On January 31st 2012, he released the first single, 'Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings', for his debut album under the Father John Misty moniker, "Fear Fun". The Phil Ek mixed and Jonathan Wilson produced LP was released on May 1st 2012 through Sub Pop (U.S.) and Bella Union (U.K.)
To date, Father John Misty has released 5 studio albums: Fear Fun (2012), I Love You, Honeybear (2015), Pure Comedy (2017), God's Favorite Customer (2018) and Chloë and the Next 20th Century (2022).
Her Love
Father John Misty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was lookin' like rain
When he came by to borrow some blue skies
"I'm sleeping" she said
After a long night's dreamin'
Hard pressed for a reason to get out of bed
Here he is beggin' for less than enough
Her love, ahh
Everything but her love
Her love, ahh
Everything but her love
I can offer you sheets by the mile
If the Carlyle is out of rooms
I'm good for it, why don't you ask?
But I can't bring her back
Now why would I do that?
When I ask what he wants
His only response
Is a single word less than I need
He watches TV
She reads the I Ching
And I keep my face nearly straight
When he tries to leave
She must be a dream, 'cause you never wake up
I'll give you everything but
Her love, ahh
Everything but her love
Her love, ahh
Everything but her love
Her love, ahh
Everything but her love
Her love, ahh
Everything but her love
The lyrics of "Her Love" by Father John Misty depict a complex relationship where the singer navigates unrequited love and the pain of knowing he can never truly have the woman he desires. The opening lines describe the woman's state of mind as gloomy and melancholic. Her "parade on the ceiling" looking like rain suggests her emotional turmoil and the heaviness weighing on her. When the singer visits her, seeking solace and perhaps hoping for reciprocated feelings, she rejects him, claiming to be sleeping after a long night's dreaming. This could imply that she is lost in her own world, unable to offer emotional fulfillment to the singer.
The singer then confesses that he can provide material comforts, such as sheets by the mile or accommodations at the Carlyle hotel. However, he recognizes that these offerings are meaningless in comparison to the woman's love. He understands that he can never bring back her love or make her feel the same way about him. Despite his willingness to give her anything, he acknowledges the impossibility of changing her emotions.
The chorus reiterates the central theme of the song, emphasizing that while the singer can provide everything else, he can never possess her love. The repetition of the line "Everything but her love" emphasizes the painful truth of unrequited love and the futility of trying to capture something that is beyond his reach.
Overall, "Her Love" delves into the complexities of love and the frustration of wanting someone who cannot reciprocate those feelings. It portrays the longing and the realization that some things in life cannot be obtained, no matter how much we are willing to give.
Line by Line Meaning
Her parade on the ceiling
The joyful and vibrant display she creates in her mind
Was lookin' like rain
Seemed to be turning gloomy and sad
When he came by to borrow some blue skies
When he sought comfort and positivity from her
"I'm sleeping" she said
She pretended to be asleep to avoid him
After a long night's dreamin'
After indulging in her own fantasies and desires
Hard pressed for a reason to get out of bed
Feeling uninspired and lacking motivation to start the day
Here he is beggin' for less than enough
He is hoping for affection and attention, but settling for less
I'll give you everything but
I'm willing to provide anything else except
Her love, ahh
The deep affection she has for someone
Everything but her love
Anything else other than her genuine love
I can offer you sheets by the mile
I can provide luxurious accommodations
If the Carlyle is out of rooms
If the fanciest hotel is fully booked
I'm good for it, why don't you ask?
I have the means to fulfill your needs, why not inquire?
But I can't bring her back
However, I cannot bring back her love and affection
Now why would I do that?
Why would I choose to do something so futile?
When I ask what he wants
When I inquire about his desires
His only response
His sole reply
Is a single word less than I need
Is a single word that falls short of my expectations
He watches TV
He spends his time passively consuming media
She reads the I Ching
She seeks wisdom and guidance from the ancient Chinese text
And I keep my face nearly straight
I maintain a composed expression, hiding my true thoughts and emotions
When he tries to leave
When he attempts to depart from the situation
She must be a dream, 'cause you never wake up
She appears too perfect and unattainable, like a dream one never wants to end
Her love, ahh
The powerful love and affection she possesses
Everything but her love
Every other aspect except her genuine love and devotion
Her love, ahh
The intense love she gives to someone
Everything but her love
Everything else in the world except her sincere love
Her love, ahh
The deep emotional connection she offers
Everything but her love
Everything else except the genuine love she possesses
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joshua Tillman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind