I'm Not Saying
Nico Lyrics


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I'm not saying that I love you
I'm not saying that I care if you love me
I'm not saying that I care
I'm not saying I'll be there when you want me

I can't give my heart to you
Or tell you that I'd sing your name up to the sky
I can't lay the promise down
That I'll always be around when you need me

I may not be alone each time you see me
Along the street or in a small café
But still I won't deny you or mistreat you
Baby, if you let me have my way

I'm not saying I'll be sorry
For all the things that I might say that make you cry
I can't say I'll always do the things you want me to
I'm not saying I'll be true but I'll try

Now, I may not be alone each time you see me
Or show up when I promise that I would
But still I won't deny you or mistreat you
Baby, if you love me like you should

I'm not saying I'll be sorry
For all the things that I might say that make you cry
I can't say I'll always do the things you want me to
I'm not saying I'll be true but I'll try




I can't say I'll always do the things you want me to
I'm not saying I'll be true but I'll try

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I'm Not Sayin'" by Nico reflect a complicated and somewhat uncertain relationship. The singer is hesitant to make any promises, and expresses a reluctance to fully commit to the person they are addressing. The repeated refrain of "I'm not saying" underscores this reluctance, highlighting the reluctance of the singer to make any definitive statement about their feelings or intentions.


Despite this hesitant tone, there is a sense of tenderness in the lyrics, particularly in the lines "But still I won't deny you or mistreat you/Baby, if you let me have my way." The singer seems to be asking the other person for patience and understanding, rather than making any specific promises or declarations of love.


Overall, the song creates a sense of emotional complexity and ambiguity. The singer's feelings are hard to pin down, and it's not entirely clear what kind of relationship they want with the other person.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not saying that I love you
I am not expressing that I am in love with you


I'm not saying that I care if you love me
I am indifferent to whether or not you have feelings for me


I'm not saying that I care
I am not stating that I have any emotional investment in our relationship


I'm not saying I'll be there when you want me
I am not guaranteeing that I will be present for you when you need me


I can't give my heart to you
I am unable to fully commit myself to you


Or tell you that I'd sing your name up to the sky
I cannot promise to openly proclaim my affection for you


I can't lay the promise down
I am not able to make any commitments to you


That I'll always be around when you need me
I cannot make any guarantees that I will always be available when you require my presence


I may not be alone each time you see me
There may be other people with me when you encounter me


Along the street or in a small café
You may find me in public spaces such as sidewalks or coffee shops


But still I won't deny you or mistreat you
I will not ignore or harm you in any way


Baby, if you let me have my way
If you allow me to act as I wish without holding me accountable, there will be no problems


I'm not saying I'll be sorry
I am not committing to apologizing for my behavior


For all the things that I might say that make you cry
I am not accepting responsibility for any hurtful words that I may utter


I can't say I'll always do the things you want me to
I cannot guarantee that I will always comply with your wishes


I'm not saying I'll be true but I'll try
I am not stating that I will be loyal to you, but I will make an effort


Now, I may not be alone each time you see me
I am reiterating that I might not be by myself when you encounter me


Or show up when I promise that I would
I cannot commit to always keeping my promises


But still I won't deny you or mistreat you
I will still ensure that I treat you with respect and kindness


Baby, if you love me like you should
If you love me without condition, then everything will be fine


I can't say I'll always do the things you want me to
I am repeating that I cannot assure you that I will always obey your desires


I'm not saying I'll be true but I'll try
I am reiterating that I will make an effort to be faithful


I can't say I'll always do the things you want me to
I cannot guarantee that I will always satisfy your wishes


I'm not saying I'll be true but I'll try
Again, I am stating that I will attempt to remain faithful




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gordon Lightfoot

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@BPBEN

When The Velvet Underground and Nico album came out I was working for an underground newspaper in LA, The Open City. I wrote my one and only record review for the paper about the album. I thought then it would be remembered a one of the best Rock and Roll Albums ever and I think the same today.

@NachoVideo

It’s have seemed like you were hearing something entirely new?

@pleasantvalleypickerca7681

Amazing! The clarity is outstanding. The 16mm film must have been carefully stored away all these years to remain in such pristine condition. Once again Nacho absolutely great work. Thank you!

@edwardmulholland7912

This is wonderful, I love the Velvet Underground of course but Nico was something special.
She may not have made as many recordings as Reed and Cale but the trilogy of “The Marble Index”, “Desertshore” and “The End” are equal to anything those two did.
Not the most popular view, but there are plenty of people like myself who think that.
Thank you for this.

@holmsatlarge

Song written by Gordon Lightfoot and does his own version , but i think it suits a female voice like Nico`s .

@mariechristinefurfaro5015

Elle a fait beaucoup d'albums et pratiquement autant de galas que Lou Reed mais hors velvet. En fin de compte elle faisait de l'ombre et elle y es restée peu de temps. Mais ça reste une grande artiste

@dawneden

My gosh. This is absolutely stunning, no less than revelatory. Outstanding work. Thank you! Nico and Gordon Lightfoot (author of "I'm Not Sayin'), RIP.

@dawneden

P.S. I'm probably not the first person to suggest this, but have you thought about doing something similar with the outtakes from Peter Whitehead's video of the same song, as posted here? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrdHAMPjiQ

@NachoVideo

@@dawneden thank you Dawn. And for the Tweet too. Yes, I’ve thought about making a second video with that outtake material. Hopefully I’ll have the time at some point.

@dawneden

@@NachoVideo Wonderful! Thank you for your beautiful work.

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