The Little Things
Caillat Colbie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Back up, back up; take another chance
Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Better off sitting by myself and wondering
If I'm better off, better off without you, boy

And every time you notice me
By holding me closely and saying sweet things
I don't believe that it could be
You speaking your mind and saying the real thing
My feet have broke free and I'm leaving
I'm not gonna stand here feeling lonely, but
I don't regret it and I don't think it
Was just a waste of time

Back up, back up; take another chance
Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Better off sitting by myself and wondering
If I'm better off, better off without you, boy

Don't just leave me hanging on
Don't just leave me hanging on

The little things you do to me
Are taking me over; I wanna show you
Everything inside of me
Like a nervous heart that is crazy beating
My feet are stuck here against the pavement
I wanna break free; I wanna make it
Closer to your eyes, get your attention
Before you pass me by

Don't just leave me hanging on

Back up, back up; take another chance
Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Better off sitting by myself and wondering
If I'm better off, better off without you, boy

Don't just leave me hanging on
Don't just leave me hanging on

Overall Meaning

In "The Little Things," the singer is fixated on someone, and they’re falling for them, but they can’t seem to express their emotions to the person. The little things that the person does make the singer go crazy, and they want to show their true self to them. The singer feels stuck and unable to leave their current situation, but they also fear losing the person they’re falling for. They ask the person to take a chance on them, not to give up, and not to leave them hanging on.

The chorus of the song repeats the singer’s plea for the other person not to leave them hanging on. Throughout the song, the singer seems to be trying to work up the courage to tell this person how they feel. The little things they do are taking over, and they can’t help but feel drawn to the person.

The song ultimately conveys the idea that love requires taking risks, and the singer is asking their potential love interest to give them a shot. It’s about taking a chance on love and, ultimately, not being afraid to express your feelings.

Line by Line Meaning

The little things you do to me
The small gestures you make towards me

Are taking me over; I wanna show you
They are overwhelming me and I want to reciprocate

Everything inside of me
All of my emotions

Like a nervous heart that is crazy beating
Is like a heart beating frantically with nervousness

My feet are stuck here against the pavement
I feel stuck in my current situation

I wanna break free; I wanna make it
I want to escape and succeed

Closer to your eyes, get your attention
I want to be closer to you and have your focus

Before you pass me by
Before you leave or ignore me

Back up, back up; take another chance
Give it another try, don't give up

Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Don't make a mistake, I don't want to lose you

Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Realize this is something more than just a fling

Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Don't abandon me, don't tell me I'm better off without you

Better off sitting by myself and wondering
It's not better for me to be alone and contemplate

If I'm better off, better off without you, boy
If I would be better off without you in my life

And every time you notice me
When you recognize my presence

By holding me closely and saying sweet things
By physically holding me and speaking affectionately

I don't believe that it could be
I can't believe that it's true

You speaking your mind and saying the real thing
You being truthful and honest

My feet have broke free and I'm leaving
I'm no longer stuck and am leaving

I'm not gonna stand here feeling lonely, but
I refuse to continue feeling alone

I don't regret it and I don't think it
I have no regrets and don't think it was a waste of time

Was just a waste of time
That it was meaningless

Don't just leave me hanging on
Don't leave me in uncertainty or doubt

Don't just leave me hanging on
Don't leave me waiting or uncertain

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: LOUIS ANDRE FISCHER, DAVID JAMES WOLINSKI, INDIA ARIE SIMPSON, ANTHONY LAMAR ROBERSON, SHARON SANDERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@gabriellawrence3159

8y↑22

The little things you do to me
Are taking me over; I wanna show you
Everything inside of me
Like a nervous heart that is crazy beating
My feet are stuck here against the pavement
I wanna break free; I wanna make it
Closer to your eyes, get your attention
Before you pass me by

Back up, back up; take another chance
Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Better off sitting by myself and wondering
If I'm better off, better off without you, boy

And every time you notice me
By holding me closely and saying sweet things
I don't believe that it could be
You speaking your mind and saying the real thing
My feet have broke free and I'm leaving
I'm not gonna stand here feeling lonely, but
I don't regret it and I don't think it
Was just a waste of time

Back up, back up; take another chance
Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Better off sitting by myself and wondering
If I'm better off, better off without you, boy

