I'm Losing You
Anna McGarrigle Lyrics

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Sometimes I wag my finger
Sometimes I shake my fist
But I'm writing you a letter
I'm sending you a kiss
I'm sending you some money to buy a pair of shoes
'cause you've grown out of the last ones
I know I'm losing you
I taught you how to save it

And I taught you how to spend
But I never taught you anything
'Bout how to keep or make a friend
I'm sending you some money
To buy a pair of socks
But you never wore 'em anyway
And a little money talks
Winter's comin' on now
I put the clocks back by an hour
I changed the double-windows
And cut the last of summer's flowers
I'm wishing you were here
To help me with these chores
Or just to build a fire
And we can sit and watch it as it roars

I'm sending you a letter
I'm sending you a kiss

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Anna McGarrigle's "I'm Losing You" express a sense of disconnectedness and loss between the singer and the person to whom she is writing. The first stanza portrays the mixed emotions the singer is experiencing - on one hand, she may feel the need to scold or reprimand, represented by the gestures of wagging her finger or shaking her fist. On the other hand, she desires connection and intimacy, symbolized by the letter she is writing and the kiss she is sending. The second stanza references the idea of teaching, implying that the singer may feel a sense of responsibility for the situation. She evidently raised the addressee, teaching them how to save and spend money but not how to form lasting relationships. This is reflected in the gift she is sending - a futile attempt to instill some sort of connection, represented by the socks.

The final stanza touches on the theme of the passing of time, and the sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The singer mentions the change of seasons, the passage of time indicated by the change in the clocks, and the final cutting of summer's flowers. The singer wishes for the person she is writing to be present, both to help with the tangible tasks of preparing for winter and to share in the intangible comforts of warmth and company. The final kiss and letter serve as a sad reminder of how disconnected the two have become.

Overall, "I'm Losing You" expresses a universal sense of loss and separation, while also hinting at the complex emotions and responsibilities that can accompany these feelings.

Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes I wag my finger
Sometimes I scold you for your mistakes

Sometimes I shake my fist
Sometimes I show my anger towards you

But I'm writing you a letter
I am trying to communicate with you through writing

I'm sending you a kiss
I still love you and want to show affection

I'm sending you some money to buy a pair of shoes
I want to help you out since you've outgrown your old shoes

'cause you've grown out of the last ones
Your growth signifies that things are changing between us

I know I'm losing you
I feel like we are growing apart and I am losing connection with you

I taught you how to save it
I gave you financial advice about saving money

And I taught you how to spend
I gave you the tools to know how to spend your money wisely

But I never taught you anything
I realize there are things I did not teach you that are equally important

'Bout how to keep or make a friend
I regret not teaching you about social skills necessary for building relationships

I'm sending you some money to buy a pair of socks
Here is some additional help for necessity, hoping you use it this time

But you never wore 'em anyway
I am aware you may not prioritize what I hope for you

And a little money talks
I use money to serve as a bridge between us despite distance or misunderstandings

Winter's comin' on now
The changing seasons reminds me of the things I am missing without you

I put the clocks back by an hour
I have to adjust my life to the change around me without you

I changed the double-windows
I am making the necessary changes and adjustments around the house, still thinking of you

And cut the last of summer's flowers
The end of summer emphasizes the changing times and adapting to that

I'm wishing you were here
I miss you dearly and wish we could be together again

To help me with these chores
I could use your help, but I also miss working together with you

Or just to build a fire
I want to spend time with you just because, either working together or sitting in silence enjoying our environment

And we can sit and watch it as it roars
I want to be with you and experience the moment, no matter how simple or quiet

I'm sending you a letter
I am thinking of you and want to communicate as best as I can

I'm sending you a kiss
I love you and want to show you affection any way I can

Contributed by Ruby S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

@joaidane

11y↑12

One of so many beautiful songs from Kate and Anna. Almost hiding away it seems, so few people have heard it. Kate through her songs lives on in our hearts.