Like Little Children
Carole King Lyrics


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I don't remember just exactly how it started
All I know is we're both alone and broken-hearted
It doesn't make a bit of sense to me
Why should two people in love have to be
Like little children
Who don't know wrong from right
Like little children
Who just can't help but fight
Why should two grown people
Have to act like little children

There's no storm that you and I can't weather
If we just take the time to talk it out together
But when talkin' stops, tempers rise
And we both do things that aren't wise
Like little children

Now I'm not sayin' you've got to do everything I say
But you've got to realize that life is a two way highway

Let's forget about the past and look to the new horizon
Being happy together is the goal we'll keep our eyes on




Love for each other we never lacked
And oh, I know that we don't have to act like litle children

Overall Meaning

In Carole King's song "Like Little Children," the lyrics describe a relationship that has reached a point where both individuals are feeling alone and broken-hearted. The singer questions why two people in love have to act like little children, unable to resolve their issues and constantly fighting. The chorus stresses that they should not have to act like children and repeats the phrase, "Why should two grown people have to act like little children?"


The lyrics suggest that the couple's communication has broken down, and instead of being able to talk things out and resolve their issues, they end up fighting and saying things they don't mean. The line "when talking stops, tempers rise" highlights that communication is key in any relationship. The second half of the song shifts towards finding hope for the future by looking towards a new horizon and aiming to be happy together. The singer acknowledges that the relationship has never lacked love for each other, and they do not need to continue acting immaturely.


Overall, the song emphasizes the importance of communication and working through issues in a mature and respectful manner. It highlights the idea that it's counterproductive and unnecessary to act like children in a relationship, even when things get tough.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't remember just exactly how it started
I can't recall the beginning of our problems


All I know is we're both alone and broken-hearted
We're both upset and alone


It doesn't make a bit of sense to me
I don't understand why we're having problems


Why should two people in love have to be
It's illogical that two people in love would have difficulties


Like little children
Acting with immaturity


Who don't know wrong from right
Indecisive and confused


Who just can't help but fight
Constantly arguing


Why should two grown people
It's unreasonable that two mature adults


Have to act like little children
Would act childishly


There's no storm that you and I can't weather
There's no problem that we can't overcome


If we just take the time to talk it out together
Communication is key to fixing our issues


But when talkin' stops, tempers rise
When we stop communicating, we get angry


And we both do things that aren't wise
Our actions become irrational


Like little children
Again, we're acting immaturely


Now I'm not sayin' you've got to do everything I say
I'm not trying to control you


But you've got to realize that life is a two-way highway
We both need to work towards our relationship


Let's forget about the past and look to the new horizon
We need to let go of our past issues and move forward


Being happy together is the goal we'll keep our eyes on
Our aim is to be happy together


Love for each other we never lacked
We love each other


And oh, I know that we don't have to act like little children
We don't need to continue our immature behavior




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GERRY GOFFIN, CAROLE KING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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