Don't just leave me hanging on
Don't just leave me hanging on

The little things you do to me
Are taking me over; I wanna show you
Everything inside of me
Like a nervous heart that is crazy beating
My feet are stuck here against the pavement
I wanna break free; I wanna make it
Closer to your eyes, get your attention
Before you pass me by

Don't just leave me hanging on

Back up, back up; take another chance
Don't you mess up, mess up; I don't wanna lose you
Wake up, wake up; this ain't just a thing that you
Give up, give up; don't you say that I'd be better off
Better off sitting by myself and wondering
If I'm better off, better off without you, boy

Don't just leave me hanging on
Don't just leave me hanging on

Written by Louis Andre Fischer, David James Wolinski, India Arie Simpson, Anthony Lamar Roberson, Sharon Sanders • Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group

All comments from YouTube:

@paradisemedia4222

3y↑154

This used to be my favorite childhood song. Am now 27 and had almost forgotten about it. Thank goodness i found it in the feed. What memories this song awakens!!!

@JesusForgivesAllSins

52w↑1

I can relate with you so much 😊

@Itsparsleythyme

41w↑4

Same

@brilliantreadtv393

23w↑1

It still is my favourite after 15 years. It was in 2007 or 8 when I first heard it on radio here in India

@hollypietrzak5214

15w

i think Colbie Caillat got alot more fame in the late 2000s i noticed?

@rosetyler861

15w

I’m 27 too and this song was my favourite when I was 15 😢❤

1 More Replies...

@martina5537

8y↑629

I've been getting back into her music lately. Man, she had some great stuff and I've always loved her casual, laid-back, surfer-girl vibe.

@RelevantDad

4y↑6

Not to sound too much like a hipster, but I've never really gotten much into her more popular songs. Bubbly, Try, etc. just seem so different to me, and not as comforting/beautiful.

@playfulkids4297

Oh really it’s up to me and I love you mama don’t love me

@krystolrassul3316

3y↑1

Yasss♥️💯😌

@trusjame

2y↑1

👏

@christopherblackwell2024

2y↑1

Same 6 years later lol

@kauaicr07

9y↑185

Colbie generously supports our Islands with loving concerts filled with optimistic songs from her vibrant heart. Colbie creates happiness with her vocals and understanding with her lyrics. Because Colbie is an authentic artist. We are blessed on Kauai every time Colbie arrives sharing her gifts of aloha. We are all appreciative on Kauai thank you Colbie mahalo.

@LizzieFaShoSon

8y↑7

I just recently came back from a trip to the islands and the scenery looked so firmilar, I knew it had to be on the beautiful islands of Hawaii ❤️

@holyhoops16

7y↑2

kauaicr07 --- Let's see how many times one can say the word "Colbie" in ONE damn paragraph!! I mean jesus we totally understand who you're referring to based on the damn name on the video!!

@kristinbunch4741

4y↑6

I want to go to Hawaii and see her live

@kristinbunch4741

4y↑7

@holyhoops16 chillax

@jenna6128

3y↑79

This is one of the underrated artist

@suny4395

3y↑4

So underrated 💔

@soccerchick9841

11y↑25

She's absolutely gorgeous! Her music is so real and her lyrics are so meaningful and raw. She's unlike any other musician that you hear today, and she's just simply amazing :)

@NostalgiCrazy

9y↑455

Still one of my favorites, always relaxes me. Never understood why it wasn't as big as her other hits :(

@MonkeyJazz75

+Sebizzar It's simply not as catchy.

@NostalgiCrazy

9y↑19

MonkeyJazz75 Then why does it stay stuck in my head lol

@MonkeyJazz75

***** I never said it's NOT catchy. I said it's not AS catchy.

@NostalgiCrazy

9y↑2

MonkeyJazz75 Difference of opinion I guess :)

@MonkeyJazz75

***** Of course. Was just answering the guy or girl's question.

8 More Replies...

@monsemm81

9y↑81

I love how her videos are so down to earth, wish she was more famous!

@RuthParodies

8y↑51

This video makes me wanna travel so badly... <3

@rosh9414

12w

Nostalgia hits hard 😢. Reminiscing about my college days at Calcutta University. Use to watch this video every morning on Vh1.

