Can You Be True?
Costello (Elvis) Lyrics


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Can you be true?
Can this possibly be real?
I knew quite suddenly
Do you sense how I feel?
I long to hear you whisper my name
'Til you tell me
"My Darling, you may be my man"
There will be days when you must go from my sight
There may be nights when clouds deny us starlight
Only time will tell us
I hope that it speaks gently if it isn't meant to be
Then again
By then we might not be listening so attentively

I will be there
If the days bring torments and trials
To close the distances only measured in miles
I long to hold you all through the night
And to tell you
"My Darling, you make everything seem right"
And then I'll hear you calling in my name




And I'll answer
"My Darling, I may be your man"

Overall Meaning

In Elvis Costello's song "Can You Be True?", he questions the reality of his intense emotions for someone he has just met. He longs to hear this person whisper his name and declare their commitment to him. Despite the uncertainty of the future and the potential obstacles that may arise, he promises to be there for this person in times of trouble, and to make everything seem right. The last two lines of the song signify his willingness to accept any challenges that may come their way, as he responds to their call by declaring that he may be "your man."


One interpretation of this song is that it is about the excitement and wonder of falling in love. Costello captures the feeling of uncertainty that often accompanies the early stages of a relationship, as he questions whether his feelings are real and whether the other person feels the same way. The song suggests that love can bring people together despite their differences and past experiences, and that it has the potential to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.


Overall, "Can You Be True?" is a beautiful and heartfelt love song that captures the joy and uncertainty of falling in love. Costello's emotive vocals and the simple yet effective instrumentation create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that make this song truly special.


Line by Line Meaning

Can you be true?
Do you possess the ability and intention to remain faithful?


Can this possibly be real?
Is this situation even possible or is it just a fantasy?


I knew quite suddenly
I had an intuition or realization in a quick and sudden manner


Do you sense how I feel?
Are you able to perceive or understand my emotions?


I long to hear you whisper my name
I have a strong desire to hear you say my name in a soft and intimate way


'Til you tell me
Until you explicitly state or confess to me


"My Darling, you may be my man"
"My beloved, you have the potential to be my partner"


There will be days when you must go from my sight
There will be times when we have to be apart physically


There may be nights when clouds deny us starlight
Sometimes it may seem like the universe is against us and prevent us from enjoying romantic moments


Only time will tell us
We must wait patiently and let only time reveal the truth


I hope that it speaks gently if it isn't meant to be
I wish for a peaceful and subtle sign if we're not meant to be together


Then again
On the other hand


By then we might not be listening so attentively
We may not be paying enough attention to the signs or circumstances in the future


I will be there
I will be present and by your side


If the days bring torments and trials
If we encounter difficult or distressing experiences together


To close the distances only measured in miles
To bridge the physical distance between us just measured in miles


I long to hold you all through the night
I have a strong desire to keep you in my arms throughout the entire night


And to tell you
To express to you


"My Darling, you make everything seem right"
"My beloved, being with you corrects and alleviates all my troubles"


And then I'll hear you calling in my name
Then I'll hear you calling out to me using my name


And I'll answer
And I'll respond


"My Darling, I may be your man"
"My beloved, I'm willing to be your partner and fulfill that role"




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tabb Patz

Thanks for this. My husband and I danced to this song on our wedding day!

CultmagzVideo

Έργο ποιότητας και ουσίας που αφήνει έτη φωτός πίσω του όλους τους σύγχρονους και συνοδοιπόρους του αλλά ακόμη και εκείνα τα παλιομοδίτικα γυααλιά τού My Aim is True του 1977.

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