Since then, Schuur has become a legend herself. She has been nominated for five and received two GRAMMY® Awards for "Best Jazz Vocalist," as well as headlined many of the world's most prestigious music venues, including Carnegie Hall. Schuur has toured the world and has performed with such greats as Stan Getz, B.B. King, Maynard Ferguson, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones. She has performed countless times on The Tonight Show, has performed at The GRAMMY’s and at the White House.
Don't Touch Me
Diane Schuur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Each time you touch me
That look in your eye
Pulls me apart
Don't open the door to heaven
If I can't come in
Don't touch me
Your kiss is like a drink
When I'm thirsty
And I'm thirsty for you
With all my heart
Don't love me then act
As though we've never kissed
Don't touch me
If you don't love me, sweetheart
Don't give me something
That you might take away
To have you then lose you
Wouldn't be smart on my part
Don't open the door to heaven
If I can't come in
Don't touch me
If you don't love me, sweetheart
Don't touch me
If you don't love me, sweetheart
In Diane Schuur's song "Don't Touch Me," the singer conveys her desire for physical intimacy but also acknowledges that it's not worth it if there is no emotional connection. She compares the touch of the person she's singing to a torch, indicating the intensity of the sensation. Similarly, the person's gaze seems to have a magnetic pull that she finds hard to resist. However, she implores him not to lead her on or make empty gestures of love. The singer recognizes the risks of investing in a relationship that is not based on mutual affection.
The lyrics suggest an inner conflict within the singer between her desires and her fear of being hurt. She craves the attention and affection of her partner, but she is also aware that this could lead to disappointment and heartbreak if the feeling is not mutual. This is reinforced by the imagery of the door to heaven, which is only accessible to those who are worthy. She is asking her partner not to tempt her with something that might ultimately be denied to her.
Line by Line Meaning
Your hand is like a torch
Your touch burns and leaves a lasting impression on me
Each time you touch me
I feel overwhelmed and powerless under your touch
That look in your eye
I can see the passion and longing you have for me in your eyes
Pulls me apart
It makes me feel vulnerable and emotional, as if my heart is being torn apart
Don't open the door to heaven
Don't give me false hope or illusions of a perfect, happy life together
If I can't come in
If I am not included in your plans or dreams for the future
Don't touch me
Don't play with my emotions and desires if you don't truly love me
If you don't love me, sweetheart
If your feelings for me aren't genuine and sincere
Your kiss is like a drink
Your kiss quenches my thirst for passion and intimacy
When I'm thirsty
When I crave and desire your love and affection
And I'm thirsty for you
And I long for you to satisfy my emotional and physical needs
With all my heart
With all the love and devotion I have for you
Don't love me then act
Don't be inconsistent and give me mixed signals about your feelings
As though we've never kissed
As if our romantic moments and physical connection never happened
Don't give me something
Don't make promises or commitments you might not fulfill or keep
That you might take away
That you could easily retract or revoke, leaving me hurt and disappointed
To have you then lose you
To experience love and then face the pain of losing it would be devastating to me
Wouldn't be smart on my part
It wouldn't be wise or beneficial for me to invest my emotions and trust in a relationship that isn't secure or stable
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.