In The Morning
Nora Jones/Norah Jones Lyrics
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Calling out your name
I can't stop myself from falling
Falling back again
In the morning
Baby, in the afternoon
Dark like the shady corners
Hot like to burn my lips
I know I can't win
In the morning
Baby, in the afternoon
I try to quit you but I'm too weak
Waking up without you
I can hardly speak at all
Mmm-hmm
My girlfriend tried to help me
To get you off my mind
She tried a little tea and sympathy
To get me to unwind
In the morning
Baby, in the afternoon
Funny how my favorite shirt
Smells more like you than me
Bitter traces left behind
Stains that no one can see
In the morning
Baby, in the afternoon
You're gonna put me in an early grave
I know I'm your slave whenever you call
I can't stop myself from calling
Calling out your name
I can't stop myself from falling
Falling back again
Falling back again
Falling back again
Falling back again
Falling back, oh
Falling back again
Falling back again
Baby, in the afternoon
Falling back again
Falling back again
In the morning
The lyrics of Norah Jones’ song “In The Morning” tell the story of a person who is hopelessly in love and unable to get their significant other out of their mind. Throughout the song, the singer describes the all-consuming nature of their obsession, even comparing it to addiction. The chorus repeats the lines “I can’t stop myself from calling / Calling out your name / I can’t stop myself from falling / Falling back again” which perfectly illustrate the singer’s inability to resist the pull of their love.
The verses of the song contain vivid imagery that enhance the longing and desperation the singer feels. The description of the corners inside a violin being dark and the heat of the passion being intense enough to burn lips conveys the intensity of the situation. The mention of a bitter trace left behind and the shirt smelling more like the other person than the singer is a not-so-obvious reference to the aftermath of lovemaking. The entire song is a representation of the inner turmoil of an individual dealing with a toxic addiction and craving love from someone who probably doesn't reciprocate the same level of feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't stop myself from calling
I am compelled to contact you despite my better judgement.
Calling out your name
Addressing you with my voice on repeat.
I can't stop myself from falling
I am unable to prevent myself from regressing.
Falling back again
Repeatedly returning to the situation that previously hurt me.
In the morning
When the day begins.
Baby, in the afternoon
Later in the same day when the sun is high.
Dark like the shady corners
Something that is evocatively deep and obscure.
Inside a violin
Metaphorically inside the intimate space of a musical instrument.
Hot like to burn my lips
A passionate feeling that causes discomfort.
I know I can't win
I understand it is not possible to achieve a successful outcome.
I try to quit you but I'm too weak
Although I want to break away from you, I lack the strength to do so.
Waking up without you
Beginning a new day without your presence.
I can hardly speak at all
I am at a loss for words due to the emotional pain.
My girlfriend tried to help me
My female friend made an attempt to support me.
To get you off my mind
So that I stop thinking about you.
She tried a little tea and sympathy
She attempted to console me and alleviate my distress.
Funny how my favorite shirt
Ironically, the clothing item I treasure most.
Smells more like you than me
Has your scent lingering on it in greater measure than mine.
Bitter traces left behind
Residual sensations of animosity and resentment.
Stains that no one can see
Evidence of emotional distress that is invisible to others.
You're gonna put me in an early grave
You will ultimately be responsible for my untimely demise.
I know I'm your slave whenever you call
I am powerless to resist your beckoning.
Falling back, oh
Once again succumbing to the negative pattern.
Falling back again
Returning to the precarious emotional state.
Falling back again
Repeating the earlier mistake.
Falling back again
Falling victim to the pattern once more.
Baby, in the afternoon
During the daylight hours, again.
Falling back again
Perpetually drawn towards the negative influence.
Falling back again
Returning to an unhealthy pattern of behavior.
In the morning
Once the night has passed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Adam Stuart Levy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind