Open arms
Chapman (Tracy) Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

If love is what you want
Baby here I am
If tenderness is what you need
I've got that to give
If you need some affection
Baby these are open arms
Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms
You come home you've had a hard day
Every door your tried to open
Was closing in your face
I'm right here I'll be right here
I'll embrace you

I'll be open with my heart
I'll let you in
I'll be open with my thoughts
I'll be your best friend
If you need some attention
Baby these are open arms
Open arms, open arms, open arms, open arms

Every corner you turn
Oh, trouble come your way
But when you get home
I'll try to be there
And I'll embrace you

'Cause these, these are
These are
These, these are
Open arms

If time is what you need
Baby I'll stop clocks
If you're looking for something
Maybe I've got what you want
If there's one thing to remember
Don't forget that these are open arms
Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms

These, these are
These, these are
These, these are
Open arms




Open arms
Open arms

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tracy Chapman's "Open Arms" express a deep yearning for a connection with another person. Chapman invites her loved one to come to her with any need they may have, whether it's love, affection, or simply someone to talk to. She offers herself fully, promising to be open with her heart and thoughts, and to embrace her partner with open arms. The love and support that Chapman offers is unconditional and unwavering, even in the face of trouble and hardship.


The song seems to be addressing someone who may have had a difficult day or who has faced challenges in their life. Chapman recognizes the struggle and offers her support to ease their pain. She promises to be a source of comfort and hope, a beacon of light in a dark world. This song is a powerful expression of the connection we all seek, and the love and acceptance we all long for. Tracy Chapman captures the essence of what it means to be open to others, to offer ourselves freely and without reservation.


Line by Line Meaning

If love is what you want
If your desire is to be loved and shown affection, I am willing and ready to fulfill it.


Baby here I am
I am present and available for you, ready to love and cherish you.


If tenderness is what you need
If the gentle touch and care is what you require, I am capable of providing that for you.


I've got that to give
I possess the ability and willingness to provide the tenderness and care that you need.


If you need some affection
If your heart is longing to be shown love and care, I am here and ready to fill that void.


Baby these are open arms
My heart and my arms are open for you to come and receive all the love and care you need.


Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms
Repeatedly emphasizing the open nature of my heart and arms, inviting and welcoming you to come and receive.


You come home you've had a hard day
After a tiring and draining day, when you return home, I am here to provide comfort and solace.


Every door your tried to open
Every attempt you made to find comfort, acceptance or love, you were left disappointed or let down.


Was closing in your face
Everything you tried to seek was in vain, and you were left feeling rejected and hopeless.


I'm right here I'll be right here
I am here now and will always remain present to support, love and care for you.


I'll embrace you
I'll offer a warm hug, encourage and provide the love and care that you need to overcome your difficulties.


I'll be open with my heart
I am transparent and will share my true feelings with you, regardless of the situation.


I'll let you in
I'll open up my heart and let you see the true and vulnerable side of me, allowing you to know me at my core.


I'll be open with my thoughts
I am honest and will share my true thoughts with you, allowing you to see into the depths of my heart and mind.


I'll be your best friend
I am always here for you and will provide the support and encouragement that you need, like a loyal and trustworthy friend.


Every corner you turn
No matter which direction you go, or what situation you encounter, I will always be here to provide the love and care that you need.


Oh, trouble come your way
When difficult circumstances arise, I am here to support and guide you to the best of my ability.


But when you get home
Upon returning home, I will be here to provide comfort and support, inviting you into my open arms.


I'll try to be there
I will do my best to always be present, available and supportive whenever you need me.


'Cause these, these are
Emphasizing that these arms and heart are always open and ready to provide the love and care you need.


Open arms
Inviting and welcoming you to come and receive the love and care that you need.


If time is what you need
If you require time to sort through and understand your feelings, I am willing to give you the time and space you need.


Baby I'll stop clocks
I am willing to put aside everything else and prioritize your needs, giving you all the time and attention required to heal and grow.


If you're looking for something
If you are seeking something specific in life, whether it is love, care or support, I am here and ready to provide it for you.


Maybe I've got what you want
I could be the one who can offer you the love, care or support that you are seeking in life.


If there's one thing to remember
Out of everything I have said and done for you, if there is one lesson to take away, it is this one thing:


Don't forget that these are open arms
Always remember that my heart and arms are open and ready to provide love, care and support whenever you need it.


Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms
Reiterating the message of the song; that my heart and arms are always open, inviting and welcoming you to come and receive the love and care that you need.


These, these are
Continuing to emphasize the open nature and willingness of my heart and arms to provide love, care and support.


Open arms
Inviting and welcoming you to come and receive the love and care that you need, one last time.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions