To Sir With Love
Lulu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of telling tales and biting nails are gone
But in my mind
I know they will still live on and on
But how do you thank someone
Who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try
If you wanted the sky
I would write across the sky in letters
That would soar a thousand feet high
"To sir, with love"
The time has come
For closing books and long last looks must end
And as I leave
I know that I am leaving my best friend
A friend who taught me right from wrong
And weak from strong
That's a lot to learn
What, what can I give you in return?
If you wanted the moon
I would try to make a start
But I would rather you let me give my heart
"To sir, with love"
The lyrics to Lulu's song To Sir With Love is an ode to a teacher, a mentor, a friend, who has had a huge impact on the singer's life. The opening verses reminisce about the simple joys and concerns of childhood that have passed but are still vivid in her memory. These schoolgirl days of telling tales and biting nails are gone, but in her mind, she knows that they will still live on and on. The singer then asks a poignant question, how do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume? This acknowledges the profound influence the teacher has had, taking her from her childhood days to a more mature understanding of life.
The second verse is an attempt to answer the question posed. The singer suggests that if her teacher, Sir, wanted the sky, she would write a message in letters a thousand feet high that would soar across the sky. The message would simply say, "To sir, with love." The sentiment is that some things are hard to express in words, but this simple message would be a grand gesture that would show the depth of gratitude and respect the singer has for her teacher.
The final verse expresses the singer's sadness that their time together is coming to an end, and yet gratitude for all that he has taught her. She acknowledges that the teacher, her best friend, has taught her the difference between right and wrong, weak and strong. She knows there is a lot to learn from him, and she wonders what she can give him in return. If she could, she would give him the moon and the stars, but instead, she asks him to accept her heart as a token of her appreciation. To her, the phrase "To sir, with love" sums up everything that she wants to convey.
Line by Line Meaning
Those schoolgirl days
Of telling tales and biting nails are gone
The innocent and carefree days of childhood are now memories.
But in my mind
I know they will still live on and on
Although those days are gone, they will always hold a special place in my heart.
But how do you thank someone
Who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
How do you express gratitude to someone who has helped you grow and mature?
It isn't easy, but I'll try
It's difficult, but I will make an effort to thank you.
If you wanted the sky
I would write across the sky in letters
That would soar a thousand feet high
"To sir, with love"
If you desired the impossible, I would do everything in my power to make it happen and express my appreciation.
The time has come
For closing books and long last looks must end
And as I leave
I know that I am leaving my best friend
The end of this chapter is near, and as I move on, I leave behind someone who has become a close friend.
A friend who taught me right from wrong
And weak from strong
That's a lot to learn
You were my teacher, who taught me the fundamentals I needed to succeed in life; I learned a lot from you.
What, what can I give you in return?
I am deeply indebted to you; please tell me how I can repay you.
If you wanted the moon
I would try to make a start
But I would rather you let me give my heart
"To sir, with love"
I am willing to do anything for you, but instead, I hope you will accept my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Don Black, Mark London
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kimswartzell7523
I cry every time I hear this song.
In 1967 and 2024
@reythmband
Lulu kills it on this. A perfect vocal.
@setyourmindfreenow
Yessssss!!!!
@Matto2t
@reythmband,
You are right. Her perfect and amazing vocals add to the beauty of this song. It's one of my favorite oldies songs ever. The movie is awesome as well.
-Matt
@barbararobnett6480
R.I.P. Sidney Portier❤
@valhanton7590
"From crayons to perfume". How true. RIP Beautiful Sidney.🌹
@dianekerleylong4085
I won't be alone playing this song all weekend and watching the movie by the same name. Rest in Peace, Mr. Poitier. You inspired a generation.
@helenrigmaiden6375
Amen.
@ManFran3
Indeed!
@pamelaz.7659
But now it brings tears to my eyes.