What I Mean to You
Justin Townes Earle Lyrics
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And bring you flowers to work, never stay out too late
And I quit drinking, mama
'Cause I know how it hurts you to see me in such an awful state
But right now I just feel the need to see this through
So I need to know right now just what I mean to you
Now I don't need no riches, diamonds or gold
No ordinary trinkets will do
And I don't expect you to break out in song
'Cause I know that you can't carry a tune
So speak low when you speak love if that's what you gotta do
I need to know right now just what I mean to you
Now I don't ask for too much, now do I?
So grant me this, don't turn away
Look me in the eye and put me in my place
'Cause I'm feeling that you're fooling around with my heart
Oh, but I can't be sure
Yeah, I feel like I'm stumbling around in the dark
Meet danger 'round every turn
So tell me right now 'cause it's the least you can do
I need to know right now just what I mean to you
Yeah, I need to know right now just what I mean to you
The song "What I Mean to You" by Justin Townes Earle is a plea for validation within a romantic relationship. The singer (presumably Earle himself) is desperate for his lover to give him any kind of reassurance that he is important to her. He lists off the things he has done for her - calling her every morning, bringing her flowers to work, and quit drinking for her sake - but feels uncertain about where he stands with her. He acknowledges that he doesn't need material possessions or grand gestures from her, just a simple acknowledgement of his worth to her.
Throughout the song, the singer vacillates between confident demands for her to tell him the truth and vulnerable admissions of his own insecurity. He admits to feeling as though he's "stumbling around in the dark" and that he's afraid of being hurt by her. Ultimately, the song is about the fear of unrequited love and the need for affirmation within a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I call you every morning
I consistently make an effort to speak with you at the start of every day.
And bring you flowers to work, never stay out too late
I express my love for you by bringing you flowers and respecting your time and commitments.
And I quit drinking, mama
I stopped consuming alcohol because it was negatively affecting me and causing you pain.
'Cause I know how it hurts you to see me in such an awful state
I understand that my behavior has caused you distress and I don't want to continue hurting you.
But right now I just feel the need to see this through
I am determined to discover my true worth to you.
So I need to know right now just what I mean to you
I require honest and direct recognition of my significance in your life.
Now I don't need no riches, diamonds or gold
Material possessions are of no importance to me.
No ordinary trinkets will do
I seek something beyond the superficial or commonplace gestures of love.
And I don't expect you to break out in song
I am not anticipating grand romantic gestures or over-the-top displays of affection.
'Cause I know that you can't carry a tune
I am aware of your limitations and don't expect you to do something that may be difficult for you.
So speak low when you speak love if that's what you gotta do
If you're uncomfortable expressing yourself vocally, it's okay to communicate your feelings in a subtler way.
I need to know right now just what I mean to you
Reiterating that I need to be informed of my value in your life.
Now I don't ask for too much, now do I?
I don't believe that my needs or desires are excessive or unreasonable.
So grant me this, don't turn away
I implore you to listen to me and not dismiss my concerns or feelings.
Look me in the eye and put me in my place
I want you to confront me if necessary and remind me of my position in our relationship.
'Cause I'm feeling that you're fooling around with my heart
I have a sense that you might be playing with my emotions or not taking them seriously.
Oh, but I can't be sure
I'm not completely certain of your intentions or emotions toward me.
Yeah, I feel like I'm stumbling around in the dark
I'm struggling to navigate this situation because I don't have a clear understanding of your feelings.
Meet danger 'round every turn
I feel like my heart is at risk of being hurt.
So tell me right now 'cause it's the least you can do
I'm requesting honesty and clarity because it's the bare minimum I expect from you.
I need to know right now just what I mean to you
Reiterating that I need to be enlightened about my significance in your life.
Contributed by David F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.