Waiting In Vain
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

One, two, three
Counting

I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
The singer doesn't want to wait and lose hope for the love of the person being addressed in this song.

From the very first time I blessed my eyes on you, girl
Since the first time the singer saw the person he loves, he knew he had to pursue her.

My heart says follow t'rough
The singer's heart encourages him to pursue his love interest, despite self-doubt.

But I know, now, that I'm way down on your line
The singer realizes that his love interest doesn't feel the same way.

But the waitin' feel is fine
Despite the pain of unrequited love, the singer finds comfort in waiting for his love interest.

So don't treat me like a puppet on a string
The singer demands to be treated with respect and not as someone who can be manipulated.

'Cause I know how to do my thing
The singer is confident in himself and his abilities.

Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb
The singer won't tolerate being talked down to or belittled.

I wanna know when you're gonna come, see
The singer wants to know if his love interest feels the same way and if there's a chance for a future together.

'Cause if summer is here
The time has passed quickly and the singer still hasn't received any indication of love from his interest.

I'm still waiting there
The singer is still patiently waiting for a sign of affection.

Winter is here
Although seasons have come and gone, the singer is still alone.

And I'm still waiting there
Despite the changing seasons, the singer still hasn't received love from his interest.

It's been three years since I'm knockin' on your door
The singer has been waiting for three years to receive affection from the person addressed in this song.

And I still can knock some more
The singer hasn't given up on the possibility of love from his interest and will keep trying.

Oh girl, ooh girl, is it feasible?
The singer questions if there's a possibility that his love interest will ever truly love him back.

Ya see, in life I know there's lots of grief
The singer acknowledges the difficulties of life and how love can often add to that complexity.

But your love is my relief
Despite the challenges of life, the singer knows that love is a source of relief and happiness.

Tears in my eyes burn, tears in my eyes burn
The pain of unrequited love is tearing the singer apart emotionally.

While I'm waiting, while I'm waiting for my turn
The singer is still waiting patiently for the opportunity to be loved by the person he desires.

It's your love that I'm waiting on
The singer's desire and hope is for his love interest to reciprocate his feelings.

It's me love that you're running from.
The love interest is running away from the singer's love, and avoiding the possibility of a relationship.

I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna
The singer repeats the sentiment of not wanting to wait in vain for love.

No, I don't wanna wait in vain
The singer reiterates that he doesn't want to wait in vain for love.

(I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna wait in vain)
The refrain repeats the message that the singer doesn't want to wait in vain for love.