain

But I don't have a nickel to my name
But I love you anyway

But I don't have a nickel to my name
But I love you anyway

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Keb Mo's song "Anyway" explore themes of unlikely love and the challenges that come with it. The song begins by acknowledging the fortunate circumstances of the singer and the strangeness of the situation. Despite their differences, the singer's lover looks at them with affectionate eyes and a mind that is resistant to change.

The second verse delves into the distance between the singer and their lover, suggesting that they are not meant to be together for a lifetime. The singer admits to being aware of their differences and feeling unsure about how to navigate their relationship.

The chorus emphasizes the singer's love for their partner despite not having material wealth ("I don't have a nickel to my name"). The use of the word "anyway" suggests that their love transcends these external factors and is not dependent on material possessions.

The following verse offers a glimpse into the singer's daily life. They mention their job of cleaning restrooms and locking up doors, which may imply a sense of working class or humble background. In this verse, the singer finds a diamond earring on the floor and returns it to their lover. The act is done gently and with kindness, illustrating the singer's thoughtful nature.

The later verse expresses the singer's longing for their lover, even though they may never physically touch or hold hands. They express a desire to be their lover's partner in an eternity yet to come, highlighting the depth of their feelings. The lyrics also hint at an internal struggle, as the singer has thoughts they dare not say and feelings that they cannot deny, but are hindered by "all this bullshit in vain," likely referring to obstacles or challenges that prevent them from fully expressing their love.

In conclusion, Keb Mo's "Anyway" portrays a love that defies societal norms, financial limitations, and physical distance. The singer's love for their partner remains steadfast despite the odds stacked against them, emphasizing the power of love itself.

Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, ain't we lucky
Oh, aren't we fortunate

And isn't it all so strange
And isn't it all so unfamiliar

But you look at me with a lovers eyes
But you gaze at me with the eyes of someone in love

And a mind that can't be changed
And a mind that refuses to be swayed

You and I are distant
You and I are far apart

To share a lifetime or two
To spend a lifetime or two together

But we're obviously different
But it's clear that we are not the same

And we don't know what to do
And we are uncertain of how to proceed

And I don't have a nickel to my name
And I have no money to my name

But I love you anyway
But I still love you regardless

On my way to clean the restrooms
While I was on my way to clean the restrooms