I can see you turn away
When I ask what for
You say it isn't anything
But I'm not sure
Something underneath the skin
Won't let you be and you try to keep it in
But I can see

The woman before me must've been hard on you
'Cause that hurt in your eyes I never put you through
Sometimes I think you must be talking to
The woman before me and you

Sometimes in an argument
It will show when you go a little farther than
You meant to go
I know you don't mean the things
That you say
I just want to ease the pain that's in your way

But the woman before me must've been hard on you
'Cause that hurt in your eyes I never put you through
Sometimes I think you must be talking to
The woman before me and you

If there are sorrows that bring back a tear
Don't let them keep us apart
You oughta know you've got nothing to fear
Here in my heart

'Cause you and I will never be
Like the past whatever kind of memories
That you have
Nothings gonna hurt me now
Can't you see, I already made a vow
That I can keep

But the woman before me must've been hard on you
'Cause that hurt in your eyes I'll never put you through
Sometimes I think you must be talking to
The woman before me and you

Sometimes I think you must be talking to
The woman before me and you

Overall Meaning

In Trisha Yearwood's song "The Woman Before Me," the singer speaks to her partner, who seems to be dealing with some emotional pain that she can't quite understand. She notices that he often looks away or tries to hide what he's feeling, and she suspects that something deeper is going on beneath the surface. As the song progresses, she begins to realize that her partner's pain may be related to a past relationship. The woman before her must have been hard on him, causing him to carry some scars and emotional baggage.

The singer of the song acknowledges that her partner sometimes takes his pain out on her during arguments. She insists that she does not want to be hurt by his words, but rather wants to help him work through his pain so that they can move forward together in their relationship. She promises that she has made a vow to him to stick by his side, no matter what emotional baggage he may carry from his past.

Despite the challenging emotional terrain that the song navigates, there is a sense of hope and optimism throughout. The singer believes that her love for her partner can overcome any obstacles in their path. While there may be scars and pain from the past, the singer believes that she and her partner can build a bright future together.

Line by Line Meaning

I can see you turn away
I notice your physical reaction to a question, suggesting there might be something wrong

When I ask what for
When I inquire as to the reason behind your reactions

You say it isn't anything
You deny that there is an issue or cause for concern

But I'm not sure
But I am skeptical of your claims

Something underneath the skin
There is an underlying problem or issue that you are hiding or suppressing

Won't let you be and you try to keep it in
You are struggling internally to deal with the problem or issue

But I can see
But I am perceptive enough to notice

The woman before me must've been hard on you
Your reactions and behavior suggest that a previous relationship had a negative impact on you

'Cause that hurt in your eyes I never put you through
I recognize the pain and trauma you carry from a past relationship, but I am not responsible for causing it

Sometimes I think you must be talking to
At times, it feels like you are directing your reactions and emotions towards me, but they are actually a result of your past experiences

Sometimes in an argument
During times of conflict or disagreement

It will show when you go a little farther than
Your unresolved emotions and pain may cause an overreaction or an escalation of the disagreement

You meant to go
You did not intend to get so emotional or heated

I know you don't mean the things
I understand that your words and actions are not a reflection of how you truly feel towards me

That you say
The hurtful or negative things that you say or do

I just want to ease the pain that's in your way
I want to help you heal and overcome your past hurts and move forward in our relationship

If there are sorrows that bring back a tear
If there are painful memories or experiences that cause you emotional distress

Don't let them keep us apart
Don't let those past hurts come between us or prevent us from moving forward

You oughta know you've got nothing to fear
You don't have to be afraid to open up to me about your past or your feelings

Here in my heart
I am willing and able to offer you love, support, and understanding

'Cause you and I will never be
Because our relationship is unique and different from any relationship you've had before

Like the past whatever kind of memories
I understand that your past experiences are a part of you, but I am not defined by them

That you have
The emotions, memories, and traumas that you are carrying from your past

Nothings gonna hurt me now
I am confident in our relationship and our ability to overcome any obstacles

Can't you see, I already made a vow
I am committed to our relationship and to supporting you through your past hurts and pain

Sometimes I think you must be talking to
At times, it feels like you are directing your reactions and emotions towards me, but they are actually a result of your past experiences

The woman before me and you
You are still carrying the emotional baggage and pain from your past relationship, but I am willing to help you heal and move forward

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