The song, produced by Hugh Jones, was a single from the 1982 album After the Snow. It reached #7 on Billboard's Top Tracks chart and #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983. The song gained popularity due to its airplay on MTV in early 1983 and its inclusion during the closing credits in the movie Valley Girl. The band re-recorded it in 1990 for their album Pillow Lips, the re-released version peaking at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It is ranked #39 on VH1's 100 greatest songs of the 80's and #7 on VH1's 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s.
I Melt with You
Modern English Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Making love to you was never second best
I saw the world thrashing all around your face
Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace
I'll stop the world and melt with you
You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time
There's nothing you and I won't do
(You should know better)
Dream of better lives the kind which never hate
(You should see why)
Trapped in the state of imaginary grace
(You should know better)
I made a pilgrimage to save this humans race
(You should see why)
Never comprehending the race had long gone by
I'll stop the world and melt with you
(Let's stop the world)
You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time
(Let's stop the world)
There's nothing you and I won't do
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
The future's open wide
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
(Let's stop the world)
I've seen some changes but it's getting better all the time
(Let's stop the world)
There's nothing you and I won't do
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
The future's open wide
Hmmm hmmm hmmm
Hmmm hmmm hmmm hmmm
Hmmm hmmm hmmm
Hmmm hmmm hmmm hmmm
I'll stop the world and melt with you
(Let's stop the world)
You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time
(Let's stop the world)
There's nothing you and I won't do
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
(Let's stop the world)
I'll stop the world and melt with you
The opening lines of the song "Moving forwards, using all my breath, making love to you was never second best" suggest that the singer is completely committed to his lover and is willing to do anything for the relationship. The following line "I saw the world thrashing all around your face, never really knowing it was always mesh and lace" metaphorically suggests that the world is a complex and confusing place, but the love between the couple is simple and beautiful. The line "I'll stop the world and melt with you" is a metaphor for the overwhelming power of love, where everything else fades away and the only thing that matters is the love between two individuals.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I'll stop the world and melt with you" and reflects the theme of love's power to conquer everything else. The lines "You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time, there's nothing you and I won't do" further reinforce the idea of a strong connection between the lovers, willing to work together towards a better future.
The second verse "Dream of better lives the kind which never hate, trapped in the state of imaginary grace" implies that the singer has high hopes for the future and an idealistic vision of a world devoid of hate. However, the following line "I made a pilgrimage to save this human race, never comprehending the race had long gone by" suggests that the singer's ideals may be unrealistic or out of touch with the reality of the world they live in.
Overall, the song I Melt with You is an optimistic and romantic reflection on the power of love to overcome obstacles, while also acknowledging the complexity and imperfection of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Moving forwards, using all my breath
I am pushing forward with all my strength and determination.
Making love to you was never second best
I have always expressed my love for you to the fullest extent possible.
I saw the world thrashing all around your face
I noticed how chaotic the world was and how it affected you, even when you may not have been aware.
Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace
You were always weaving your way through the world, navigating its ups and downs with grace and determination.
I'll stop the world and melt with you
I am willing to stop everything and give myself completely to you in this moment.
You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time
You've noticed improvements in our relationship, and I am committed to making it even better going forward.
There's nothing you and I won't do
Together, we can overcome any obstacle and accomplish anything we set our minds to.
Dream of better lives the kind which never hate
We both imagine a world filled with love and joy, where hate does not exist.
Trapped in the state of imaginary grace
At times, we may feel as though we are stuck in a dreamlike state, far removed from the harsh realities of the world.
I made a pilgrimage to save this humans race
I have devoted my life to making the world a better place and ensuring the survival of the human race.
Never comprehending the race had long gone by
Despite my efforts, I may not fully understand that the race to save humanity may have already come to an end.
The future's open wide
We have a lot of potential and possibilities for the future.
Hmmm hmmm hmmm
A musical refrain expressing emotion and atmosphere.
I've seen some changes but it's getting better all the time
I have observed that things are improving and have faith in our future together.
I'll stop the world and melt with you
I am reaffirming my commitment to you and our love, willing to put the world on hold for us.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert James Grey, Stephen James Walker, Michael Frances Conroy, Gary Frances McDowell, Richard Ian Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cliffcardinal2667
I had a girlfriend since may 1981. This song i sang to her in 1983. That was 37 yrs ago. I was so in love with her, she was 14 and i was 16 when we met at an arcade in Santa Cruz at the boardwalk, 39 yrs ago. We got married in may 1986, had 4 sons and 1 daughter. We now have 10 grandchildren. Every time i play this song it just makes me melt and remember the time i had a girlfriend that was just drop dead gorgeous. She is still so beautiful.
@bennettfields41
Cliff, you really know what life is all about, brother. My very best to you and yours. Bravo!
@Nerval-kg9sm
The Boardwalk was a good place to meet girls in the '80s. I distinctly remember playing this album on cassette during a drive back home from there.
@ginao5217
You are blessed 💗
@cliffcardinal2667
@@Nerval-kg9sm first time ever on a roller coaster I was so scared but didnt show it because I wanted to impress her
@samme1024
💛💛💛💛💛 !!!!!
@jennifertrahan7594
One of my favorites. I don't care that I am getting older. Thank you God for allowing me to live during 80's.
@caesar349
Well said! We really are so lucky to be part of that time and carry it with us forever.
@johncj5551
No musical era rocked like the 80's
@truelies3690
1983! Remember it well. Reagan in the white house, Reaganomics going strong. $1.25 a gallon gasoline super supreme. 80¢ Big Mac, Whopper, Jumbo Jack. $300 a month rent for a 2 bedroom house with all utilities included except the corded dial phone at $6 a month. ET the movie in theaters all over USA. And this mega hit playing out of boom boxes every where. Great time to be alive. Different people, different era, different time, different styles, different values, different music, different country, different world. Never to return again. Glad I lived it.