To Look At You
INXS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For a different kind of girl
Who knows the feelings
But never the words
To look at you
And never speak
Is so good
For me tonight
To look at you
And never speak
Is so good
For me tonight
What is the name to call
For a different kind of girl
Who knows the feelings
But never the words
Who do you ask when there's no one
Left to turn to
You ask me and I'll always try to hear
Past money and colors and make believe
Good cheap values for a thrifty clown
To look at you
And never speak
Is so good
For me tonight
To look at you
And never speak
Is so good
For me tonight
To look at you
And never speak
Is so good
For me tonight
What is the name to call
For a different kind of girl
Who knows the feelings
But never the words
What do you fear in the simple
Still of a summer's night
I understand I sympathize for a day dream
Fairytailes and I love you
What is the name to call
For a different kind of girl
Who knows the feelings
But never the words
To this, real life documentary
The lyrics to INXS's song "To Look At You," seem to be a cryptic and wistful reflection on the difficulty of expressing emotions and the ways in which people can connect with each other. The opening line presents a question, asking for the name to call a "different kind of girl" who understands the emotions but can't articulate them. This can be seen as a yearning for someone who will understand without needing clear communication.
The chorus, "To look at you and never speak is so good for me tonight," hints at a sort of connection that does not require words. This could represent a form of escapism from the hardships of real life, where communication is necessary but often difficult. It could also reflect a longing for the simplicity of a look or a touch, over the complications of conversation.
The lyrics that follow continue this theme of seeking something that transcends words, and the idea of searching for help when there is no one else to turn to. This could represent a sort of loneliness, or a feeling of isolation that can only be eased by human connection. The line "I'll always try to hear past money and colors and make believe, good cheap values for a thrifty clown," may be a nod to the band's own origins and their humble beginnings.
The final verse asks the question again, "What is the name to call for a different kind of girl who knows the feelings but never the words?" This repetition emphasizes the importance of this idea and suggests that the singer is still searching for this kind of connection. The song ends with a reference to "fairytales and I love you," indicating a desire for a happy ending or a simple expression of love that may be difficult to find in real life.
Line by Line Meaning
What is the name to call
Questioning what label or term can be applied to a specific type of person
For a different kind of girl
Referencing a specific type of person who is unique or distinct from others
Who knows the feelings
Acknowledging that this person is aware of their emotions and experiences deeply
But never the words
Admitting that the person struggles to express themselves verbally
To look at you
Expressing the pleasure in merely observing the person without speaking
And never speak
Emphasizing the desire for silence in the presence of the observed person
Is so good
Acknowledging the enjoyment that comes from gazing without speaking
For me tonight
Indicating that this experience is particularly meaningful or impactful at the present time
Who do you ask when there's no one
Asking a rhetorical question about where to turn for advice or guidance
Left to turn to
Suggesting that all other options have been exhausted
You ask me and I'll always try to hear
Offering oneself as a support system and someone willing to listen
Past money and colors and make believe
Looking beyond superficial things like wealth or appearance to focus on deeper issues
Good cheap values for a thrifty clown
Using irony to describe the importance of simplicity and practicality
What do you fear in the simple
Asking what is intimidating or frightening about simple things or experiences
Still of a summer's night
Describing a quiet and peaceful time during the warm season
I understand I sympathize for a day dream
Expressing the ability to imagine scenarios and empathize with others' perspectives
Fairytailes and I love you
Referencing common elements of romantic stories to convey affection and appreciation
What is the name to call
Repeating the opening question to emphasize its significance
To this, real life documentary
Referencing the current situation or setting in a dramatic way
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CHARLES FARRISS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sdob9054
This song is ….beautiful. An INXS fan from ‘82
@petersmithyy4556
You were a fan since then?
@sdob9054
Heck ya!
@ronzo1981
Written by Andrew Farris, officially the most underrated songwriter ever, absolute genius, australian icon
@awakeenlighten2298
So true...i graduated in 88,,, I never forgot them.
@Thedaleb1
INXS will always be great
@oggdoggd
@@Thedaleb1😊
@johnrocco5102
I concur 💯
@southwesttexasm
I'll add 1 "Gone Hollywood" Supertramp sickly underrated ;(😢
@mouses41ss
In my opinion the best INXS song ever released. A timeless song with beautiful words and sound