Aimless Love
John Prine Lyrics


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He's just a small fry, a bit too gun shy
To have his heart touched without a glove
He looks at strangers as potential dangers
Trying to steal his aimless love

Love has no mind, it can't spell unkind
It's never seen a heart shaped like a valentine
For if love knew him, it'd walk up to him
And introduce him to an aimless love

I been out walking, kinda pillow talking
To anyone that has the time for me
For there are some folks they think that love chokes
And it ties and keeps them from being free

Love has no mind it can't spell unkind
It's never seen a heart shaped like a valentine
For if love knew you it'd walk up to you
And introduce you to an aimless love

Do you look at strangers as potential dangers
Trying to steal your aimless love

Love has no mind, it can't spell unkind
It's never seen a heart shaped like a valentine
For if love knew you, it'd walk up to you




And introduce you to an aimless love
And introduce you to an aimless love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Prine's song Aimless Love are both poetic and thought-provoking. The song talks about love in a way that goes beyond the typical romanticization of the concept. Instead, Prine uses imagery and metaphors to depict a love that is aimless, uncertain and perhaps even dangerous.


The first verse introduces us to a man who is afraid of being vulnerable in love. He is "small fry" and "gun shy," indicating that he is intimidated and lacks confidence. He sees potential partners as threats who might "steal his aimless love." This suggests that he has no clear idea of what love means to him, and that he sees it as something that is elusive and difficult to hold onto.


The second verse shifts the focus to the singer who is walking around, talking to anyone who will listen. It appears that she is looking for answers regarding love and relationship. Some people around her believe that love is restrictive and limiting. However, the singer suggests that love should not be seen as a constraint, but rather as an uplifting force that can lead to a sense of freedom.


In the chorus, Prine offers a definition of love that is abstract and undefined. He suggests that love has "no mind," and that it cannot judge or harm us. If we can open ourselves up to love, it will lead us to an "aimless love" that is not bound by expectations or preconceived notions.


Overall, Aimless Love is a powerful commentary on the complex and multifaceted nature of love. It encourages us to be open-minded and open-hearted, even when we feel uncertain or scared.


Line by Line Meaning

He's just a small fry, a bit too gun shy
He's a small, unimportant person who is hesitant to open up and be vulnerable.


To have his heart touched without a glove
He's afraid to let his guard down and have his feelings hurt.


He looks at strangers as potential dangers
He sees strangers as possible threats to his safety and happiness.


Trying to steal his aimless love
He fears others will take advantage of his lack of direction in love and relationships.


Love has no mind, it can't spell unkind
Love is not capable of being malicious or unkind.


It's never seen a heart shaped like a valentine
Love doesn't conform to the idealized image of a heart-shaped like a valentine.


For if love knew him, it'd walk up to him
If love understood him, it would reach out to him on its own.


And introduce him to an aimless love
It would connect him with a love that lacks direction or purpose.


I been out walking, kinda pillow talking
He's been wandering around, having personal conversations with strangers.


To anyone that has the time for me
He'll talk to anyone who is willing to listen.


For there are some folks they think that love chokes
Some people believe that love stifles their personal freedom.


And it ties and keeps them from being free
They feel trapped in a relationship and unable to pursue their individual goals.


Do you look at strangers as potential dangers
The singer wonders if the listener also sees strangers as threats.


Trying to steal your aimless love
He asks if the listener is afraid that others will take advantage of their lack of direction in love.


And introduce you to an aimless love
Love could connect the listener with a love that lacks direction or purpose.




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHN E. PRINE, JOHN E PRINE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@crystalpope2451

I love you, John. I'm 56, been listening to you most of my adult life. There's no one like you, man. Bless you.

@teabaggervance8

Watching a John Prine show with my lover, is some of my best memories on earth!

@TheCoolPoole

Love this RIP John

@Brickhoue67

Beautiful John. Just beautiful.

@billybober1812

Beautiful electric guitar tone.

@kristijones6552

Love it!! So true....

@zakhossain3004

In the 70s, my first concert was by JP in Chicago. Loved him since then! No second like JP!

@cryslovesmusic

This album is an aimless love..
But a love nontheless.

@TheCanineCaper

R.I.P. John

@weasel9834

Still love you man!

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