Secretly
Jimmie Rodgers Lyrics


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Why must I meet you in a secret rendezvous?
Why must we steal away to steal a kiss or two?
Why must we wait to do the things we want to do?

Why, oh, why, oh, why, oh, why, oh why?
Wish we didn't have to meet secretly
Wish we didn't have to kiss secretly
Wish we didn't have to be afraid
To show the world that we're in love

'Til we have the right to meet openly
'Til we have the right to kiss openly
We'll just have to be content to be in love secretly

Why, oh, why, oh, why, oh, why, oh why?
Wish we didn't have to meet secretly
Wish we didn't have to kiss secretly
Wish we didn't have to be afraid
To show the world that we're in love

'Til we have the right to meet openly

'Til we have the right to kiss openly
We'll just have to be content to be in love secretly

Overall Meaning

The song "Secretly" by Jimmie Rodgers is about a couple who are in love but can only meet secretly because of social constraints. The lyrics express the frustration of having to hide their love from the rest of the world and the hope that someday they will have the right to love openly. The repetition of the question "Why?" emphasizes the unfairness of their situation and the longing for a world where they can express their love freely.


The song's lyrics reflect the societal norms of the time when it was written in the 1950s, where inter-racial relationships were frowned upon and in some cases were even illegal. It can be seen as a commentary on the need for social change and acceptance of diversity.


Overall, "Secretly" is a poignant love ballad that speaks to the universal human desire for love and the need for freedom of expression.


Line by Line Meaning

Why must I meet you in a secret rendezvous?
I wonder why we have to meet in secret?


Why must we steal away to steal a kiss or two?
Why do we have to sneak around just to share a few kisses?


Why must we wait to do the things we want to do?
Why can't we do what we want to do without waiting?


Why, oh, why, oh, why, oh, why, oh why?
Repeatedly questioning the reasons why.


Wish we didn't have to meet secretly
I wish we could meet openly without hiding.


Wish we didn't have to kiss secretly
I wish we could kiss without worrying about being caught.


Wish we didn't have to be afraid
I wish we could be fearless about expressing our love.


To show the world that we're in love
To display our love to others openly.


'Til we have the right to meet openly
Until society accepts our love, we have to continue meeting in secret.


'Til we have the right to kiss openly
Until our love is accepted, we have to continue kissing in secret.


We'll just have to be content to be in love secretly
We have no choice but to be satisfied with our secret love for now.




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Al Hoffman, Dick Manning, Mark Markwell

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

@sumaiyaakhterlisa884

Maybe you don’t see a future with me.
Maybe you don’t want to take any risks for me, or perhaps you don’t feel like I’m worth the risk.
I wish you did.
But I can’t change how you feel about me.
Maybe you just see me as one of your short-term, low-maintenance girls.
We don’t even have a proper name for this relationship.
I wish we did.
Meet me soon.
I hope you’re not afraid to show your love (only if you love me)



All comments from YouTube:

@karencarbone2603

My mom and dad had a old small record player and my father used to hold me and dance with me. I am 62 now, I was born in 1958. Miss my parents so much!!!!!😔😪☹

@jsuxucjdmdkc2801

That’s awesome!

@elizabethmuller9242

I was also born in '58. Great memories of a happy, magical childhood and Mom and Dad!

@Mark-iv7np

Understood, life can be good but also crummy. Unfortunately everything will end in life. You have great memories no one can ever take that from you.

@anitasanchez4899

What a beautiful memory for you

@leandroleoderio795

Eu tenho um toca discos de uma seleção de músicas antigas e tem essa canção sempre a ouço embora o disco tenha quase 50 anos ainda e possível ouvir com alguns chiados essa bela canção

@jmrodas9

Although this song was released in 1958 I used to hear it in the early sixties and liked it. Good song I really still enjoy hearing.

@kentclark6420

My favorite Jimmy Rodgers tune. I did this one at open mic, WWU. It's so romantic and soulful.

@robertmiller1655

Not a bad choice. I like the Wizard. Just snap your fingers....

@jimthompson5403

Why do you people take over.

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