For No One
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
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You find that all her words of kindness linger on
She no longer needs you
She wakes up she makes up
She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry
She no longer needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
You want her you need her
And yet you don't believe her when she said her love is dead
You think she needs you
She goes out you stay home
She says that long ago she knew someone but now he's gone
She doesn't need him
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
Your day breaks your mind aches
There will be time when all the things she said
Will fill your head
You won't forget her
The lyrics of Emmylou Harris's song "For No One" speak of a pain that many people experienced at some point in their lives - the end of a relationship that you thought should have lasted. The lyrics convey the message that it can be difficult to let go and move on with your life when you still have feelings for the person who left you. The first verse describes the conflicting emotions that arise when you realize that your partner is no longer in love with you. You may still remember all the kindness and sweet nothings that were once spoken, but now they seem distant and meaningless. It's especially painful to see her take her time, no longer in a hurry to please or spend time with you. From this point on, the lyrics show that the ex-partner has moved on, and your presence is no longer desired or needed.
The second verse speaks of the confusion that can come with such a breakup. Even though she has moved on, the singer still desires her and needs her. However, he can't seem to believe her words and feels that her love for him is dead. He remembers someone she knew from long ago, but is now gone. At this point, he realizes that she doesn't need him - this realization makes him even more aware that he is alone, with nothing to hold onto.
The chorus is the crux of the song, where the singer is trying to understand why the relationship couldn't have lasted long. He sees nothing but tears of sadness in her eyes, and it's clear that she is crying for no one. The love that should have lasted years was destroyed. The final verse is an indication that even though it doesn't seem like it at the time, the pain will eventually subside, and the memories will gradually fade away. But until then, you'll keep remembering everything she said, and you won't forget her.
Line by Line Meaning
The day breaks your mind aches
As the new day begins, you feel emotional pain and struggle to cope with the hurt.
You find that all her words of kindness linger on
Despite the end of the relationship, the loving words she shared continue to echo in your mind.
She no longer needs you
It is clear that she has moved on and no longer requires your love or support.
She wakes up she makes up
She confidently begins each day, resilient to past heartache.
She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry
She enjoys life at her own pace and isn't in a rush to make any big decisions.
She no longer needs you
She has no use for you anymore as a partner or confidant.
And in her eyes you see nothing
When you look into her eyes, you feel the absence of love and affection that used to be there.
No sign of love behind the tears
Though tears may fall, her sadness does not imply a longing for the love you once shared.
Cried for no one
Her tears are not-for you or anyone else; she mourns the loss of something deeper and internal.
A love that should have lasted years
The relationship between you two was intense and vibrant, capable of weathering anything -or so it seemed.
You want her you need her
You have a strong desire to be with her, even if the feeling is not reciprocated.
And yet you don't believe her when she said her love is dead
Despite her clear statement that she has moved on, you still cling to the possibility of a future together -refusing to acknowledge the finality of the situation.
You think she needs you
You believe that her moving on is difficult and that she requires your emotional support -though she has proved otherwise.
She goes out you stay home
While she embraces a post-breakup, single lifestyle, you remain stagnant in heartbreak and stagnation.
She says that long ago she knew someone but now he's gone
She reminisces on a love that has long since passed, acknowledging its finality and moving on.
She doesn't need him
Similar to how she no longer needs you, she identifies that a past lover is no longer a necessary part of her life or her future.
And in her eyes you see nothing
Once again, her eyes convey emptiness and indifference to you the viewer, proof of a distant internal strife.
No sign of love behind the tears
Continued sadness and tears shed for a love that remains absent from her present.
Cried for no one
Same as before, it is important to note that her sadness is not about or attached to the viewer in any way.
A love that should have lasted years
The final line of the chorus is repeated to emphasize the infrequency of a love this potent and yet its ultimate failure.
Your day breaks your mind aches
The final verse reiterates emotions unchanged by time, and the pain still present despite the days that have passed.
There will be time when all the things she said
Though it may not seem like it now, the artist acknowledges the possibility of healing and one day coming to terms with what she said/did.
Will fill your head
The memories of the love she shared will flood the singer's mind, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been and what was.
You won't forget her
Despite the pain and the passage of time, the artist commits to not forgetting the memories that brought them together and haunted them after they went their separate ways.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Word Collections Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind