How Insensitive
大橋純子 Lyrics


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How insensitive I must have seemed
When he told me that he loved me
How unmoved and cold I must have seemed
When he told me so sincerely

Why, he must have asked
Did I just turn and stare in icy silence
What was I to say, what can you say
When a love affair is over

Why, he must have asked
Did I just turn and stare in icy silence
What was I to do, what can one do
When a love affair is over





What was I to do, what can you say
When a love affair is over

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, the singer reflects on their own insensitivity and emotional detachment in a past love affair. The opening lines express the singer's realization of how insensitive they must have appeared when their partner expressed their love. They acknowledge that their response was unemotional and cold. This introspection demonstrates a sense of regret and self-awareness regarding their actions.


The next set of lines delves further into the moment when their partner professed their love. The singer describes themselves as being unmoved and responding with icy silence. This suggests that they were not able to reciprocate the love or show any emotional response. The word "sincerely" emphasizes the honesty and sincerity of their partner's declaration, making the singer's lack of response even more hurtful.


The following lines ponder the reasons behind the singer's reaction. The partner must have wondered why they only turned and stared in icy silence. The repetition emphasizes the confusion and hurt that the singer's lack of emotional response caused. It implies that the partner may have been seeking validation or longing for a heartfelt response from the singer.


The final lines explore the aftermath of the love affair. The singer reflects on the realization that there was nothing they could have done or said when the love affair came to an end. This highlights a sense of helplessness and acceptance. The repetition of the question "What was I to do, what can you say when a love affair is over" emphasizes the feeling of being at a loss for words or actions in the face of a love that has ended.


Overall, these lyrics express the singer's self-reflection on their emotional detachment and insensitivity during a past love affair. They show regret and introspection, highlighting the impact their actions had on their partner and the difficulty of navigating the end of a love affair.


Line by Line Meaning

How insensitive I must have seemed
I appeared callous and unfeeling


When he told me that he loved me
Upon hearing his proclamation of love


How unmoved and cold I must have seemed
I appeared emotionless and indifferent


When he told me so sincerely
When he expressed his feelings sincerely


Why, he must have asked
He must have wondered


Did I just turn and stare in icy silence
Why did I only respond with a cold, silent gaze


What was I to say, what can you say
What could I have possibly said


When a love affair is over
When a romantic relationship comes to an end


What was I to do, what can one do
What choices did I have, what actions can someone take


What was I to do, what can you say
What choices did I have, what could I have possibly said


When a love affair is over
When a romantic relationship comes to an end




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Norman Gimbel, Vinicius De Moraes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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