Couldn't Cause Me Harm
Beth Orton Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ooh, yeah, you know,
You couldn't cause me any harm.
Although, at times, I may get startled,
I'm not alarmed.
I can see your eyes
I know when they're telling me a truth
I can feel the heart,
Especially when it's on the roof
Of my mouth.
There's no right or wrong.
This isn't a test.
And I won't lose my experience.
I won't try
To put it aside.
But it's alright.
You know that it's alright.
's alright.
It's gonna be alright.

It's gonna be alright.

And if I told you,
Would you never know to guess?
Sure, what's the point
When little often means so much less.
I can see for miles.
I know when you're telling me a truth
I can feel my heart,
Especially now.
It's on the roof
Of my mouth
There's no right or wrong.
This isn't a gesture
And I don't use my experience.
I don't try
To let it go by
But it's alright.
You know that it's alright.




It's alright.
It's gonna be alright.

Overall Meaning

In "Couldn't Cause Me Harm," written by Beth Orton and Ben Watt, Beth Orton speaks about the challenges and benefits of trusting others. Right from the beginning, she lets the listener know that she feels safe and comfortable, despite moments of hesitation. This is evident in the line "You couldn't cause me any harm/Although, at times, I may get startled/I'm not alarmed." Orton is opening up to the person she's conversing with and setting the precedent for the rest of the song.


The theme of trust is further explored in the lines "I can see your eyes/I know when they're telling me a truth/I can feel the heart/Especially when it's on the roof/of my mouth." This verse serves to demonstrate the intimacy and bond that two people can share. Through Orton's words, it's clear that she has a deeper understanding of the person she's speaking with, and they share a level of trust that goes beyond the surface level.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, yeah, you know,
I am confident that you will not harm me.


You couldn't cause me any harm.
I trust that you will not cause me harm.


Although, at times, I may get startled,
While I may be caught off guard sometimes,


I'm not alarmed.
I am not fearful or disturbed.


I can see your eyes
I can observe your eyes.


I know when they're telling me a truth
I can discern when you are being truthful.


I can feel the heart,
I can sense emotions or feelings.


Especially when it's on the roof
Particularly when my emotions are intense or overwhelming.


Of my mouth.
At the back of my throat or top of my palate.


There's no right or wrong.
There are no absolutes or definite answers.


This isn't a test.
There is no examination or evaluation underway.


And I won't lose my experience.
My past encounters or events will not be lost.


I won't try
I will not attempt.


To put it aside.
To disregard or ignore what has happened.


But it's alright.
Everything is acceptable or satisfactory.


You know that it's alright.
You are aware that everything is acceptable or satisfactory.


's alright.
It's alright.


It's gonna be alright.
Things will improve or become better.


It's gonna be alright.
Things will improve or become better.


And if I told you,
Suppose I informed you,


Would you never know to guess?
Can you admit that you would not know otherwise?


Sure, what's the point
Yes, what reason would there be


When little often means so much less.
When minor details can signify less importance.


I can see for miles.
It is possible to see very far away.


I know when you're telling me a truth
I can tell when you are speaking honestly.


I can feel my heart,
I am able to sense my own emotions or feelings.


Especially now.
Particularly at this moment.


It's on the roof
I can sense my emotions intensely.


Of my mouth
At the back of my throat or top of my palate.


There's no right or wrong.
There are no definitives or absolutes.


This isn't a gesture
There is no action or movement involved.


And I don't use my experience.
I do not rely on my past encounters or events.


I don't try
I do not make an effort.


To let it go by
To ignore or overlook something.


But it's alright.
Everything is acceptable or satisfactory.


You know that it's alright.
You are aware that everything is acceptable or satisfactory.


It's alright.
Everything is acceptable or satisfactory.


It's gonna be alright.
Things will improve or become better.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TED BARNES, BETH ORTON, SEAN READ, WILL BLANCHARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

M Cooper

This is an a amazing song heard it about 5 years ago when my mum brought the lazy sunday cd #1 and its just a song that take you back to when life was good!!!

CHARLES202able

Yes I also have Lazy Sunday #1 and this song probably my very favourite

Lorna Harwood

Just discovered this today - loving it!

Matthew C

One of the greatest songs of all time, in my humble opinion. When this album came out, I had this song/and album on repeat for months. All my friends fell in love with it as well. Just a brilliant talent.

Dan Hare

Superb song, lovely flow.

Peter Mortimer

It hasn't been viewed too many times compared to some but I am somewhat surprised that a song like this will only gain 270 likes.One would hope there are other versions on YouTube that have appealed to more people. It deserves better.

VS 12

Nice flash back... Beth I love your music and another Lyrical queen!!!!! You music always gives me such a strength....

Nick Reklitis

I fell in love listening to this back in 94

Alan Treacy

I was 18 years old when I first heard Beth Orton. Life was never the same after.

whereeyeend

This song is one of my all time favorites! So exited she is coming to DC :)

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