Don't Be Shy
LIVING ROOM - Cat Stevens Lyrics


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Don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
Don't wear fear or nobody will know you're there
Just lift your head, and let your feelings out instead
And don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
On by, on by, on by, on by, on by
On by, on by, on by, on by

You know love is better than a song
Love is where all of us belong
So don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
Don't wear fear or nobody will know you're there
That you're there, you're there, you're there, you're there, you're there
You're there, you're there, you're there, you're there

Don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
And don't wear fear or nobody will know you're there
Just lift your head, and let your feelings out instead
Now don't be shy, just let your feeling roll on by




On by, on by, on by, on by, on by
On by, on by, on by, on by

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Be Shy" by Cat Stevens encourages listeners to be open and expressive with their emotions. The repeated refrain of "Don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by" emphasizes the importance of not suppressing one's emotions or hiding behind a facade. By urging the listener to let their feelings flow freely, the song suggests that this is a way to truly be seen and known by others.


The lyrics highlight the negative effects of fear, emphasizing that if one wears fear, nobody will recognize their presence. This can be interpreted as a reminder that if we allow fear to control us or hold us back, we become invisible and ultimately miss out on the opportunity to connect with others. By lifting our heads and letting our feelings out instead of hiding them away, we can become more visible and better understood.


The song also touches upon the idea that love is more powerful than a song. Love is presented as the place where we all belong, suggesting that by embracing love and allowing it to guide our actions, we can create a sense of belonging and unity among all people. This idea further reinforces the message of the song, which emphasizes the importance of being open and genuine with our emotions.


Overall, "Don't Be Shy" encourages listeners to be authentic and unafraid when it comes to expressing their emotions. By letting our feelings flow freely, we can overcome fear and be seen for who we truly are. This openness and vulnerability, the song suggests, can ultimately lead to a greater connection with others and a greater sense of belonging.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
Don't be hesitant or reserved, allow your emotions to flow freely and not hold them back


Don't wear fear or nobody will know you're there
Do not let fear control you, as it will prevent others from recognizing your presence or existence


Just lift your head, and let your feelings out instead
Raise your head with confidence, expressing your emotions openly instead of suppressing them


And don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
Reiterating the importance of not being timid, but allowing your emotions to continue flowing without inhibition


On by, on by, on by, on by, on by
Emphasizing the continuous and uninterrupted progression of one's feelings


You know love is better than a song
Love surpasses the beauty and impact of any song or musical expression


Love is where all of us belong
Love is the place where everyone is meant to be, a unifying force for humanity


So don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
Encouraging once again to overcome shyness and allow emotions to flow freely


Don't wear fear or nobody will know you're there
Avoid carrying fear within yourself, as it will hinder others from recognizing your presence


That you're there, you're there, you're there, you're there, you're there
Repeating the importance of asserting your existence and making it known to others


Don't be shy, just let your feelings roll on by
Once again, emphasizing the significance of not being reserved, but allowing emotions to freely pass through


Just lift your head, and let your feelings out instead
Raise your head confidently and express your emotions openly in place of holding them in


Now don't be shy, just let your feeling roll on by
Now, more than ever, it is important not to be timid and let your emotions flow freely


On by, on by, on by, on by, on by
Continuing to emphasize the uninterrupted progression and movement of one's feelings




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Yusuf Islam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

David Kellogg

This is one of the very few performers who does not need big sets/costumes and over amplified microphones.....he can hold an audience with just his powerful voice and lyrics.....

K Urb

TRUTHAT

mackenzie pursey

Cat Stevens is truly a musical artist to have created such a masterpiece as "Don’t Be Shy". I first heard this song in episode 2, season 1 of the 2011-2018 Once Upon a Time tv series. From that moment, the words in Mr. Stevens' song touched me deeply, both mental and emotional.

To The Lighthouse

How is his voice still so clear, warm & deep like a stream. I love this song, part of a cycle of Cat Stevens songs I played & still play to help me reconnect with my path.

Sandra Kral

Don't wear fear or nobody will know you're there
You're there.. "Unless Good People Stand up to be heard , then fear and cruelty will always dominate the world, so its time for those people to stand up and lift their heads, this is a song I think talks about that " Thank you Yusuf

Adam Newman

This song helps me with my anxiety, every time I clam up I play this song in my head, take a deep breath then continue on with a better mindset.

So thank you for this song it improves my life tenfold.

birdlynn

Yes, amin, amin. As it should be. :)

Birgit Grabenkamp

Same... thank you for your words. 🫂❤️

Redoaun Elakhdar

El paso de los años no hace mas que mejorar a estas canciones de este gran cantautor.

Shirley Kaye

This is the best and most affecting version of this song I have heard you sing. I’m thankful for this channel for bringing my soul back to your songs full of love and hope.

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