@LatianaBlue22

9y↑7

I LOVE Colbie's soulful ballads like this one. Such a beautiful, authenticity to her voice!

@ryangee890

3y↑5

she has such a good vibe to her, reminds me of VH1 days where they played only music vids

@antionette97

4y↑17

I'll always love this song. ❤️💞 💞 She's so underrated.

@kona2860

10y↑21

This video was shot in Hawaii, the Island of Kauai. Most of the scenes are on the North shore, and yes, it is that beautiful! I live on Kauai, but wished I lived on the North Shore! Jason Mraz's "I'm yours" video is also in Hawaii, with most scenes on Kauai. "Lucky" is also filmed partly on Kauai.

@tassiathaisalencar6327

9y↑38

All the Colbie's songs are amazing but this one always makes me feel so good! :D

@karenclav7338

9y↑151

Omg all of her songs are really good! 😍

@karlaperez6028

9y↑1

Yea

@fathiyaharun6606

9y↑3

Absoultely

@hidayatizaham

6y↑1

indeed..

@SugaRrrr03

6y↑4

Yeaa

@NIGHTLYRICS412

Yup

@jocelyncams1826

5y↑15

Still one of my favorite songs ❤️ her whole album Coco is so relaxing, makes me want to go to beach and relax

@xSoulGirl

11y↑14

Her music takes me to another planet for at least 3 minutes. A perfect planet, where I think about what I should've done instead of what I did. She's amazing.

@AngieWDPSpicy

1y↑1

It’s 2023 and I agree!! Wish I could go back and change some things for sure!! 44 now😢

@michaelscottpapercompany6191

1y↑1

@Angela Reid it’s never too old to change or do something you have always wanted. Yes you might not be able to change the past, but we learn become better people and move on. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, nobody is perfect. All the best 🤗

@gabrielgarcia1602

37w↑10

song of a life time, beautiful memories of how simple childhood was ❤

@TheAvatar31

12y↑19

It just says that it's about the simplicity. Colbie is a very simple, beautiful woman who writes and sings simple songs. She doesn't need to dance or to do silly things in the video, doesn't need to pound on make up, she doesn't even need very expensive camera just to relay the message. She just sings. And how her voice captivates the simple us inside is just so magical. :)

@KaiyleWalker

10y↑9

I wanna cry, her debut album takes me back! This was a good musical era!

@Jhannahwood

8y↑7

Every one of your songs is so inspiring I love you so much, whenever I'm sad for example last see my 5 month niece died and I went to this song and it really helped me to remember that she is now with God

@plbeckman

5y↑33

Colbie 2019- forever.

@caitlynbjorkman9386

8y↑22

She totally makes songs that understands how I feel.

@kristinbunch4741

4y↑2

I love Colbie Calliet she is such a smooth surfer style and calm music nice vibes and soothing

@pigeonfanatic13

10y↑15

Haha love the way she blushes when that guy speaks to her :)

@mopromiseland3481

2y↑11

I was 19 year old as I heard this song for the first time in my far little village at the End of this Earth. And Iḿ now 33 and still being in love with it and I cry every time I listen to it. ♥

@bettychurchill381

10y↑18

I love Colbie Caillat's videos. I enjoy Brighter Than the Sun, The Little Things, I Do and some of her other recordings. Listen and enjoy these lovely music videos. Thank you Calbie for this wonderful music. Betty the Poet

@danamoss514

10y↑3

Thnks for sharing Betty Churchill

@honeyroasted07

9y↑21

This song is life . Absolutely adore her

@garyfoster73

3y↑2

This is one of those TIMELESS songs. Colbie awesome talent

@insertedgyusernamehere169

8y↑39

This girl deserves at least five times more subscribers

@TheToltec

10y↑56

I remember the 1st time I heard this song I thought it was the prettiest song I ever heard..

@zohustle6471

8y↑67

I love her music and I'm a hip hop guy.

@NostalgiCrazy

8y↑17

That's the way it should be, nobody should limit themselves to 1 genre :)

@tashaa4251

5y↑3

scoota robinson same here 😅

@jdilla999

5y↑4

I'm with you fam lol

@skurinski

hip hop sucks though

@143surfANDdance

10y↑7

i love how she actually puts time and effort in her music videos. they have adventure and fun in them.

