Speak Like a Child
Herbie Hancock Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm not scared anymore
I'm not scared of the dark
When I sleep with you, with you
When I'm feeling alive
When I'm feeling strong again
When I'm with you, with you
When it hits me
Just like a runaway train
And it blows me away
Just like a hurricane
You make me happy
And I hope you feel the same
You make me feel
Just like a child, a child again
I'm not trapped anymore
Between Madonna and a whore
When I lay with you, with you
When the days run away
Like wild horses run away
When I'm with you, with you
When I'm breathing you in
Just like the morning air
When I'm wrapping you around
Just like a skin to wear
You make me happy
And I hope you feel the same
You make me feel
Just like a child, a child again
Oh, sweet thing
I'm born once again
For you, sweet thing
Just like a baby again
You make me happy
And I hope you feel the same
And I'm in heaven
When it feels like a gentle rain
You make me happy
And I want you to feel the same




You make me feel
Like a child, a child again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Herbie Hancock's "Speak Like a Child" showcase the feelings of euphoria and freedom that can come with a new love. The singer expresses that they are no longer scared of being alone in the dark because they have found comfort in their partner's love. They feel alive and strong when they are with this person, and their feelings hit them like a forceful train or a hurricane. The singer acknowledges that they feel happy with their partner and hopes that the feeling is mutual. The metaphor of feeling like a child again reinforces the idea that the singer feels carefree and uninhibited with their partner.


The second verse of the song reinforces this feeling of liberation. The singer declares that they are no longer trapped between Madonna and a whore, referencing the constricting expectations society puts on women. When they are with their partner, the days move quickly like wild horses, but the singer feels like they can breathe in fresh air again. The metaphor of wrapping their partner around them like a skin to wear illustrates the idea that they feel comfortable and at home with their loved one. The repetition of the phrase "You make me happy" reinforces the joy of being in love and the hope that their partner feels the same.


Overall, "Speak Like a Child" captures the feelings of liberation and joy that come with finding love. The metaphors used throughout the song evoke the imagery of carefree childhood, reinforcing the idea that the singer feels like they can be uninhibited with their partner. The repetition of the phrase "You make me happy" emphasizes the joy and comfort the singer feels with their partner.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not scared anymore
I don't feel frightened anymore


I'm not scared of the dark
I'm not afraid of darkness


When I sleep with you, with you
Whenever I'm sleeping beside you


When I'm feeling alive
When I feel vibrant and energetic


When I'm feeling strong again
When I regain my strength and power


When it hits me
When a certain feeling overcomes me


Just like a runaway train
Just like an unstoppable force


And it blows me away
And it amazes me


Just like a hurricane
Just like a destructive storm


You make me happy
You bring joy to my life


And I hope you feel the same
And I expect you to feel the same way


You make me feel
You cause me to experience


Just like a child, a child again
Like a carefree and innocent child


I'm not trapped anymore
I'm not stuck anymore


Between Madonna and a whore
Between two opposite ends of the spectrum


When I lay with you, with you
When I rest next to you


When the days run away
When the days go by quickly


Like wild horses run away
Like untamed horses galloping away


When I'm breathing you in
When I inhale your scent


Just like the morning air
Just like the fresh air of the morning


When I'm wrapping you around
When I'm embracing you


Just like a skin to wear
Just like a comfortable garment


Oh, sweet thing
Oh, my lovely one


I'm born once again
I feel like I'm reborn


For you, sweet thing
Because of you, my lovely one


Just like a baby again
Just like a newborn infant


And I'm in heaven
And I feel ecstatic


When it feels like a gentle rain
When it feels like a soft and refreshing rain


And I want you to feel the same
And it's my desire for you to feel the same way




Writer(s): Herbie Hancock, Paul John Weller Copyright: Stylist Music Ltd., Hancock Music

Contributed by Ian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@bretttapia5979

(aka nobody plays with the particular touch, rhythm and restraint Herbie does) but here are some of my personal chill jazz recommendations, sir, you can see if any suit your taste.
Bobby Hutcherson - "My Joy"
Cannonball Adderley "Autumn Leaves"
Bill Evans "Peace Piece"
Freddie Hubbard "Little Sunflower"
Kenny Burrell "Hot Bossa"
Wes Montgomery "Here's That Rainy Day", "Canadian Sunset", "Bumpin' on Sunset"
Ahmad Jamal Trio - "New Rhumba"
Miles Davis "So What", "Summertime"
Chick Corea and Return to Forever "Light as a Feather" album
John Scofield "A Go Go"
(Herbie "Maiden Voyage", "Inventions and Dimensions" album, )
Jo Stafford "Manhattan Serenade"



All comments from YouTube:

@timothydunn1603

I was privileged to have met Herbie on many occasions and was very close friends with Mickey Roker for over 40 years up until his passing a years ago,I am also very close with Harvey Mason.They both have something in common ???
Herbie Hancock.
Two of the greatest albums of all time Headhunters and this master piece Speak like a child.To this day every time I listen to the title track Speak like a child I feel blessed to have lived through this music amongst such great musicians who bring such joy to our lives.What world do the 42 people that gave this a thumbs down live.

@d.a.williams5966

I grew up listening to this kind of Jazz. My late Dad was a real devotee.  Its real deep music.  Takes you places.

@ladypodtron

D.A. Williams You were lucky to have a dad with such great taste in music.
Bless you and your late father.

@d.a.williams5966

Thank you for saying that. I really appreciate it.

@AlonsoUnoPuntoCinco

Saludos

@edithvanloo5059

me too.. <3

@paulad4683

Lou Donaldson

2 More Replies...

@TheGaryAL

I have listened to this song at least once a week since 1968. Just love the music and live your life.

@bobbylinning2348

It doesn’t get any better than this a true musical masterpiece from a genius.

@robertjoseph8008

I was fortunate to be born & raised in Detroit & came of age celebrating the Motown sound & everything it symbolized. While in high school, 1968-1971, I came across a forward-thinking FM radio station out of Windsor, Canada (CJON?). Beginning at midnight, they played only pure jazz & blues (e.g., essential recordings by Herbie Hancock). Discovering this music back then made an immediate & profound impact on me. It has shaped my worldview & my “search for the new land” ever since. The journey continues….

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