Give Me Time
Paul Haig & Billy Mackenzie Lyrics

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There's something that I've got to say
It can't wait until tomorrow
A whisper stays beneath my breath
You know it's hard to swallow
I follow you inside my mind
A neighbourhood's no stranger
Loving you could be sublime

But it's all wrapped up in danger

Give me time
I've been around the world trying to find myself
And I'm not going to go with someone else

Come on and be mine
Come on be mine

Overall Meaning

The song "Give Me Time" by Paul Haig and Billy Mackenzie speaks to the desire to express one's feelings to a person they love and the fear that comes with doing so. The song begins with the introduction of this inner voice urging the singer to speak out about their emotions without delay. The singer acknowledges the difficulty of confessing how they feel as the words stay stuck in their throat.

As the song progresses, the singer reveals the intensity with which they feel about the person they love. They have been following this person "inside their mind" and the idea of loving them feels "sublime." However, the singer is aware of the dangers that may accompany the love they feel. This could be an allusion to the potential risks that come with vulnerability and love - getting hurt or being rejected, for example. Despite this fear, the singer asks for time, declaring that they have been searching for themselves all over the world and they have finally found the person they want to be with.

Overall, "Give Me Time" is a beautiful love song that captures the vulnerability, fear, and intensity of confessing one's feelings to someone they care about deeply.

Line by Line Meaning

There's something that I've got to say
I have a message that must be communicated

It can't wait until tomorrow
The message is very urgent and cannot wait another day

A whisper stays beneath my breath
The message is somewhat private and confidential

You know it's hard to swallow
The content of the message is not easy to accept

I follow you inside my mind
I think about you constantly

A neighbourhood's no stranger
I have seen and experienced a lot

Loving you could be sublime
Being in love with you would be a wonderful experience

But it's all wrapped up in danger
There are potential risks involved in pursuing a relationship with you

Give me time
I need some time to sort things out

I've been around the world trying to find myself
I've been trying to discover who I truly am through various experiences and travels

And I'm not going to go with someone else
I'm not going to be with anyone else but you