Those Sweet Words
Lee Alexander/Norah Jones Lyrics


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What did you say
I know I saw you saying it
My ears won't stop ringing
Long enough to hear
Those sweet words
What did you say

End of the day
The hour hand has spun
Before the night is done
I just have to hear
Those sweet words
Spoken like a melody

All your love
Is a lost balloon
Rising up through the afternoon
'Til it could fit on the head of a pin

Come on in
Did you have a hard time sleeping
'Cause the heavy moon was keeping you awake
And all I know is I'm just glad to see you again

See my love
Like a lost balloon
Rising up through the afternoon
And then you appear

What did you say
I know I what you were singing
My ears won't stop ringing
Long enough to hear
Those sweet words
And your simple melody

I just have to hear
Those sweet words
Spoken like a melody




I just want to hear
Those sweet words

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Lee Alexander/Norah Jones's song Those Sweet Words are open to interpretation, but it seems to be a song about longing to hear sweet words from a loved one. The first verse sets the scene, with the singer barely being able to hear what their loved one is saying due to ringing in their ears. They long to hear those "sweet words," which are spoken like a melody. In the second verse, the singer reflects on the passing of time and the urgency they feel to hear those sweet words before the night is over.


The chorus repeats the sentiment of the first verse, with the singer feeling like they're missing out on something important by not being able to hear those sweet words. The bridge brings a bit of whimsy to the song, likening the loved one's love to a lost balloon floating away, too big to contain but too precious to let go. The final verse brings the focus back to the present moment, with the singer expressing relief at seeing their loved one and hoping to finally hear those sweet words.


Overall, the song captures the feeling of craving affirmation and love from a significant other, and the power that can come from hearing those sweet words spoken aloud.


Line by Line Meaning

What did you say
Tell me again what you said


I know I saw you saying it
I saw your lips moving


My ears won't stop ringing
I can't stop hearing the sound


Long enough to hear
Just enough time to hear


Those sweet words
Those words that make me feel good


End of the day
At the end of the day


The hour hand has spun
The clock has moved forward


Before the night is done
Before the night ends


Spoken like a melody
Said in a pleasing way


All your love
All the love you have to give


Is a lost balloon
It's like a balloon that's flown away


Rising up through the afternoon
Going up in the sky during the day


Come on in
Let's spend time together


Did you have a hard time sleeping
Did you struggle to fall asleep


'Cause the heavy moon was keeping you awake
Because the bright moonlight made it hard to sleep


And all I know is I'm just glad to see you again
I'm happy that you're here with me


See my love
Understand my feelings


And then you appear
And then I see you again


And your simple melody
And your easy-to-understand song


I just have to hear
I need to hear it


I just want to hear
I really need to hear it




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD JULIAN, LEE ALEXANDER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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