I'm Ill
Neils Children Lyrics


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I can't control your shaking
You look at me and tell me your body's aching
The look in your eyes confirms your story
I try not to think who came before me.
I can't hear what you're saying
I can't tell if it's some kind of game you're playing
Well i don't mind for this time only
If it's only once then i'm gonna feel lonely.
I've put too much faith in you
And now i don't know what to do
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you
I can't hear what you're saying
I can't tell if it's some kind of game you're playing
Well i don't mind for this time only
If it's only once then i'm gonna feel lonely.
I've put too much faith in you
And now i don't know what to do
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you
Ooo ooo ooo ooo
Oooooooooo
I've put too much faith in you
And now i don't know what to do
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you
I should of known better than to be with you




I'm ill.
I'm ill.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Neils Children's song "I'm Ill" describe a troubled relationship between the singer and their partner. The partner is experiencing physical and emotional distress, which the singer is unable to fully understand or alleviate. The line "I try not to think who came before me" suggests that the partner may have a history of unhealthy relationships, which is causing the singer to doubt their own decision to be with them.


The repeated refrain "I'm ill" can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one hand, it may be a reflection of the singer's own emotional turmoil as they struggle to navigate the relationship. On the other hand, it could be a reference to the partner's physical illness or mental health struggles that are negatively impacting the relationship. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the phrase serves to emphasize the overall sense of unease and discomfort in the song.


The closing lines of the song reinforce the theme of regret and self-doubt, as the singer laments that they "should of known better than to be with you." Despite this realization, however, the singer is still grappling with the painful consequences of their decision to enter into this troubled relationship. Overall, "I'm Ill" is a melancholy and introspective song that explores the complexities of love and the challenges of navigating unhealthy dynamics.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't control your shaking
I have no power over your physical state


You look at me and tell me your body's aching
You inform me of your physical distress.


The look in your eyes confirms your story
Your eye contact convinces me that you speak the truth.


I try not to think who came before me.
I attempt not to dwell on who you were with before me.


I can't hear what you're saying
I cannot decipher your words.


I can't tell if it's some kind of game you're playing
I am unsure if you are playing a trick on me.


Well i don't mind for this time only
I do not object to it only for this single instance.


If it's only once then i'm gonna feel lonely.
If this is the only time, it will make me unhappy.


I've put too much faith in you
I have invested too much trust in you.


And now i don't know what to do
I am currently at a loss for what to do.


I should of known better than to be with you
I ought to have realized earlier than it was unwise to be with you.


Ooo ooo ooo ooo
N/A


Oooooooooo
N/A


I'm ill.
I am sick (physically, mentally, or emotionally).




Contributed by Caleb R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Giuseppe Zevallos 🇵🇪

Que nostalgia escuchar este temón después de 10 años!

Penny Burroughs

Still one of my favourite songs of all time. Pure love

Valeria Armendariz

Recordé está canción hoy y woooow tenía años sin escucharla ✨ #nostalgia

Roberto Pilates

One of the best songs I ever heard, so original and different than all the commercial music right now. Just perfect

Penny Burroughs

This takes me back to a happy place. Seeing them in London in a dodgy dive bar, they had my attention instantly.

dplatonic

the new album is a natural evolution to the band: it's extremely well put together, these guys work great as a band.. interesting how tree guys (now minus one) can play & be a structure,.. while there's so much 5 piece bands that cant play for shi*...i friggin' love NC

ckatherine19

i love it! it just makes me more impatient to get the new album.... i love your new style as well. fabulous song. xx

Alexandra Lúshius

Los amo.... <3 y a esta nostalgia que siento al oírle.

InfraRendell

WONDERFUL!!!! Such a lovely song and video!

mwells219

These guys are really good at playing instruments.

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