I Still Have That Other Girl
Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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Before we weaken 'cause we already know this is wrong
I could give in, sometimes I think that I will
Despite the temptation I try to be very strong
In my reluctance seems a surprise
It's not 'cause I don't want you
But I just Know I must hesitate
Because I still have that other girl in my head
I still have that other girl in my head
There may be ugly rumors that
I have been lying
There may be angry tears, but
They're never worth the crying
That is why
Sometimes I hesitate
Because I still have that other girl in my head
I still have that other girl in my head
I still have that other girl in my head
The lyrics of "I Still Have That Other Girl" by Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach tell the story of a man who is in a relationship, but can't shake the memory of another girl. The relationship he's in is wrong, and he knows it. He acknowledges the temptation to give in, but instead tries to be strong and end things with his current partner. However, he still has that other girl in his head, causing him to hesitate and ultimately unable to fully commit to his current relationship.
The song portrays a conflicted character who is torn between his feelings for two different women. He recognizes that he must let go of the past and move on, but is still haunted by past memories. The lyrics suggest that he has tried to forget about the other girl, but he hasn't been able to.
The song also illustrates the idea that sometimes our emotions and feelings hold us back, even when we know something is wrong. The character realizes that his relationship is not right, but despite his desire to do the right thing, he can't betray his true feelings.
The lyrics also address the consequences of his actions, suggesting that while he may have been lying or causing pain to others, it's not worth the crying. The song highlights the complexity of human emotions, particularly when it comes to relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I have to say that we should finish it now
I must confess that we should break up at this point in time.
Before we weaken 'cause we already know this is wrong
Ending our relationship now is better than prolonging it as we both acknowledge that it's not right.
I could give in, sometimes I think that I will
I consider surrendering to my emotions but resist the urge to do so.
Despite the temptation I try to be very strong
Even though I am tempted, I strive to be resilient.
In my reluctance seems a surprise
My hesitance may seem unexpected.
It's not 'cause I don't want you
My hesitation doesn't imply a lack of affection for you.
But I just know I must hesitate
I am aware that I need to pause and reconsider.
Because I still have that other girl in my head
I am still haunted by thoughts of a previous lover.
There may be ugly rumors that I have been lying
There could be unflattering gossip that suggests I have been dishonest.
There may be angry tears, but they're never worth the crying
We might shed tears of frustration, but they are pointless and not worth the emotional distress.
That is why sometimes I hesitate
This is why I occasionally pause and second-guess my feelings.
I still have that other girl in my head
I am still preoccupied by memories of another woman.
I still have that other girl in my head
Despite wanting to move on, I am still plagued by thoughts of her.
I still have that other girl in my head
My feelings for someone else interfere with my ability to fully commit to this relationship.
Contributed by Brody T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@deeceepee3293
Absolutely love this song, I've been the girl on both sides.
@randygriest2096
Beautiful Chords and Unbelievably dynamic vocal. Another Classic is born.
@RosieHarp
I bought 'Painted From Memory' in 1998 and I played nothing else for weeks on end. Every song is brilliantly poignant incorporating both wonderful artists unique style and immense talent. What a phenomenal collaboration.
@stevepona3338
I had the same experience. And when I come back to the album, I can't stop playing it...all over again. It's perfection.
@fasillimerick7394
At the time I thought the album was a bit overcooked. I've seen the error of my ways since then though.
@kevingargus5906
Absolute Masterpiece! I am revisiting The album, definitely going to listening day after day, as I did when I first filled the room with these magnificent songs.
So much emotion!
@ClemFandango-xg2jk
learly one of the best albums recoreded in the past 40 years
@fotmasta
His vocal phrasing is bar none one of the most musical I've ever heard
A million bucks to the engineer who didn't autotune his pitch. It's an essential part of how he leans into notes.
@wildlifegardenssydney7492
Burt and Elvis………insanely talented………I am in love with this song……
@geezerdk
This is one of my favourite albums ever. truly awesome pop as it should be.