Steal My Kisses
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals Lyrics


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I pulled into Nashville, Tennessee,
But you wouldn't even come around to see me
And since you're headin' up to Carolina,
You know I'm gonna be right there behind ya

'Cause I always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you
I always have to steal my kisses from you

Now I love to feel that warm southern rain,
Just to hear it fall is the sweetest sounding thing
And to see it fall on your simple country dress
It's like heaven to me I must confess

'Cause I always have to steal my kisses from you
I always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you
I always have to steal my kisses from you

Now I've been hangin' 'round you for days,
But when I lean in you just turn your head away
Oh no, you didn't mean that
She said I love the way you think, but I hate the way you act

'Cause I always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you
I always have to steal my kisses from you

Always have to steal my kisses from you
I always have to steal my kisses from you




Always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you

Overall Meaning

The song Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper is about a man who is trying to win over a woman's affection, who seems to be playing hard to get. He first talks about visiting Nashville, Tennessee and wanting to see her, however, she doesn't even want to come around to see him. Despite this, he says he'll follow her to Carolina. The repetition of "always have to steal my kisses from you" throughout the song emphasizes his difficulty in getting the woman to reciprocate his affections. He loves the feeling of the southern rain and how it falls on her country dress, describing it as heavenly. The chorus is repeated several times, emphasizing his continued struggle to get the woman to return his love. The final verse suggests that he's been hanging around her for a while, but when he tries to make a move, she turns away. However, she assures him that she loves the way he thinks but hates the way he acts.


Overall, the song is a lighthearted take on the age-old trope of chasing after someone who doesn't seem interested in return. Ben Harper's skillful guitar playing and distinctive voice give the song a folksy, laid-back vibe that captures the carefree feeling of a summer romance.


Line by Line Meaning

I pulled into Nashville, Tennessee,
I arrived in Nashville, Tennessee,


But you wouldn't even come around to see me
You refused to visit me


And since you're headin' up to Carolina,
You are going to Carolina,


You know I'm gonna be right there behind ya
I will follow you to Carolina


'Cause I always have to steal my kisses from you
I have to work hard to get your affection


Always have to steal my kisses from you
I never get your kisses easily


Now I love to feel that warm southern rain,
I adore the warm southern rain


Just to hear it fall is the sweetest sounding thing
It is the most beautiful sound I have heard


And to see it fall on your simple country dress
It makes me happier to see it fall on your dress


It's like heaven to me I must confess
It feels heavenly for me to experience that moment


Now I've been hangin' 'round you for days,
I have been spending many days with you


But when I lean in you just turn your head away
But you don't show me any attention


Oh no, you didn't mean that
You didn't intend to do that


She said I love the way you think, but I hate the way you act
You told me that you appreciate my thoughts but you dislike my behavior


Always have to steal my kisses from you
Getting affection from you is a challenge


Always have to steal my kisses from you
I never get your kisses easily


Always have to steal my kisses from you
Getting affection from you is always difficult


Always have to steal my kisses from you
I need to work hard to get your affection




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BEN C HARPER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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