Within You
David Bowie / Trevor Jones Lyrics
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You starve and near-exhaust me
Everything I've done, I've done for you
I move the stars for no one
You've run so long
You've run so far
Your eyes can be so cruel
Though I do believe in you
Yes I do
Live without the sunlight
Love without your heartbeat
I, I can't live within you
I can't live within you
I, I can't live within you
The lyrics of "Within You" by David Bowie and Trevor Jones can be interpreted as a love letter from a person who has been deeply and irrevocably changed by the love of another. The first verse expresses the intensity of the love the person feels, describing how the other has turned their world upside down and how everything they have done has been for that person. The lines "You starve and near-exhaust me" convey how the love has been overwhelming and all-consuming, leaving the person emotionally drained yet fully committed to the other.
The second verse acknowledges the challenges and pain that have come with the relationship. The person has followed the other through difficult times, but their very eyes can be "cruel" and "cruelty" cannot be excluded from their relationship. However, despite the difficulties they have faced, the person still believes in their love and in the other person.
The chorus is a declaration of the person's inability to live within the other. The repeated refrain "I can't live within you" suggests that the love between them is an intense force that cannot be contained, and that the two must exist as separate entities in order to continue to thrive. It is a bittersweet realization that highlights the unique intensity of their love.
Line by Line Meaning
How you turned my world, You precious thing
You have completely changed my life and I value you deeply.
You starve and near-exhaust me
You take so much of my energy and attention that I feel drained and exhausted.
Everything I've done, I've done for you
I have gone to great lengths to please you and make you happy.
I move the stars for no one
I am not easily swayed by others and I do not change my ways for anyone.
You've run so long
You have been searching for something for a very long time.
You've run so far
You have gone to great lengths to find what you are looking for.
Your eyes can be so cruel
Your gaze can be harsh and cutting.
Just as I can be so cruel
I too can be harsh and unforgiving at times.
Though I do believe in you
Despite everything, I still have faith in you and your abilities.
Yes I do
I do not doubt my belief in you for a second.
Live without the sunlight
Even though there is darkness and uncertainty, I can still live and survive.
Love without your heartbeat
I can still love and care deeply for you even if you do not reciprocate those feelings.
I, I can't live within you
I cannot be a part of you or fully merge my life with yours.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID BOWIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind