"Quo-lite", perhaps, but Francis Rossi is a truly great songwriter and his talents go far beyond the Quo sound. Expect highly melodic adult rock, laced with infectious boogie rock back-beats and some ballads.
Not easy to put into a box - Francis doesn't really sound like anyone else, except on his songs that are a bit Quo-ish!
Discogs:
King of the Doghouse (1996)
One Step at a Time (2010)
We Talk Too Much (2019) - released under Francis Rossi ⋆ Hannah Rickard.
I'm Only Happy
Francis Rossi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you my turned head around
Didn’t know that I’d found
The one I’m holding now
(Whoa) I need love
(Whoa) Only love
(Whoa) Tonight
Old memories of a life
That I can’t remember now
Like the words of a song
In my head you’re going round
(Whoa) I need love
(Whoa) Only love
(Whoa) Tonight
I’m only happy when you’re near me
So many years of feeling lonely
I used to dream about
A love I couldn’t live without
I’m only happy here with you
(Whoa) I need love
(Whoa) Only love
(Whoa) Tonight
I’m only happy when you’re near me
So many years of feeling lonely
I used to dream about
A love I couldn’t live without
I’m only happy here with you
I’m only happy when you’re near me
So many years of feeling lonely
I used to dream about
A love I could not live without
I’m only happy here
I’m only happy here
I’m only happy here with you
The lyrics of “I’m Only Happy” by Francis Rossi depict the feeling of loneliness and the search for love. The opening lines refer to the past sadness the singer used to feel saying, “I was alone in my heart”. However, after meeting someone special, everything turned around for him. The lines “But you my turned head around, didn’t know that I’d found, The one I’m holding now” suggest that the person he met had a positive influence on his life and is now the one he loves.
Further in the song, the singer hints at previous bad memories he had in his life that he can’t recollect anymore except for when they appear as words of a song in his head. He expresses his need for love with the words “Whoa) I need love, (Whoa) Only love, (Whoa) Tonight”. This reinforces the idea that he found what he was looking for in his current partner and only wants love from them.
The repetition of the phrase “I’m only happy when you’re near me” indicates the significance of their partner's presence in their life. The singer acknowledges that he used to dream about love but couldn’t fully feel it until he found his current partner. The final line, “I’m only happy here with you” establishes that being with the special person makes them feel complete, happy and fulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
I was alone in my heart
I felt empty and lacked love in my life.
But you my turned head around
You changed my perspective and made me feel loved.
Didn't know that I’d found
I was unaware that I had met my true love.
The one I’m holding now
The person who is currently in my arms and whom I cherish greatly.
(Whoa) I need love
Expressing a strong desire for love and acknowledging the importance of it.
(Whoa) Only love
Understanding that only love can bring true happiness.
(Whoa) Tonight
Feeling the need for love right now.
Old memories of life
Memories from the past.
That I can't remember now
Though they exist, they are hazy and unclear now.
Like the words of a song
Like a melody stuck in my head.
In my head you're going round
You are the one occupying my thoughts and dreams.
I'm only happy when you're near me
I experience true happiness and contentment only in your presence.
So many years of feeling lonely
Having endured prolonged periods of isolation and despair.
I used to dream about
I would fantasize and long for something that seemed unattainable.
A love I couldn't live without
A deep love that I believed was necessary for my survival and well-being.
I'm only happy here with you
My happiness and joy are linked to being with you and sharing our love.
I'm only happy here
Emphasizing that my happiness is contingent on being in the company of my loved one.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Spiller
Can't get this song out of my head at the moment - it's wonderfully uplifting. Love the album, which I've only just bought, having read about it in 'I talk too much'.
leiper72
Yes this is a true keeper from the album.. as most of the songs :D
Martin Walthert
I love it!Francis Rossi and Hannah Rickard!👌🎸
Iván Randall
Beautiful song
leiper72
Love it! One of the best on that album :-)
Brad Horner
Love This Song n Album x
Eyleen rossi
Happy Birthday dear Francis.God bless you
Андрей Николаевич Андриашиг
Зачет
Martin Pagano
Great!!!!