It Never Entered My Mind
Anita O’Day Lyrics
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That I'd be playing solitaire
Uneasy in my easy chair
It never entered my mind
And once you told me I was mistaken
That I'd awaken with the sun
And ordered orange juice for one
You had what I lack, myself
Now I even have to scratch my back myself
Once you warned me that if you scorned me
I'd say a lonely prayer again
And wish that you were there again
To get into my hair again
It never entered my mind
Once you warned me that if you scorned me
I'd say a lonely prayer again
And wish that you were there again
To get into my hair again
It never entered my mind
In Anita O'Day's song "It Never Entered My Mind," the lyrics explore the singer's initial dismissive attitude towards a potential romantic partner and their gradual realization of their feelings. The song begins with the singer reflecting on their past skepticism, as they "laughed" at the idea of playing solitaire and feeling uneasy in their own company. They were comfortable in their "easy chair," not considering the possibility of needing someone else in their life. However, as the song progresses, the singer admits that they were mistaken in their assumption.
The following verse reveals the singer's acknowledgment of their own self-reliance and independence. They admit that the person they initially disregarded had qualities that they themselves lacked. This realization becomes more evident as the singer humorously sings about having to "scratch my back myself." It becomes clear that the dismissive attitude was a defense mechanism to protect themselves from potential heartache.
The song takes a bittersweet turn as the singer reflects on the warning given by their potential romantic partner. They are warned that if they are rejected, they will find themselves saying a "lonely prayer" and longing for their presence once again. The idea of this person being absent and not being able to "get into my hair" – perhaps meaning frustrating or endearing them again – never crossed the singer's mind before.
Overall, "It Never Entered My Mind" portrays the journey from skepticism and self-assuredness to vulnerability and longing. The lyrics capture the singer's gradual realization of their own feelings and the impact the potential partner has on their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I laughed when I heard you saying
In the past, I found amusement in your words
That I'd be playing solitaire
That I would find myself alone and isolated
Uneasy in my easy chair
Feeling restless and uncomfortable, even in a comfortable setting
It never entered my mind
I never considered or thought about it
And once you told me I was mistaken
In the past, you claimed that I was incorrect
That I'd awaken with the sun
That I would feel rejuvenated and inspired in the morning
And ordered orange juice for one
And requested a single serving of orange juice
It never entered my mind
I never thought about it or considered it
You had what I lack, myself
You possessed qualities that I did not possess
Now I even have to scratch my back myself
Now I have to demonstrate self-reliance even for small tasks
Once you warned me that if you scorned me
In the past, you cautioned me that if you rejected or disdained me
I'd say a lonely prayer again
I would find myself offering a prayer filled with solitude
And wish that you were there again
And desire for your presence once more
To get into my hair again
To once again annoy or bother me
It never entered my mind
I never considered or thought about it
Once you warned me that if you scorned me
In the past, you cautioned me that if you rejected or disdained me
I'd say a lonely prayer again
I would find myself offering a prayer filled with solitude
And wish that you were there again
And desire for your presence once more
To get into my hair again
To once again annoy or bother me
It never entered my mind
I never considered or thought about it
Lyrics © Roba Music Verlag GMBH, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind