Arm Around You
Arthur Russell Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm sad and I can't talk about it
All alone and right next to you
What I'm doing in a fine, this fine stretch of time

Just once, yeah, you know you like it
You know that I'm, I'm really ready

I'm sad and I can't talk about it
What I'm doing right next to you
What I'm doing in a fine, this fine stretch of time

Just once to know you like it
You know that I'm really ready

I'm sad and I can't talk about it
What I'm doing right next to you
What I'm doing in a fine, this fine stretch of time

Just once, yeah, you know you like it
You know that I'm, I'm really ready
To put my arm around you
I have to put one arm around you
Got to put one arm around you
Got to put my arm around you

That's you and that's me and that's me and you
That's you and that's me and that's me and you, yeah in a rocket ship

I need to be told what to do
I'm in a world of my own
I need to be told what to do
It needs to be told what to do
It's in a world of its own
It needs to be told what to do
It's in a world of its own

Got to put my arm around you, got to put my arm around you
It needs to be told what to do
It's in a world, world of its own
Got to put my arm around you




Got to put one arm around you
I'll touch the other side, side of your face

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Arthur Russell's song "Arm Around You" convey the complex emotions of someone who is feeling sad and alone but is struggling to verbalize what they are going through. The lines "I'm sad and I can't talk about it / All alone and right next to you / What I'm doing in a fine, this fine stretch of time" suggest that the person is experiencing a sense of disconnect with the person they are with, even as they are physically close to them. The repetition of the phrase "Just once, yeah, you know you like it / You know that I'm, I'm really ready" adds to the sense of urgency and longing that the person is feeling.


The chorus of the song, which consists mainly of the lines "Got to put my arm around you / Got to put one arm around you," suggests that the physical act of holding someone close is a manifestation of the person's desire for emotional connection and support. The final lines of the song, "I'll touch the other side, side of your face," evoke a sense of tenderness and vulnerability, as if the person is finally able to let their guard down and connect with the person they are with.


Overall, "Arm Around You" is a poignant exploration of the emotional complexities of human relationships and the importance of physical touch in finding comfort and connection.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm sad and I can't talk about it
I am feeling down and upset, but I am unable to express my feelings or talk about them.


All alone and right next to you
Although I am physically near you, I feel isolated and lonely.


What I'm doing in a fine, this fine stretch of time
I am questioning what I am doing with my life during this seemingly optimistic period of time.


Just once, yeah, you know you like it
I want to try something new and intimate with you, and I am aware that you are interested as well.


You know that I'm, I'm really ready
I am indicating my eagerness and willingness to take the next step in our relationship.


To put my arm around you
I want to physically embrace you and show affection.


That's you and that's me and that's me and you
Together, we form a partnership or team, and are inseparable.


Yeah in a rocket ship
We are on an exciting journey together, exploring and experiencing new things.


I need to be told what to do
I am uncertain and insecure, and desire guidance and direction.


It needs to be told what to do
My emotions or actions need to be clarified, and given instructions or guidance.


It's in a world of its own
My thoughts and feelings are private and unique, and difficult for others to understand.


Got to put my arm around you
Again, I am expressing my desire to be close to you and show physical affection.


I'll touch the other side, side of your face
I want to explore and experience every aspect of you, physically and emotionally.




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

H M

One million listens later and I still get emotional every time it comes on shuffle

Matt

This song sounds like love itself

FRENCHYB2B

Love that comment ❤️

CHANTAL CHALECKY

This had to have influenced music just by existing. So ahead of his time in the midst of it hanging out with Ginsberg and beyond it just being so incredibly himself. I cant lie and say I absolutely love it all but I totally respect it. What year would this have been? I know he died in '92.

Ashley Monday

Arthur Russell was a true genius and I feel him through his music more than any other artist. Arthur was Arthur, and classifiable only as that. I love you Arthur, wherever you may be.

Ashley Monday

His voice makes you feel like he has reached into your chest with an ethereal arm and is stroking your heart.

FRENCHYB2B

Just incredible 👌🏻 Gets me every time!

Patricia Langley

I arrived here thanks to Yannis Philippaskis..I understand why I wasnt aware of him in the 90s but quite frankly I wouldnt have appreciared it then.Its genious so glad Iv found him and what an interseting sad history.The internet had brought so much great music to me like this.

axaïde

the way he breaks his voice when he says arms >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> everything else in this universe

OnionYang

He was a music god.

More Comments