The Teenagers' first single, 1956's "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", was also their biggest. After Lymon went solo in mid-1957, both his career and those of the Teenagers fell into decline. Lymon eventually fell into heroin addiction, and died in 1968 at the age of twenty-five.
Guilty
Frankie Lymon Lyrics
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And think that we should part
It seems as though I have loved you so long
You'll always be in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it a crime
Loving you dear like I do
Guilty of loving you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of dreaming of you
What can I do
What can I say
After I've taken the blame?
You say we're through
You'll go your way
But I'll always feel just the same
Maybe I'm right
Maybe I'm wrong
Loving you dear like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
These lyrics are an emotional expression of the singer's love for someone else, even though they know that society may not view their love as acceptable. The song is about two people who have fallen in love but are unable to be together due to external factors such as societal norms or possibly the disapproval of others close to them. Despite this, the singer cannot stop loving the other person and feels guilty for feeling this way. The lyrics express the sorrow and pain the singer feels, as they believe that they are not supposed to love the other person like they do.
Through the use of rhetorical questions, the singer asks whether his love is really a crime and suggests that it is not fair for society to judge their love. By asking "Is it a sin?" and "Is it a crime?" the singer hopes to shed light on the fact that love is not something that can be judged or punished by anyone. The chorus of the song repeats the idea that the singer is guilty of loving the other person, even if it is considered a crime by society. The lyrics suggest that the pain and anguish felt by the singer may be lessened if only society could accept their love.
Overall, "Guilty" expresses the depth of the singer's love and the challenges they face in being able to love freely. The romantic yet melancholy lyrics highlight the struggle to come to terms with societal norms, and are relevant not only to the time period in which the song was written, but also to modern day society.
Line by Line Meaning
Though you've decided that our love is wrong
Even though you have made the decision that our love is not acceptable or right
And think that we should part
And believe that we should end things between us
It seems as though I have loved you so long
It appears as though I have had feelings of love towards you for a significant amount of time
You'll always be in my heart
Your presence and memory will remain in my heart and mind indefinitely
Is it a sin
Is loving each other a sin punishable by a higher power
Is it a crime
Is loving each other a crime against the law
Loving you dear like I do
Having strong feelings and affections towards you, my beloved
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If loving you is considered a punishable offense, then I am willingly admitting my guilt
Guilty of loving you
Accepting responsibility for having romantic feelings for you, and not denying it
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
It is possible that I am mistaken to envision a life of love and companionship with you in my mind
Dreaming the lonely night through
Spending nights alone in contemplation, daydreaming and longing for your affection
Guilty of dreaming of you
Taking accountability for having dreams of a life with you, even if they may never come true
What can I do
What actions can I take to make things right
What can I say
What words can I speak to make amends
After I've taken the blame
Even after accepting responsibility and fault for our situation
You say we're through
You declare that our romantic relationship has ended
You'll go your way
You will move on and take a new path for your life without me
But I'll always feel just the same
Nevertheless, my emotions and love for you will remain unchanged
Maybe I'm right
Perhaps I am correct in believing that we are meant to be together
Maybe I'm wrong
Perhaps I am mistaken in trusting my instincts and feelings
Guilty of loving you
No matter right or wrong, I am accountable for my affections towards you
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Harry Akst, Gus Kahn, Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind