Habit of You
Arthur Russell Lyrics
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The lyrics of Arthur Russell's "Habit of You" reflect a feeling of comfort that the singer experiences upon seeing the person he loves. The simple act of opening the door and seeing his lover's smile can make him feel lucky and warm inside even in the midst of snow and cold. The song's chorus repeats the sentiment that a "habit of you" would be hard to give up, indicating a deep attachment and dependence on this person in the singer's life.
The second verse of the song introduces a more melancholic element, as the singer remembers his mother and a past birthday celebration. Seeing an orange birthday cake, a remnant of his childhood, almost brings him to tears. The contrast between this memory and the happiness he feels from seeing his lover's smile suggests that the singer has found a new source of comfort and joy in his life. This realization contributes to his growing feeling of love towards this person, even as he acknowledges that his infatuation may be obvious to others.
Overall, "Habit of You" conveys a simple yet emotionally complex message about the power of love and the ways in which it can become a habit that is hard to break. The song's lyrics are supported by a dreamy, ambient melody that adds to the peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere of the track.
Line by Line Meaning
When I opened the door and saw you smiling once again, I felt so lucky and so warm inside;
Opening the door and seeing you smile despite the snow made me feel fortunate and happy, bringing warmth inside me.
Hey, I think I'm falling in love, I guess you know,
I believe I'm falling in love with you and I assume you can tell.
Hey, I think I'm losing my cool, I guess it shows;
I think I'm losing my composure because of my feelings for you, and it's apparent.
but a habit of you would be hard to give up, a habit of you would be hard to give up, yes, a habit of you, a habit of you would be hard to give up.
Being used to having you around would make it difficult to part ways with you, to the point that it may become a habit that's hard to break.
When I opened the box and saw my orange birthday cake, I felt like crying, that's all I could do.
When I saw my birthday cake that was meant to have been shared with my mother, I felt devastated to the point of tears.
that's all that's left of mama's birthday boy.
I am the only remnant of my mother's son on his birthday.
When I opened the door and saw you smiling back at me, I felt like crying, that's all I could do.
Opening the door and seeing you smile at me made me feel like crying, for I realize how much I care for you.
a habit of you is hard to give up, 'cause a habit of you is hard to give up, 'cause a habit of you, a habit of you is hard to give up.
Being accustomed to having you in my life would make it arduous to move on because it would become a routine that I find difficult to relinquish.
Habit of you, it's hard to give up x 12
The constant refrain of 'habit of you, it's hard to give up' emphasizes that the prospect of leaving you behind is extremely challenging for me.
Contributed by Cameron E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Isa-eb2fm
Makes me dance like Snoopy
@fritzblob
slowly discovering the genius of this man just when I need it.
@diegotrejo9532
I do believe it is pretty hard [and quite an achievement] to nail down, tame, control, master & at the same time, paradoxically and beautifully simple, give life to a short pop song as masterfully as Arthur Russell.
@megazoft93
What i need is Arthur Russell anywhere anytime. He is doing so well
@gorecki4612
It's so warm inside
@vestree
For me i just hang out for the 2.33 mark....pure bliss. Why does it ever end
@elliotrobinson888
i think i'm falling in love, in case you didn't know
@satyros2
thank you
@user-jw7yt3wy1d
Cate Le Bon played an incredible cover of this at the Croxton in Melbourne... Good pick
@thismessismine
Omg I love them BOTH, do you know if there are any videos of this?