The Girl That Never Was
James Blunt Lyrics


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Darling, I know we talked about it one too many times
How there was something missing in our lives
A little life
So we tried, it was more than just a twinkle in your eye
But some things you just don't get to decide
At least we tried

The first casualty of life is the plan
When I look back I'm not even sure that
We were thinking

Somewhere
She's probably dancing with her blonde hair
Falling like ribbons on her shoulders
Just like we always saw
Bright eyes
Spinning in circles in the sunlight
Darling, we tried but now it's over
We had it all and then we lost
The girl that never was

If I could say
A million words to take away the pain
What kills me is you trying to take the blame
You're not to blame

I'll never say I told you so
But sad I've thought the words
Tried drowning you in happiness
I only make it worse
We never should've picked a name
'Cause now she has a face
And now no matter what we do
No one will take her place

Somewhere
She's probably dancing with her blonde hair
Falling like ribbons on her shoulders
Just like we always saw
Bright eyes
Spinning in circles in the sunlight
Darling, we tried but now it's over
We had it all and then we lost
The girl that never was

I know we'll never know you
I know we'll never hold you
I never got to show you
My love

'Cause somewhere
You're probably dancing with your blonde hair
Falling like ribbons on your shoulders
Just like we always saw
Bright eyes
Spinning in circles in the sunlight
Darling, we tried but now it's over




We had it all and then we lost
The girl that never was

Overall Meaning

"The Girl That Never Was" by James Blunt is a heartfelt and emotional song that explores the theme of loss and the pain of what could have been. The lyrics depict a couple who had discussed starting a family and felt that something was missing in their lives. They tried to conceive a child, symbolized by "a little life," but unfortunately, it didn't happen for them. The song reflects on the disappointment and heartbreak they feel after this failed attempt.


The opening lines suggest that the couple had countless discussions about their desire to have a child. They acknowledge that sometimes certain things are beyond our control, and despite their efforts, they couldn't make it happen. The lyrics portray the loss of their dreams and plans, which is referred to as "the first casualty of life."


The song also touches upon the regret and sadness they feel. They imagine the girl who never came into existence, envisioning her dancing with her blonde hair and bright eyes. This imagery serves as a contrast to their reality, emphasizing the missed opportunity and the love they would have shown her.


Overall, "The Girl That Never Was" delves into the emotional complexities of loss, longing, and the acceptance of the things we cannot change. It paints a poignant picture of a couple grappling with their unfulfilled dreams of starting a family.


Line by Line Meaning

Darling, I know we talked about it one too many times
My love, I am aware that we discussed this matter repeatedly


How there was something missing in our lives
There was an absence, a void in our existence


A little life
A sense of vitality and purpose


So we tried, it was more than just a twinkle in your eye
Hence, we made an effort, it was more than a fleeting idea


But some things you just don't get to decide
However, certain matters are beyond our control


At least we tried
Nevertheless, we made an attempt


The first casualty of life is the plan
The initial casualty in life is our predetermined course of action


When I look back I'm not even sure that
In retrospect, I am uncertain


We were thinking
Regarding what we were contemplating


Somewhere
In another place or time


She's probably dancing with her blonde hair
It is likely that she is joyfully moving with her golden locks


Falling like ribbons on her shoulders
Flowing gracefully, resembling ribbons resting on her delicate shoulders


Just like we always saw
Just as we envisioned


Bright eyes
Radiant and captivating gaze


Spinning in circles in the sunlight
Revolving joyfully in the warm rays of the sun


Darling, we tried but now it's over
My love, we made an effort, but now it has concluded


We had it all and then we lost
We possessed everything and subsequently lost it


The girl that never was
The illusionary girl who never truly existed


If I could say
If through words I could communicate


A million words to take away the pain
An abundance of expressions to alleviate the anguish


What kills me is you trying to take the blame
What torments me is your attempt to assume responsibility


You're not to blame
You are not at fault


I'll never say I told you so
I will never utter the phrase 'I warned you'


But sad I've thought the words
Nevertheless, I have pondered those sorrowful words


Tried drowning you in happiness
Endeavored to envelop you in overwhelming joy


I only make it worse
Yet, I only exacerbate the situation


We never should've picked a name
We never should have chosen a name


'Cause now she has a face
Because now she possesses a recognizable appearance


And now no matter what we do
And currently, regardless of our actions


No one will take her place
No one will supplant her position


I know we'll never know you
I realize we will never come to truly know you


I know we'll never hold you
I understand we will never embrace you


I never got to show you
I never had the opportunity to demonstrate to you


My love
The depth of my affection


'Cause somewhere
For in some distant place or time


You're probably dancing with your blonde hair
You are likely joyfully moving with your golden locks


Falling like ribbons on your shoulders
Descending gracefully, resembling ribbons resting on your delicate shoulders


Just like we always saw
Just as we had envisioned


Bright eyes
Radiant and captivating gaze


Spinning in circles in the sunlight
Revolving joyfully in the warm rays of the sun


Darling, we tried but now it's over
My love, we made an effort, but now it has concluded


We had it all and then we lost
We possessed everything and subsequently lost it


The girl that never was
The illusionary girl who never truly existed




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: George Henry Tizzard, James Blount, Rick Parkhouse

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@pogopumpakinkle801

Im a lifelong fan of extreme metal.
But i can proudly say i am a big fan of james blunt.
Thankfully ive never been in this position of loosing a child, so i cant relate.
But his use of words makes me tear up and pulls at the heartstrings.
His song "monsters" had me full of crying because I can relate to that situation.

His songwriting skills are the best out there., an extremely underrated musician.

Sorry for your loss james, as much as i wouldn't wish this kind of loss on anybody, I truly love the music you release.



All comments from YouTube:

@freddymorel9076

He's one of the most underrated musicians on this god forsaken planet. Always hitting right into the heart with his lyrics.

@earthwindfireable

On this God forsaken planet is right.

@amitandutube

Actually I’m not sure he’s that underrated. He’s done well commercially, won awards, shared a stage with Ed Sheeran and other big names etc.

@freddymorel9076

@@amitandutube No doubt, but his fan base compared to other artists ain’t that big. I’m not saying he’s a nobody, but he deserves better. He has a unique voice, outstanding lyrics and so on. While talentless singers with auto tune are producing things where you’re not sure if you’re watching a music video or a porn, the artists with real talent aren’t getting the attention they deserve.

@amitandutube

@@freddymorel9076 I feel that way about Sara Bareilles actually so I kinda think I know what you mean.

@apriljones4915

You right. I love him, i love his song i wish more people kbew him

9 More Replies...

@olib774

When we are happy we hear the music , when we are sad we hear the words..James makes us hear both ..always touching and reaching one's essence ❤

@DeanPaarman

Holy crap. How is it possible to wrap up so much pain, love and understanding into one beautiful eulogy. To all of you who have gone through this, my dearest condolences.

@anon.03

'Goodbye my lover', 'Monsters' and now, 'The girl that never was'. Only James can make me cry like a baby with his songs even when I can't relate. Beautiful story telling in the form of a song.

@sharonsims8706

Also, If Time Is Aoll I Have

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