I've Got You Under My Skin
Dinah Shore and André Previn Lyrics
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I've got you deep in the heart of me
So deep in my heart, that you're really a part of me
I've got you under my skin
I've tried so not to give in
I've said to myself this affair never will go so well
But why should I try to resist, when baby will I know so well
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear
Don't you know you fool, you never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
But each time I do, just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin
In Dinah Shore and André Previn’s classic song “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” the singer expresses the depth of their love for someone they simply cannot shake. The lyrics suggest a level of obsession and desire that has become all-consuming, as the person is described as being “deep in the heart” and “really a part” of the singer. The first verse also notes that the singer has tried “not to give in” to their feelings, acknowledging that the affair may not lead to a positive outcome. However, the singer ultimately succumbs to their emotions, realizing that they have someone “under [their] skin” and cannot resist the pull of their attraction.
The second verse reinforces the idea of sacrifice for the sake of love, as the singer declares that they would do anything to keep their love interest close, despite warnings from their own inner voice. The line “Use your mentality, wake up to reality” suggests a rational part of the singer’s mind is aware of the risks involved in this obsessive love, yet they are unable to resist the power of their emotions. The repetition of the phrase “I’ve got you under my skin” throughout the song reinforces the singer’s obsession and the hold that their love interest has on them.
Overall, the lyrics to “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” express the intensity and depth of an all-consuming love, one in which the singer cannot resist the pull of their emotions despite the risks involved.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got you under my skin
You are deeply ingrained in me like an addiction that I can't shake off.
I've got you deep in the heart of me
You are deep within my soul and I can't escape you.
So deep in my heart, that you're really a part of me
You have become a part of me that I cannot separate from myself.
I've got you under my skin
You have become a part of me that I cannot escape from.
I've tried so not to give in
I have attempted to resist my feelings for you.
I've said to myself this affair never will go so well
I have suggested to myself that this relationship will not have a positive outcome.
But why should I try to resist, when baby will I know so well
But since I have such strong feelings for you, why should I refrain from pursuing you?
That I've got you under my skin
Because you have become so much of a part of my being, it would be impossible to let go of you.
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
I am willing to give up anything for the chance to be close to you.
For the sake of having you near
Despite warnings of danger, I am still willing to have you close to me.
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
Despite my better judgement, I can't help but think of you at all times of the day.
And repeats, repeats in my ear
My conscience reminds me of the potential negative consequences of my actions, but my heart longs for you anyway.
Don't you know you fool, you never can win
Despite my attraction towards you, I realize that this situation is doomed to fail.
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
I should use logic and think sensibly about the situation at hand.
But each time I do, just the thought of you
Each time I try to think rationally, I am reminded of you and my emotions overpower my reasoning.
Makes me stop before I begin
Before making any attempt to move on or let go of my feelings for you, my attachment to you halts me in my tracks.
'Cause I've got you under my skin
My feelings for you are inescapable and you have become an integral part of my being.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind