Simple Things
Belle and Sebastian. Lyrics


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If you want me I'll be there
A boy to deal with all your problems
But part of the deal
Is for you to feel something

If you want me look me up
I don't exist in usual places
Subtle as the wind is grey

If you want me you know where I am
I saw your arms in a dream
And there were blue veins blue
Blue veins

If you want me all you have to do
Is ask a thousand questions
Triplicate and file under
Simple things you ask to make a young boy sigh




Young boy sigh
Young boy sigh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Belle and Sebastian's song "Simple Things" seem to be a message from a man to a woman, offering himself as a solution to her problems. The opening line, "If you want me I'll be there, a boy to deal with all your problems," suggests that the woman is in need of someone to help her through difficult times, and the singer is willing to fill that role. However, the deal is not one-sided - the singer wants the woman to "feel something" for him, indicating that he is seeking a deeper connection than just helping her out.


The second verse adds a layer of mystery to the song, as the singer suggests that he is not easy to find. "If you want me, look me up, I don't exist in usual places" implies that he is not a typical person, and may be hard to track down. The third verse is perhaps the most enigmatic, as the singer describes a dream he had about the woman ("I saw your arms in a dream"), and the blue veins on her arms. This image is haunting and poetic, but its significance is not entirely clear.


The chorus of the song, "If you want me all you have to do is ask a thousand questions, triplicate and file under simple things you ask to make a young boy sigh," emphasizes the singer's willingness to engage with the woman and his desire for a genuine connection. He is open to answering her questions - even a thousand of them! - and is looking for someone who will appreciate the "simple things" that make life worth living.


Overall, "Simple Things" is a wistful, melancholic song about the desire for connection and meaning in life. The lyrics are full of poetic imagery and enigmatic phrases, but the message is clear: the singer is seeking someone who will appreciate him for who he is and help him find purpose in life.


Line by Line Meaning

If you want me I'll be there
I am always ready to be there for you if you need me


A boy to deal with all your problems
I am willing to help you solve your problems, just like a supportive friend would


But part of the deal
However, there is a condition if you want my help


Is for you to feel something
You need to have some emotional connection with me, even if it is just friendship


If you want me look me up
If you need me, just search for me and I'll be there


I don't exist in usual places
I am not someone you can find in the usual or expected places, I'm unique


Subtle as the wind is grey
I'm not very noticeable, but I'm still there, like the grey wind that goes unnoticed


If you want me you know where I am
If you need me again, I'm in the same place you found me before


I saw your arms in a dream
I had a dream about you and I could see the blue veins in your arms clearly


And there were blue veins blue
The veins in your arms were blue, a detail that stood out to me


If you want me all you have to do
If you need my help again, it's really simple


Is ask a thousand questions
Just ask me as many questions as you need to figure things out


Triplicate and file under
Make sure to keep all the information organized and easily accessible


Simple things you ask to make a young boy sigh
My heart is touched by even the simplest things you ask of me, and it makes me feel young and alive


Young boy sigh
I can't help but feel a youthful, spark of emotion in my heart when I'm with you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY DEAN, STEVEN A DEAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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