@sundancer1511

10y↑10

Beautiful women, beautiful video and a great song, it's as if you were dreaming while listening to the song ... congratulations

@shngain100

7y↑24

I love this song, brings back memories when I was 19-20 it was quiet a rough hectic time, 28 now and I'm much better. However, I still want to start HRT therapy but not yet happening still :(

But this song and Colbie soothe my soul :) Love her.

@angelofabregas7708

5y↑9

2019 this song never gets old. Been listening to this since second year

@rosakq2

2y↑4

I’ve been looking for this song for 10 years😭 I couldn’t remember the lyrics but then i heard it while on hold on the phone. Im just glad I finally found it lol

@savehaven5545

9y↑12

I didnt remember that this song has a MV.. i love this song so much back then..

@mikeycash4466

6y↑2

that whole album was a banger 💯💯

@glitterinthedark

9y↑7

One of the classic examples of how good music doesn't have an expiry date :)

@milkshakes7758

9y↑20

This song is my cell fone ringtone since 2011 when I heard it first time and always will be ....fav song of colbie ....

@yourlovelyves

Me too! ☺

@katieboothe2598

10y↑53

She's so beautiful and talented

@kenankelly3691

4y↑1

Yep. One of the greatest.

@sophiagabrielle3716

10y↑33

She's so beautiful

@MrJoanamnc

11y↑4

I always listen colbie when I'm having negative thoughts. Her songs make me happy

@merlimmillenium1917

9y↑9

This will be always my favorite music of all the times

@_jocas_

2y↑3

It's the first day of 2022. I found myself here listening to Colbie Caillat songs. They never get old.

@shielamaegalisa6549

11y↑3

ALL OF HER SONGS ARE FANTASTIC!

@raqueld4899

9y↑10

I LOVE THIS SONG, I LOVE THE LYRICS, I LOVE THE LOCATIONS, I JUST LOVE IT!!!!!!SHE'S AN AMAZING SINGER

@divinoantonio1837

9y↑5

beautiful music! I love Colbie Caillat!

@akiraelai8053

4y↑1

The good old days, this brings back so much nostalgia and good vibes 💜

@giselleluna1100

5y↑3

Such a throwback. I miss u colbie

@Ravi-dd9jh

6y↑1

The part of this song back up back up is so amazing and also the music is so peaceful.

@deijablanden3916

46w

I definitely had this 💿 in my boom box ugh so nostalgic 😍

@hekph4500

7y↑4

This song has been on my first computer. Listening to this brings back something to me.

@bks7842

6y↑4

First time hearing this, FANTASTIC!

@kvchoirdork

12y

Instantly puts a smile on my face and transports me to an island paradise.

@memiortiz3618

9y↑20

THIS SHIT USED TO BE MY JAM WHEN I WAS LIKE 12

@mariammansour7480

Zahr

@islakarenlebaste1757

36w↑1

2023 and this is still the song I play when I wake up. Automatically puts me in a good mood.

@nva_69

4y↑1

Lol, the last time I commented on this song is when I still have my work now I am self-employed and still listening to this. Nothing's changed, she's still beautiful and this is a very soothing song good for relaxing.

@14MusicalLife

11y↑6

I love how all the girls in her video aren't stick-thin and 'perfect'. They're just perfect.

@gabriellawrence3159

8y↑22

@jillmarieamaya5057

Gabriel Lawrence
Love this song

@Paigeaash

12y

"Don't you say that I'd be better off, better off sleeping by myself and wondering if I'm better off, better off without you boy..Don't just leave me hanging on, don't just leave me hanging on.. the little things you do to me are taking me over, I wanna show ya, everything inside me oh like a nervous heart that, is crazy beating.."Ahh can't get enough of this beautiful song.

@kailee5575

9y↑6

I love all of her songs so much!!!!!!!

@David-mj9pf

2y↑2

I been trying to find this song for awhile now and I caught it playing in Publix s groceries and I was quick to SoundHound it, Love this song reminds me of someone who I was dating

@sonjahamilton4249

10y↑2

I just love all her songs, so upbeat! I hope one day she takes all the awards, she so deserves it!

