Once I Loved
Herbie Hancock/Shirley Horn Lyrics
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with inspriation
i wanna be loved, starting tonight
instead os merely holding conversation
hold me tight
i wanna be kissed starting tonight
embrace me till our heart beats in ??
I feel like acting my age
i'm past the stage of merely turtledoving
i'm in no mood to resist
and i insist the world owes me a loving
cause i wanna be thrilled
to desperation
i wanna be thrilled starting tonight
with every kind of wonderful sensation
The lyrics of Herbie Hancock/Shirley Horn's song "Once I Loved" express a desire for deep and meaningful love that goes beyond casual conversation and basic physical affection. The singer wants to be truly inspired by love and to experience a variety of intense emotions and sensations. They are no longer content with the superficiality of "turtledoving" and are ready to embrace a more mature and passionate relationship.
The repeated phrase "starting tonight" suggests a sense of urgency and immediacy in the singer's desires. They are restless and eager for the kind of love that will truly fulfill them. The lyrics also suggest a willingness to let go of inhibitions and embrace vulnerability in pursuit of this goal. The line "I'm in no mood to resist" reflects a surrender of control and a willingness to take risks in matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
i wanna be loved
The desire for genuine love from another person.
with inspiration
In a way that inspires and motivates me to be a better person.
i wanna be loved, starting tonight
The desire for love to begin immediately.
instead of merely holding conversation
In a way that transcends superficial small talk.
hold me tight
Embrace me closely and securely.
i wanna be kissed starting tonight
The desire for romantic actions to begin immediately.
embrace me till our heart beats in sync
Hug me tightly enough that our hearts beat as one.
well all right
A casual affirmation, suggesting that it's okay to proceed with romantic actions.
I feel like acting my age
Acknowledging a desire to engage in age-appropriate behavior.
i'm past the stage of merely turtledoving
No longer content with a superficial romance; seeking something deeper and more meaningful.
i'm in no mood to resist
Feeling particularly open and receptive to the idea of love.
and i insist the world owes me a loving
Asserting a sense of entitlement to love.
cause i wanna be thrilled
Desiring an intense emotional experience.
to desperation
Willing to go to great lengths for the sake of love.
i wanna be thrilled starting tonight
Expressing a desire for intense romantic experiences to begin immediately.
with every kind of wonderful sensation
Desiring to be overwhelmed by positive emotions and experiences associated with love.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JIMMY REED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noe Berengena
Unlike most singers (who usually want to leave a big mark on every song they sing) Shirley uses her voice as another instrument in ensemble performances. Perhaps it is because she also plays piano in the session, so she is much more in touch with what is going on in the musical structure. Her distinctive phrasing (piano and voice) are without match.
imbees2
Indeed, Noe, you are so insightful on Shirley's voice.
Mondo Enterprises
@edbea2 Check out her L.A Breakdown version on Live at Monterey on youtube.
edbea2
And still leaves a huge mark with her voice and delicate, musical vocal phrasing blended magnificently with her brilliant, warm, exquisite cords, and heart piercing notes on the piano as well as the other players around her, whether it's a trio, an orchestra or anything in between. She herself is a musical group surrounded by one.
Mondo Enterprises
Well said.
Gerald Wilson
Most singers today...especially the younger generations....offer their singing resume' on every song they sing. It's somewhat of a sign of musical immaturity, as they are attempting to prove they "can really sing". Shirley, on the other hand, had nothing to prove, as she was one of the greats.
Ann Hampton Callaway
Shirley Horn doesn't sing. Her soul does. I worship this woman.
Sharyn Wolf
I don't understand how I am supposed to listen to this and then go do something. It takes an hour, at least, to get back on the planet.
Lynn Roots
Oh my Ann You’re on the pulse of her performance. Right in the moment !!!!
Her soul does sing ALWAYS 💖
Gary Gibson
I saw her at the Hollywood Bowl years ago and her phrasing and hesitation was amazing. I sat there and watched 18,000 people in absolute silence leaning forward in their seats as they waited on her next vocal phrase. Simply amazing.