As You Desire Me
Keely Smith with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra Lyrics

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I love you which is easy to see
But I have to keep guessing how you feel about me
You listen to the words that I speak
But I feel that you listen with your tongue in your cheek

You're laughing at me
I can't get sentimental
For you're laughing at me I know

I want to be romantic
But I haven't a chance
You've got a sense of humor
And humor is death to romance

You're laughing at me
Why do you think it's funny
When I say that I love you so?

You've got me worried and I'm all at sea
For while I'm crying for you
You're laughing at me

You've got me worried and I'm all at sea
For while I'm crying for you
You're laughing at me

Laughing at me
Laughing at me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "As You Desire Me" by Keely Smith with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra speak to the frustration of the singer, who loves someone deeply but is unsure of their feelings in return. Throughout the song, the singer expresses their love and desire for this person, but feels as though their affections are not being taken seriously. They sense that the object of their desire may be listening with their "tongue in [their] cheek," and laughter appears to be a constant source of tension in the relationship.

The singer longs for romantic connection, but feels that their attempts to express themselves are being met with humor, which they believe is "death to romance." Though the object of their affection may find their expressions of love amusing, the singer is desperate for a more serious response. They are "all at sea" and worried that while they are crying for this person, their love is not being taken seriously, and that they are being laughed at.

Overall, the song is a plea for sincerity and a deeper emotional connection. The singer is left feeling frustrated, anxious, and unsure about where they stand with the person they love.

Line by Line Meaning

I love you which is easy to see
I have strong feelings for you

But I have to keep guessing how you feel about me
I'm unsure if you feel the same way

You listen to the words that I speak
You pay attention to what I'm saying

But I feel that you listen with your tongue in your cheek
I suspect you're not taking me seriously

You're laughing at me
You're making fun of me

I can't get sentimental
I don't want to be mushy or emotional

For you're laughing at me I know
Because I know you're mocking me

I want to be romantic
I desire to express my love in a sweet and passionate way

But I haven't a chance
But it seems unlikely given your attitude

You've got a sense of humor
You enjoy making jokes

And humor is death to romance
But it's hard for me to be romantic when you're always joking around