@lisaalley9233

2y↑1

We all started life this way. A part of us always remembers the truth no matter where life takes us. Thank you 😇😊🇱🇷👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

@dianefrick5136

10y↑4

Colbie caillat you sing beautiful I love your songs and you have a great voice. Keep singing .You're Great !!!#

@dianefrick5136

10y

Keep up the good work!!!!! :-) :-) :-)

@puyirdanggen7450

46w

Miss those days soo much ❤

@EllenDK

10y↑55

I still love this song in 2014! :)

@erinfeichtinger9914

8y↑18

9 years later and I still love this song

@kailebrogan5695

7y↑1

same.

@hummumm2537

Hey CC~♥~ I remember when you followed me everywhere as soon as you could crawl! I am so inspired, grateful, and blessed to have you in my heart and life!

@cmsdinga3131

1y↑1

This song was played in the car when i had a car sickness in a long road trip in 2016.I feel so cool and comfort when this song is played at that time. ❤

@suzannevales

11y↑3

her voice is like heaven with chocolate and strawberries

@oliviarosebellamy

12y↑1

I have just started listening to Colbie's songs and she is possibly the best singer I have ever heard, AMAZING!

@cococosmic3030

6y↑2

Colbie is beautiful inside and out i could feel it in her songs her songs is really good

@angelogabrielagnone6185

2y↑1

This song by Colbie Caillat is really fabulous!!!!!!!!!!

@Melina-nd9ji

3y↑2

From Ethiopia Takes me to my childhood memory 😊

@jazzybadboy5365

7y↑4

shes so beautiful and imspiring to me ..like when im just total bummed she does something with that voice

@beadenise

11y↑5

Her songs are just so real. And even after all these years, her music hasn't changed and the industry hasn't influenced her at all. Like if you love Colbie!.

@gerbiei.1370

true. i love her so much even after all these years

@jakethegreat5086

Great song Colbie you have the best music.

@carltuckerjr6929

10y↑2

THANK U DEAR Colbie -great songs -!

@earlcastillo1128

11y

chillin with this song makes it feel more like heaven

@billabongchik8024

12y

i agree she has calming music that makes u happy. shes one of my favorite singers(:

@danielnoirr3223

10y

beautiful melodies
graceful Colbie
charming video
in love with this song!

@swhiteism

12y↑3

I will always and forever love this song.

@dehongli9436

I've been looking for this song for like 10 years!!!!!!!!!!!!First time heard it at my middle school and I was listening to this all day long but I soon lost it since I lost my itouch which contains it, I felt that I might lose this song forever, It was so torturous that I could recall nothing about the singer or the song name except for the melody and Colbie's face. I tried searching any keywords I thought might be related and found nothing (as you can see I'm not an native english speaker). Thank god I found it on Youtube tonight, at the night before I went to the national Bar exam, how lucky I am! I hope this song could bless me!!!!Thank you Colbie!!!!

@joelvasquezvillanueva4997

8y↑7

love this song... miss those coco days

@tiagogoncalvesdemoraes8736

10y↑5

the best of life is the little things

@r0hankanojia

8y↑7

I still remember i listened this song on the radio and i kept listening it for weeks after i found it on web....

@rjc09

8y↑1

same here brother.

@rjc09

8y↑1

but it was back in 2009. not now. :)

@natcha88

11y↑2

Sooooo much memories with this song <3 <3 <3 I love Colbie Caillat

@Iamhappy828

10y↑12

Love this video and song

@MsFancyLiving

4y↑2

2020 Still listening to you Colbie ❤️ I love all your songs!

@bonniesilver6913

12y↑1

An amazing song--stuck in my head all day and listening to it over and over all night.

@realworld4u206

2y↑1

Your voice makes me always happy! Thank you^^

@katerussel5686

6y↑8

Still love this even if it's already 2018 😘

@maryjoygenobis1324

9y↑2

One of the most relaxing songs of collbie

@aleyahannelicano4746

9y↑4

I really love this song. It relaxes me.

@BubbaRRNC

10y

BEAUTIFUL & the music is good too...

@mansourzamanan24

6y↑1

7/7/2018
I was recommended to listen to this.
I'm sure I'll be on this page again and again

@izzeymiyaki1932

always remember this song kc ito ung lhat ng dpt kong msb cyo njng una p ky thru this song nlng jst to let u knw aside frm my actions😊💜💖

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