Jealous Guy
Elliott Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and my heart was beating fast
i began to lose control
i began to lose control
i didn't mean to hurt you
i'm sorry that i made you cry
i didn't want to hurt you
i was feeling insecure
you might not love me any more
i was shivering inside
i was shivering inside
i was trying to catch your eyes
thought that you were trying to hide
i was swallowing my pain
i was swallowing my pain
Elliott Smith's version of "Jealous Guy" is a cover of John Lennon's original song. The first verse illustrates the singer's emotional turmoil as he revisits memories of the past, which cause his heart to race and lose control. It could also suggest the singer's current state of mind, as he grapples with regret and guilt. The second verse highlights his remorse for causing pain to his beloved, and how he feels trapped in his own jealousy. The line "I'm sorry that I made you cry" shows his acknowledgement of his wrongdoings and asking for forgiveness.
The bridge of the song shifts the focus to the singer's insecurities towards his relationship with the person he loves. He fears that they do not love him anymore and that they are pushing him away. The line "swallowing my pain" portrays how he is trying to suppress his emotions, sacrificing his own mental wellbeing for the sake of his relationship. The repetition of "shivering inside" reinforces his vulnerability and fear of being alone.
Line by Line Meaning
i was dreaming of the past
I was lost in thoughts of a previous time
and my heart was beating fast
My heart was racing with emotion
i began to lose control
I felt like everything was slipping away from me
i didn't mean to hurt you
I never had the intention of causing you pain
i'm sorry that i made you cry
I regret that my actions caused you to shed tears
i didn't want to hurt you
Harming you was never my desire
i'm just a jealous guy
My insecurities made me act possessive and suspicious
i was feeling insecure
I lacked confidence in myself and our relationship
you might not love me any more
I feared that your feelings for me had changed
i was shivering inside
I was trembling with fear and anxiety
i was trying to catch your eyes
I was attempting to make eye contact with you
thought that you were trying to hide
I believed that you were avoiding me or concealing something from me
i was swallowing my pain
I was suppressing my emotional distress
Contributed by Dylan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
rosieplaysbass
I'd love to watch a documentary on why anyone would dislike this video
Dan the Gypsy
Because sound is so bad on every Elliott Smith video.
Ryan Suzette
@Brian Hansen Nothing this world that’s extremely beautiful (like this) isn’t at least somewhat painful in some way.
I’ve always made “sad/beautiful” music playlists…even here on YT I have one by that title.
monklington everjet
lmao
Laurie Chase Kruczek
Because Elliott is so high it's sad.
Perfectoid
** on todays episode of "when did we go wrong???!!"...
Andrei Silvester
beautiful cover, unlike most on the youtube where singers really overdo the vocals. this song has to stay simple.
Jim Troeltsch
Absolutely. Word. He does such a wonderful job of it.
roninreturns
You nailed that comment @NightEldar, many songs like this you want to remain quiet and low key, if it isn't broke, don't 'fix' it. The song stands on its own, just play and sing it as it was written as an homage to John Lennon, the starkness is part of the beauty, that is what such a beautiful piece deserves.
Cipriano
When Elliott Smith sings I will always be shivering inside