People Will Say We're In Love
Dick Haymes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why do they think up stories that link my name with yours?
Why do the neighbors chatter all day, behind their doors?
I know a way to prove what they say is quite untrue
Here is the gist, a practical list of "donts" for you

Don't throw bouquets at me
Don't please my folks too much
Don't laugh at my jokes too much
People will say we're in love!

Don't sigh and gaze at me
Your sighs are so like mine
Your eyes mustn't glow like mine
People will say we're in love!

Don't start collecting things
Give me my rose and my glove
Sweetheart they're suspecting things
People will say we're in love

Don't praise my charm too much
Don't look so vain with me
Don't stand in the rain with me
People will say we're in love!

Don't take my arm too much
Don't keep your hand in mine
Your hand feels so grand in mine
People will say we're in love!

Don't dance all night with me
Till the stars fade from above




They'll see it's alright with me
People will say we're in love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "People Will Say We're In Love" explore the challenges of pursuing a romantic relationship in a judgmental society. The singer wonders why their every action is scrutinized and why others are quick to link their name with that of their partner. The song suggests that the gaze of outsiders can be oppressive and that even small gestures can be interpreted as evidence of a deep and scandalous love affair.


To combat these rumors, the singer presents a list of "donts" that they and their partner must adhere to. They cannot engage in public displays of affection, cannot appear too interested in each other's lives, and cannot collect souvenirs or mementos. The song's message is clear: true love must be kept hidden and subdued in order to avoid judgment and condemnation.


The lyrics of "People Will Say We're In Love" reflect the social norms and expectations of the early 20th century, when the song was written. At that time, public displays of affection were viewed with suspicion and even disgust, and there were strict codes of conduct governing romantic relationships. The song's playful tone and charming melody soften the message somewhat, but the underlying theme is still one of repression and fear.


Line by Line Meaning

Why do they think up stories that link my name with yours?
Why do people make up rumors about us being in love?


Why do the neighbors chatter all day, behind their doors?
Why do people gossip so much about us?


I know a way to prove what they say is quite untrue
I know how we can disprove the rumors about us.


Don't throw bouquets at me
Don't give me gifts or compliments.


Don't please my folks too much
Don't try to impress my parents excessively.


Don't laugh at my jokes too much
Don't exaggerate your amusement at my humor.


People will say we're in love!
Otherwise, people will think we're romantically involved.


Don't sigh and gaze at me
Don't look at me with longing or affection.


Your sighs are so like mine
Our similar expressions might give the wrong impression.


Your eyes mustn't glow like mine
Our eyes shouldn’t shine with love towards one another.


Don't start collecting things
Don't initiate a collection that might make people think we're in love.


Give me my rose and my glove
Just give me my basic items and no more.


Sweetheart they're suspecting things
People are already suspicious about us.


People will say we're in love
People will continue to believe we are romantically involved.


Don't praise my charm too much
Don't compliment me excessively.


Don't look so vain with me
Don't regard me with conceit or admiration.


Don't stand in the rain with me
Don't share any intimate moments with me such as being caught in the rain.


Don't take my arm too much
Don't hold onto me frequently.


Don't keep your hand in mine
Don't hold hands with me constantly.


Your hand feels so grand in mine
Even though it feels right, we must not hold hands.


Don't dance all night with me
Don't dance with me for too long.


Till the stars fade from above
Until the stars are gone from the sky.


They'll see it's alright with me
Others will know that we’re just friends.


People will say we're in love
Otherwise, people will think of us as lovers.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II, RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

LoveTheOConnor

LOVE it, Jim! Fun version of this fabulous song, and your clips are perfect! LOVE seeing gorgeous Gordon as Curly! He was great in all of his movies, but it was Curly that first captured my heart...sigh...You made my day--thanks so much! :)

Jymster46

You are very welcome, it was fun putting it together! I believe this version was taken from a radio broadcast. The fidelity is lacking but the spontaneity is there. Thanks so much for watching, listening and commenting! Oh, and Yes, I Agree, Shirley Jones is Beautiful! ~~ Jim

Sam Kaplan

The sociologist Arlene Kaplan Daniels (not a relation of mine) called this wonderful song "The Indicator Song." Since love isn't material, you can only indicate its presence by looking at behavior.  The song names several actions which we take as evidence. It's a kind of reply to the sensible journalistic warning, "If your mother says she loves you, check it out."

Hannah Lynn

This one is even better than the Judy Garland version for me, and she's a favorite of mine.

Jymster46

Hi Heather! Oh, did I include Curly in those clips? I wouldn't know, I was watching the lovely Laurey the whole time! Ha! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! You are very welcome and Your comments made my day! Thanks so much for watching!

May Coats

This is the Queens favourite.

Kirk Barkley

Nice 2 know!!!

JERRY WILSON - REFLECTIONS

At first it would be Gordon MacRae with Shirley Jones - It turned out to be Haymes and Helen Forrest. A happy conclusion.

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