While Gayle is the younger sister of Loretta Lynn, her musical sound is very different from Lynn's. Gayle's career began as country music moved towards a more pop-oriented sound in the 1970s, as exemplified by such performers as Lynn Anderson and Barbara Mandrell. Gayle's music reflects the modern Nashville sound.
Half the Way
Crystal Gayle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crystal Gayle
(Bobby Wood & Ralph Murphy)
Half of your love is just not what I'm after
Part of your world is just not what I need
Some of your time is like one glass of water
Just leaves me thirsty for wine
So fill me up to the top
Wo don't you stop till I'm over-flowing
Love is the seed and, babe, I need you
To keep it growing
Stronger every day; Oh, no
Don't take me half the way
Don't take me half the way.
Never before have I settled for second
All of my life I have hungered for more
Now I can see where your sweet love can lead me
This is what I've waited for
Half of your love is just not what I'm after
Part of your world is just not what I need
Now I can see where your sweet love can lead me
This is what I've waited for
The song "Half the Way" by Crystal Gayle is a tale of a woman who refuses to settle for anything but complete and devoted love. The lyrics express that half of someone's love and attention is not enough for her. She needs a partner to give her everything; to quench her thirst fully. The lyrics compare that she does not need a sip of water as she needs the whole bottle, in the same way, she needs someone to fill her life with love entirely. She compares love to a seed that needs nurturing to grow stronger every day. The tone of the song is hopeful but also conclusive as she has found what she has been waiting for, which is a love that will fill her heart completely.
The song is incredibly thought-provoking and highlights the importance of commitment and a fully invested relationship. It portrays that the average things in life are not enough for her, and she requires someone to go above and beyond. The lyrics clearly show how she has long waited to find someone who can quench her thirst for love and dedication entirely. The song enunciates how Crystal Gayle has come to the realization that she cannot go halfway into love; she must go all in if she wants true love.
Line by Line Meaning
Half of your love is just not what I'm after
I don't want just half of your love, I want all of it.
Part of your world is just not what I need
I don't need to be a part of your world, I need your love and attention.
Some of your time is like one glass of water
The little time you give me does not satisfy my need for attention, like a glass of water does not quench my thirst.
Just leaves me thirsty for wine
I crave for more than what you give me, just like how wine satisfies more than water.
So fill me up to the top
Give me all the love and attention I deserve.
Wo don't you stop till I'm over-flowing
Keep giving me love and attention until I am completely fulfilled.
Love is the seed and, babe, I need you
Love is the foundation for our relationship, and I need you to make it grow.
To keep it growing
To make our relationship stronger every day.
Stronger every day; Oh, no
Our relationship should only get stronger every day, not weaker.
Don't take me half the way
Don't give me just half of what I need, give me everything.
Never before have I settled for second
I have never been satisfied with being second best.
All of my life I have hungered for more
I have always wanted more in my life, especially in relationships.
Now I can see where your sweet love can lead me
Your love can take me to greater heights and fulfill me emotionally.
This is what I've waited for
Your love and attention is what I have been wanting all along.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: RALPH MURPHY, RALPH JAMES MURPHY, BOBBY WOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind