However, for a brief period of time in the 1970s, she was one of Country Music's best-selling artists in her own right, acclaimed for her million-selling 1975 Country Pop crossover hit "I'm Not Lisa" and several best-selling albums. She became known as the "first lady" of the Outlaw country movement.
You Took Me By Surprise
Jessi Colter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I'm closer, you look better than you should
I wasn't lookin' 'til I looked in your eyes
Aah, you took me by surprise
Rock me, baby
Rock me in your arms
I should know better
The way you make me feel
I've not felt before
Rock me, baby
Rock me more
From the first time I was almost there
Your hands on me were so alive
You walked into me and saw me bare
Aah, you took me by surprise
Rock me, baby
Rock me in your arms
I should know better
I know the way you charm
The way you make me feel
I've not felt before
Rock me, baby
Rock me more
Rock me, baby
Rock me in your arms
I should know better
I know the way you charm
The way you make me feel
I've not felt before
Rock me, baby
Rock me more
Rock me, baby
Rock me in your arms
I know better
I know the way you charm
The way you make me feel
I've not felt before
Rock me, baby
Rock me more
Rock me, baby
The song "You Took Me By Surprise" by Jessi Colter is an upbeat and playful love song that explores the feelings of someone who was not looking for love but ended up falling for someone unexpectedly. The opening lines, "From the distance you looked so good, As I'm closer, you look better than you should," speaks of the initial attraction that the singer felt for the person she is describing in the song. The next line, "I wasn't looking 'til I looked in your eyes," suggests that the singer was not actively seeking a relationship but was instead taken by surprise by the person's charm and beauty.
The chorus of the song, "Rock me, baby, rock me in your arms," adds a sensuous element to the lyrics as the singer talks about being held tightly by the object of her affection. The singer admits that she should know better and acknowledges the way that the person charms her and makes her feel things she has not felt before. The repeated line, "Rock me more," further emphasizes the singer's desire to be held and loved by the person who has taken her by surprise.
The second verse of the song delves deeper into the singer's feelings and describes how the person's touch made her feel alive. The line, "Your hands on me were so alive," suggests that there was an intense physical connection between the two of them from the very beginning. The phrase, "You walked into me and saw me bare," implies that the person was able to see the singer in a vulnerable state and still accepted and loved her, which further adds to the surprise of the singer's unexpected romance.
Overall, "You Took Me By Surprise" is a catchy and upbeat song that explores the thrill and excitement of falling in love unexpectedly. The singer's vulnerability and desire to be held and loved by the person who has taken her by surprise is palpable in the lyrics, making it a relatable love song for many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
From the distance you looked so good
You appeared attractive from far away.
As I'm closer, you look better than you should
As I approach you, I see that you're even more attractive than I initially thought you would be.
I wasn't lookin' 'til I looked in your eyes
I wasn't actively seeking attention until I found myself locked into your gaze.
Aah, you took me by surprise
Your sudden attraction and effect on me came as a surprise.
Rock me, baby
Hold me close and comfort me.
Rock me in your arms
Hold me tightly and sway together to music.
I should know better
I should be more cautious about getting involved with you.
I know the way you charm
I'm aware and wary of your ability to win people over with your personality.
The way you make me feel
The emotions you evoke in me are intense and overwhelming.
I've not felt before
I haven't experienced such strong feelings with anyone else previously.
From the first time I was almost there
From the first time we met, there was a spark of attraction between us.
Your hands on me were so alive
Your touch felt electric and invigorating.
You walked into me and saw me bare
You saw the real, vulnerable me when you entered my life.
Rock me more
Comfort me continuously and don't let go.
I know better
Despite my reservations, I can't resist your charm and allure.
Contributed by Gavin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kayte 0207
Everything Jessi sings is so beautiful. God, how I miss her and Waylon together. RIP, Waylon!
Bill Derringer
Ol waylon an Jesse
Alex McElree
Still gets me every time she sings this. We love you Jessie RIP Waylon
The Troops
Alex, I really like her. And I've never heard of her before. Thank you for posting
rickym49
I've just discovered the beautiful voice of this beautiful lady. I wished it had been much sooner. To see her with Waylon and their love for each other is heart warming. Thank you for this song.
matthew hayes
Love this lady and her voice.Great backing music to all her songs.
Chris Sawyer
I just keep playing it over and over again as the memories of past loves roll by... I feel rocked, Jessi. Wish I could find you doing this live.
Dottie Marie
Jessi!! ;you have such a beautiful voice, and you and Waylon, were blessed in your life, to have the love you both had for each other... Your both the best... Two very beautiful people... with beautiful love and voices...
richard severin
Another beautiful ballad from this beautiful and talented lady..!!
oxokid54
a great lady and a great voice