Guilty
Al Bowlly & Ray Noble Orchestra Lyrics
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And think that we should part
It seems as though I have loved you so long
You'll always be in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it a crime
Loving you dear like I do
Guilty of loving you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of dreaming of you
What can I do
What can I say
After I've taken the blame?
You say we're through
You'll go your way
But I'll always feel just the same
Maybe I'm right
Maybe I'm wrong
Loving you dear like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
The lyrics of "Guilty" by Al Bowlly is a confession of deep, irresistible love. The singer is aware that their love is "wrong" and "a crime," but he cannot help himself from loving the other person. He acknowledges that their opinions about their love may differ and that they may think it is best to part ways. However, the love he has for them is so strong that he can't imagine a life without them, and they will always be in his heart.
In the song, the singer questions the morality of loving someone so deeply, even when it goes against what society deems appropriate. The lyrics elicit feelings of vulnerability and desperation, as the love is consuming and almost uncontrollable. The singer is also aware that dreaming of the other person, even if it is in loneliness, is also considered wrong. The last stanza is a decisive defense of the love he feels for the other person, acknowledging that they might be wrong in their actions, but that he is guilty of loving them.
Line by Line Meaning
Though you've decided that our love is wrong
Even though you have decided that our love is not acceptable
And think that we should part
And believe that we should separate
It seems as though I have loved you so long
It appears as if I have loved you for an extended period
You'll always be in my heart
You will forever remain in my thoughts and emotions
Is it a sin
Is it an immoral act
Is it a crime
Is it an offense punishable by law
Loving you dear like I do
Feeling the intense emotions of love for you like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If loving you is considered a crime, then I am responsible
Guilty of loving you
I accept responsibility for feeling deep affection towards you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Perhaps I am incorrect for imagining a future with you
Dreaming the lonely night through
Spending the night alone while envisioning a future with you
Guilty of dreaming of you
I must take responsibility for having dreams and aspirations for our future together
What can I do
What actions can I take
What can I say
What words can I express
After I've taken the blame?
After being held accountable for my feelings
You say we're through
You claim that we are finished
You'll go your way
You will move on with your life
But I'll always feel just the same
However, my emotions for you will never change
Maybe I'm right
It is possible that I am correct
Maybe I'm wrong
Alternatively, I might be incorrect
Loving you dear like I do
Feeling deep affection for you like I currently do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If loving you is considered an offense, then I accept responsibility
Guilty of loving you
I confess that I love you deeply
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harry Akst, Gus Kahn, Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shirlcotterhill7218
here are some favorite big band/foxtrot songs in my opinion
guilty - al bowlly
stardust - artie shaw
so tired - russ morgan
parvanne - glenn miller
my blue heaven - glenn miller
nightmare - artie shaw
my baby knows how! - ben selvin
the shepherd leads the sheep back home - nat shilkret
music mistro, please - al bowlly
@witkrag4953
My kind.of.music.Encore
Maestro !
@richpizan8408
Oh my almost a time so so far away. 89 year's ago. Very sad and such a lovely tune.
@Linhombre69
This number was recorded in London on 14 November 1931. Interesting to see the multi-talented Harry Berly on violin at around 2.
@crowncottagesomerset6397
Fantastic mix, that I listen to over and over again! Superb! 👌 Thank you! 👏👏
@thegoldenageofalbowlly2759
You're very welcome 👍
@johns.9819
when music was a song
@masontatum5101
Amen brother
@govinda102000
My god. Many years ahead.
@aileen694
govinda 102000, "many years ahead."
You said it! Wow, that lush orchestra sound, elegant Ray Noble and the amazing tone, phrasing, and presentation by Al Bowlly! Not to mention Harry Berly's violin solos - he reminds me of two greats, Venuti and Grappelli.
This music just grabs my heart!
@jonathanfoster1068
Marvellous & beautiful