Thinking of You
Irma Thomas and the Professionals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the leaves were fallin' down softly
My cold hands needed a warm, warm touch
And I was thinkin' about you
But here I am lookin' for signs of leaving
You hold my hand, but do you really need me?
I guess it's time for me to let you go
I'll be thinkin' about you
When you sail across the ocean waters
And you reach the other side safely
Could you smile, a little smile for me?
'Cause I'll be thinkin' about you
I'll be thinkin' about you
I'll be thinkin' about you
I'll be thinkin' about you
The lyrics of the song "Thinking of You" by Irma Thomas and The Professionals describe the complexity of emotions that are associated with letting go of someone you still care about. The opening lines of the song present a picturesque scene where the sun is shining, and the leaves are falling softly, which creates a feeling of calmness and serenity. However, the singer's hands are cold and they desire warm touch, implying a sense of loneliness and longing. This is when the realization hits that they are still hung up on someone they have lost, and they cannot help but think of them.
The second verse of the song describes the struggle of coming to terms with the fact that the person they still care about might not feel the same way. The singer seems to be looking for signs that the relationship is not working, yet they hold onto it. It is like they are stuck in a limbo and do not know if they should stay in the relationship or move on. The final verse talks about the need for closure and acceptance. The singer wants the person they care about to be happy, even if it means letting them go. They would still think about them but hope that the person would be able to move on as well and find happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday I saw the sun shinin'
The singer saw a bright, sunny day.
And the leaves were fallin' down softly
The singer noticed the calm, peaceful fall of leaves.
My cold hands needed a warm, warm touch
The singer felt the physical need for warmth and affection.
And I was thinkin' about you
The singer was reminiscing about the person they miss.
But here I am lookin' for signs of leaving
The singer is searching for indicators that the end of their relationship may be near.
You hold my hand, but do you really need me?
The singer questions the true depth of their partner's feelings for them.
I guess it's time for me to let you go
The singer realizes it's time to move on from the relationship.
And I'll be thinkin' about you
Despite moving on, the singer can't help but continue to miss the person.
When you sail across the ocean waters
The singer imagines their partner traveling across the sea.
And you reach the other side safely
The singer hopes for the safety of their partner's journey.
Could you smile, a little smile for me?
The singer requests a final moment of happiness from the person they miss.
'Cause I'll be thinkin' about you
The singer will continue to miss and think about the person even in their absence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Fintage House Publishing
Written by: Norah Jones, Ilhan Ersahin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind