Where Were You
Nat Lyrics


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I went to London town
To clear up my mind
Then on to Paris
For the fun I couldn't find
I found I couldn't leave my memories behind
Where can I go without you?

Tried seeing Singapore
But that wouldn't do
Went to Vienna
But I found you there, too
Even in Switzerland, your memory came through
Where can I go without you?

I wanted travel, I wanted romance
I chased that rainbow across the sea
I'm tired of faces, and quaint old places
If you can't be there with me

Back on the boat again
And farewell to France
Farewell to London town
They haven't a chance
I'll trade the sights I've seen
For just one loving glance
Where can I go without you?

I'm tired of faces, and quaint old places
If you can't be there with me

Back on the boat again
And farewell to France
Farewell to London town
They haven't a chance
I'll trade the sights I've seen




For one loving glance
Where can I go without you?

Overall Meaning

In Nat King Cole's song "Where Can I Go Without You," the singer travels to London, Paris, Singapore, Vienna, and Switzerland in an attempt to escape the memories of a past relationship. However, the memories persist everywhere he goes, leaving him feeling lost and helpless without his former partner. He longs for her companionship and realizes that all the places he traveled, and all the memories he made, pale in comparison to just one loving glance from her.


The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the impossibility of escape. Despite trying to clear his mind and forget his former flame, the singer finds that their memories follow him everywhere he goes. He realizes that the only way to move on and find happiness is to have his partner with him.


The song is not strictly a love song but a lament about being unable to let go of the past. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has struggled with moving on from a past relationship or experience, making it a timeless classic enjoyed by many across generations and cultures.


Line by Line Meaning

I went to London town
I traveled to London in an attempt to clear my mind


To clear up my mind
I went to London to try and rid myself of distracting thoughts


Then on to Paris
I continued on to Paris


For the fun I couldn't find
I went to Paris to find something that would make me happy, but I couldn't find it


I found I couldn't leave my memories behind
I discovered that even in other places, I couldn't forget about you


Where can I go without you?
I am questioning where I can possibly go to escape memories of you


Tried seeing Singapore
I attempted to visit Singapore


But that wouldn't do
However, that was not enough to forget you


Went to Vienna
I traveled to Vienna


But I found you there, too
Even in Vienna, I was reminded of you


Even in Switzerland, your memory came through
Even in Switzerland, I couldn't escape thoughts of you


I wanted travel, I wanted romance
I desired to travel and experience romantic adventures


I chased that rainbow across the sea
I embarked on a journey, hopelessly searching for something that would satisfy my longing


If you can't be there with me
If you can't be by my side during these experiences


Back on the boat again
I am back on a boat, leaving these places behind


And farewell to France
I am saying goodbye to France


Farewell to London town
I am saying goodbye to London


They haven't a chance
These places could never compare to having you by my side


I'll trade the sights I've seen
I would give up all the sights and experiences that I've had


For one loving glance
Just to have one moment with you


Where can I go without you?
I am still questioning where I can go to be free from thoughts of you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Victor Young, Peggy Lee

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Isaiah Ryan

Congratulations guys. I hope you can look back on this in 20 years when you have kids and show them that you loved your wife so much that you wrote her a beautiful song.

Gus Biver

Love the song!! Keep up the great songs❤

Paisley

U r one of my new favorite singers!! I just saw you at my fair and it was terrific!❤

Olivia Lushko

I love the song and great job you guys.

Katrina Dobson Small

Congratulations on y'all wedding and blessings to many more years to come

Jakethesnake

Dude you killed it tonight I know u won’t see this but if you do all I got to say is keep up the good work

Brenda Brown

Absolutely Beautiful Song. ❤ It is actually one of my favorites! Such a humble and beautiful couple. Inside and Out. Congratulations 🍾 on the New Chapter of your Journey 🎈 ✝️🙏🏻❤️

Jacob Brown

There isn’t to many like you left stay true to yourself an your friends and family keep your head up an stay blessed bro🙏hope the best for you

Steve Stunning steve

Wow...i love this alot ...u now have a new subscriber. I listened to this 5 times already and ..now this amazing song 🎵 is stuck in my head.

Heather Fox

This is a BEAUTIFUL SONG!!! May God bless your marriage!

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