You Belong To Me
Costello Elvis & The Attractions Lyrics
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I don't want to hear another word about young lovers
Or hiding your boyfriend in the cupboard
She's been to see the doctor, so you hope that she recovers
You act dumb, you say you're so numb
You say you don't come under his thumb
I don't want just anybody
No, I don't want anybody
Saying "You belong to me, you belong to me"
Your eyes are absent, your mouth is silent
Pumping it like a fire hydrant
Things you say are getting hard to swallow
You're easily led, but you're much too scared to follow
You've been warned, you're going to get torn
No uniform is gonna keep you warm
Don't want to be a goody-goody
I don't want just anybody
No, I don't want anybody
Saying "You belong to me, you belong to me"
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
The lyrics of "You Belong to Me" by Costello Elvis & The Attractions explore themes of independence, rebellion, and feeling trapped. The song is directed at young girls who are hiding their romantic relationships from their mothers, for fear of reprisals. The song begins by asking the girls what they are going to tell their mother, with the singer making it clear that he does not want to hear about "young lovers" or hidden boyfriends. The girls are praying that their sick mother recovers, while the singer advises them to assert their independence and not let their boyfriends control them.
The second verse describes the girls as acting dumb and numb, trying to deny that they are under their boyfriend's thumb. The singer warns the girls that they are going to get hurt if they continue to be easily led, and that the comfort of a uniform won't protect them. In the chorus, the singer insists that he doesn't want to be a "goody-goody" and that he doesn't want just anybody. He wants a girl who belongs to him, but he recognizes that possession and control are not a healthy way to have a relationship.
Overall, the song is a cautionary tale about being true to oneself and not allowing oneself to be trapped in toxic relationships, in which one person exerts control or power over the other. It is about individuality, rebellion, and defying societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you girls gonna tell your mother?
You're wondering what excuse you'll give your mom for staying out late with your boyfriend
I don't want to hear another word about young lovers
I don't want to hear any more stories about you and your boyfriend
Or hiding your boyfriend in the cupboard
You've been hiding your boyfriend from your mom, but it's getting harder
She's been to see the doctor, so you hope that she recovers
Your mom is sick and you're hoping she gets better soon
You act dumb, you say you're so numb
You pretend not to know what's going on, but you're really scared
You say you don't come under his thumb
You claim to be independent and not controlled by your boyfriend
Don't want to be a goody-goody
You don't want to be seen as too innocent or naive
I don't want just anybody
You're looking for someone special, not just anyone
No, I don't want anybody
You don't want just anybody to claim ownership over you
Saying "You belong to me, you belong to me"
You don't want anyone to try to control or possess you
Your eyes are absent, your mouth is silent
You look disconnected and don't speak up
Pumping it like a fire hydrant
You're acting out sexually, trying to fill an emotional void
Things you say are getting hard to swallow
Your words are becoming difficult for others to believe or accept
You're easily led, but you're much too scared to follow
You're easily influenced, but too afraid to make your own choices
You've been warned, you're going to get torn
People have warned you that you'll get hurt, but you don't listen
No uniform is gonna keep you warm
Even if you try to conform, it won't protect you from feeling alone
You belong to me
You belong to yourself and no one else
You belong to me
You aren't anyone else's property or possession
You belong to me
You have the right to make your own choices and decisions
You belong to me
No one has the right to control or manipulate you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind