If he were a color
He'd be a deep dark forest green
If he were a car
He'd be a long stretch limousine
With room for all of humanity inside
Cause he is so giving
And he is so wise
If he were a number
He'd be a five cause he has such a brilliant mind
If were an animal
He's be an ass cause he's so stubborn sometimes

But if he were a song
He'd be a complicated melody
That complicated fellow he
I almost can not sing it on key

But he means the world to me

If he were a building
He'd be a beautiful cathedral
Cause he's so traditionally spiritual
If he were a dance
He'd be complicated like the tango
Exotic like a mango

But if here a song
He'd be a complicated melody
That complicated fellow he
I almost can not sing it on key

But he means the world me

He ain't the reason for the sun and the moon
He is the reason for this here tune

Cause he means the world to me (ooh ooh)
Said he means the world to me
Me me me yeah
He means the world to me yeah

Complicated melody that complicated fellow he
He's a complicated melody
I almost can not sing it on key

Overall Meaning

India.Arie's song "Complicated Melody" is a tribute to a man who is complex but deeply valuable in her life. She paints a picture of the man by describing him as various objects and concepts. If he were a color, he would be a forest green - a dark, deep color that signifies growth and lushness. If he were a car, he would be a long limousine, signifying his generosity in being able to accommodate and give to many people. If he were a number, he would be five, symbolizing his intelligence and brilliance. On the other hand, if he were an animal, he would be a stubborn ass, perhaps referring to some of his flaws.

However, when it comes to music, she describes him as a complicated melody that she almost can't sing on key. This signifies the depth and complexity of the man that she loves, with his many nuances and layers. He is like a beautiful cathedral, representing his spiritual depth and traditional values. And he is like the tango, exotic and complicated in his movements. Through all of these descriptions, India.Arie makes it clear that this man means the world to her, even with all his complexities.

Line by Line Meaning

If he were a color
If I were to associate him with a color

He'd be a deep dark forest green
He would be a shade of green that reminds me of a dense forest

If he were a car
If I were to associate him with a type of car

He'd be a long stretch limousine
He would be a luxurious car with plenty of space

With room for all of humanity inside
The car would be so spacious that it could fit everyone

Cause he is so giving
Because he is always generous

And he is so wise
He is also very knowledgeable

If he were a number
If I were to associate him with a number

He'd be a five cause he has such a brilliant mind
He would be the number 5, as it represents brilliance

If were an animal
If I were to associate him with an animal

He's be an ass cause he's so stubborn sometimes
He would be a donkey because he can be stubborn at times

But if he were a song
If I were to think about him as a song

He'd be a complicated melody
He would be a complex tune

That complicated fellow he
He is a complex person

I almost can not sing it on key
It's difficult for me to sing it perfectly

But he means the world to me
Even though he is complex, I care deeply for him

If he were a building
If I were to associate him with a building

He'd be a beautiful cathedral
He would be a grand, traditional place of worship

Cause he's so traditionally spiritual
He has a deep spiritual side, rooted in tradition

If he were a dance
If I were to imagine him as a type of dance

He'd be complicated like the tango
He would be like the tango, a complex and passionate dance

Exotic like a mango
He would also be exotic, like a tropical fruit

He ain't the reason for the sun and the moon
He is not responsible for the workings of the world

He is the reason for this here tune
But he is the inspiration for this song about him

Cause he means the world to me (ooh ooh)
Because he holds a special place in my heart

Said he means the world to me
I am emphasizing the importance he has to me

Me me me yeah
I am vocalizing my personal feelings for him

He means the world to me yeah
His presence in my life is invaluable to me

Complicated melody that complicated fellow he
He is complex and so is the song about him

He's a complicated melody
He is like a complex piece of music

I almost can not sing it on key
It's hard to fully capture who he is in this song

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