A House Is Not A Home
Burt Bacharach/Hal David Lyrics
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Even when there's no one sitting there
But a chair is not a house
And a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss good night
A room is still a room
But a room is not a house
And a house is not a home
When the two of us are far apart
And one of us has a broken heart
Now and then I call your name
And suddenly your face appears
But it's just a crazy game
When it ends, it ends in tears
Darling, have a heart
Don't let one mistake keep us apart
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there still in love with me
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there still in love with me
Burt Bacharach's song "A House Is Not A Home" is a poignant ballad that speaks to the idea that even though objects and places may possess certain qualities or characteristics, they lack meaning without the presence of someone we love. Throughout the song, Bacharach uses the metaphor of a house to represent the idea of a home, emphasizing that a house can be a structure made of bricks and mortar, but without emotional significance; it lacks warmth, comfort, and security. On the other hand, a home is a place where we feel love, connection, and shelter from the world.
The first verse of the song introduces the metaphor of a chair, suggesting that even though a chair may be present, it is when someone is sitting on it that it becomes meaningful. The same is true for a house; it may be standing, but it is only when someone steps into it that it becomes a home. The second verse emphasizes that even though a room may look like it is empty, it is only when we feel gloomy that it loses its significance, and the same goes for a home. When we are far apart or when our hearts are broken, a home loses its meaning.
The bridge section of the song speaks to the longing for connection and the fear of losing it. The singer calls out to their loved one, hoping to see their face, but acknowledges that it is a "crazy game" because when it ends, it ends in tears. The chorus then returns with the plea to turn the house into a home. The singer emphasizes that they are not meant to live alone and begs their loved one to be there, still in love with them.
Overall, Bacharach's lyrics touch on the fragility of love and the importance of feeling connected to someone in our dwellings to create a home.
Line by Line Meaning
A chair is still a chair
A chair remains a chair even if empty.
Even when there's no one sitting there
The chair still has its identity as it is, despite no one occupying it.
But a chair is not a house
A chair alone cannot provide shelter and warmth, unlike a house.
And a house is not a home
A house becomes a home only when it is filled with love and affection.
When there's no one there to hold you tight
A house without someone to embrace and provide comfort is incomplete.
And no one there you can kiss good night
A home lacks love if no one is there to express their affection and end the night with a kiss.
A room is still a room
A room maintains its identity, whether it's empty or filled with objects.
Even when there's nothing but gloom
A room does not change even if it lacks cheerfulness or hope.
When the two of us are far apart
A home loses its warmth when separated from the ones you love.
And one of us has a broken heart
A home becomes empty when one of the two occupants is heartbroken and distant.
Now and then I call your name
The longing for the loved one is experienced as the name is called out occasionally.
And suddenly your face appears
As the loved one's face appears in the mind, there is a sense of comfort.
But it's just a crazy game
The emotions of the person are often treated as a game that plays with their thoughts.
When it ends, it ends in tears
The closure to this game often causes sorrow and heartache.
Darling, have a heart
The person pleads for the loved one to have compassion and empathy.
Don't let one mistake keep us apart
The person acknowledges their fault and pleads to not let it ruin the relationship.
I'm not meant to live alone
The person craves companionship and affection in their life.
Turn this house into a home
The person pleads to transform the dwelling into a place of love and comfort.
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
The person expresses their longing to return home to their loved one.
Oh, please be there still in love with me
The person hopes that their loved one still has affection for them and is patiently waiting for return.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
davidhertzberg
The 1967 A&M recording with Burt singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ittj8IB6XSA
Karin Junker
It s not even 5 AM yet. Still dark outside with 15cm of new snow covering the ground. How soothing and fitting to hear these tunes. Thank you david!
Eva Garcia
The elegant signature that can be heard late at night and of course when you get up early too. Yes! Love Bacharach forever.
notaire2
Repräsentiert die wunderschönen frühsechziger Jahren. Damals war Kennedy noch am Leben.
Ann Hanaphy
💖🌷♥️🇨🇮💕