A Song For You
Peggy Lee Lyrics


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I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my love in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly but darlin' can't you see
There's no one more important to me
Darlin' can't you please see through me
Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

You taught me precious secrets of the truth witholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song for you

You taught me precious secrets of the truth witholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together





We were alone and I was singing this song for you
We were alone and I was singing this song for you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peggy Lee's "A Song For You" communicate a deep sense of vulnerability and sincerity. The singer (presumably Lee herself) acknowledges her past mistakes and inconsistencies - she's travelled widely, performed publicly, and possibly even been disingenuous in her treatment of a loved one. However, in this moment, she is alone with that same loved one and singing a song that expresses the depths of her true feelings.


The singer addresses her loved one with a mix of admiration and regret, recognizing that the other person sees her in a certain way but still hoping to be seen more clearly. The final verse culminates in a declaration of deep, timeless love - the kind that transcends physical space and linear time. It's clear that the singer wants to express the full force of her affection to this person who's taught her "precious secrets of the truth."


Overall, "A Song For You" is a tender and heartfelt tribute to a significant other. While it acknowledges that relationships can be complicated and imperfect, it also stresses the importance of authenticity and connection. It's a beautiful ode to the power of love to bridge even the most difficult gaps.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been so many places in my life and time
Throughout my life, I have traveled and experienced many different things.


I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme
I have sung many songs, even with some that were not perfect.


I've acted out my love in stages
I've demonstrated my love in various ways.


With ten thousand people watching
Even with many people watching, I have shown my love on stage.


But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you
Currently, we are alone, and I'm singing this song with you in mind.


I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I hope to live up to the image you have of me.


I've treated you unkindly but darlin' can't you see
Even if I may have been unkind to you, I hope you understand my perspective.


There's no one more important to me
You are the most significant person in my life.


Darlin' can't you please see through me
I hope you can understand the true nature of my actions and feelings.


You taught me precious secrets of the truth withholding nothing
You have taught me significant lessons, and you've always been honest with me.


You came out in front and I was hiding
You were courageous, while I was hesitant and uncertain.


But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
I've improved thanks to your guidance, but if I may not be good with expressing myself currently.


Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding
Even if my words may not come out right, please listen to the melody because it contains my love for you.


I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you beyond physical and temporal limitations.


I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
I love you because you have been my friend all my life.


And when my life is over
Eventually, when I pass away.


Remember when we were together
Please always remember the time we spent together.


We were alone and I was singing this song for you
During our alone time, I wanted to sing this song for you.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leon Russell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@keithmerscheim1924

🏃‍♂️ Ran to buy this L.P. in 1972. Norma Dolores Engrtom from Jamestown North Dakota. Have been playing it ever since. 51 years later and still loving it.

@thoreauminded1010

Magic!

@georgerenton965

Oh to be the guy

@nicholasgust9993

I agree it's a terrible arrangement even annoying but her wonderful voice and phrasing save it

@humblecharlie4383

annoying wooden clicking sound in the beginning of the song. and also later on. i don't understand its contribution to the interpretation of the song; a glaring mistake from the musical arranger who is definitely a second rater. lee's vocal sounds tired and uninterested.

@ROGER2095

In her prime, Peggy Lee was an exciting, energetic performer and a joy to listen to. But I can't fault her for getting old and tired. If this is what she could do at that point in her life, then that's the way it is. But you're right about the tick-tock: That's way out of place here and very distracting.

@humblecharlie4383

@@ROGER2095 i suspect her uninterestedness came from having to deal with a musical arranger and a producer who were both second-raters. and the latter was able to have the final word as to what would be released on the album. he didn't trust her judgment and so she just let it all go. she was a giant being forced to kow-tow to pygmies.

@formansbasement2311

@@ROGER2095 at this point in her life? This album was released in 1972, what are you talking about? She still had plenty of mojo. She never stopped being good

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