Until The Real Thing Comes Along
Pete Smyser & Larry McKenna Lyrics


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I'd wait for you
I'd slave for you
I'd be a beggar or a knave for you
If that isn't love, it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along

I'd gladly move
The earth for you
To prove my love, dear
And its worth for you
If that isn't love, it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along.

With all the words, dear, at my command
I just can't make you understand
I'll always love you darling
Come what may
My heart is yours
What more can I say?

I'd lie for you
I'd sigh for you
I'd tear the stars down from the sky for you
If that isn't love, it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along

With all the words, dear, at my command
I just can't make you understand
I'll always love you baby
Come what may
My heart is yours
What more can I say?

I'd lie for you
I'd cry for you
I'd lay my body down and die tor you




If that isn't love, it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pete Smyser & Larry McKenna's "Until The Real Thing Comes Along" express the undying dedication of a lover. The singer asserts that they would do anything for their beloved, even be a beggar or knave, slave or move the earth to prove their love's worth. The repeated line "if that isn't love, it will have to do until the real thing comes along" underlines the depth of the singer's commitment, asserting that their love is real, even if it may seem excessive or desperate. Despite the offer of everything from tears to martyrdom, the singer admits their failure to make the beloved understand, and their declaration of love seems to be directed towards someone unattainable or uncommitted.


In a more general sense, the song may also be seen as a commentary on the nature of love, and the way that we define and understand it. The singer seems almost resigned to their fate, acknowledging that this love may not be reciprocated, but insisting that it is real nonetheless. This can be seen as a critique of the way that love is often idealized in pop culture, as sweet and effortless, when in reality it can be complex, painful, and even destructive. Ultimately, the song offers a portrait of a love that is deep and unyielding, even in the face of rejection or indifference.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd wait for you
I would patiently wait for you


I'd slave for you
I would work tirelessly for you


I'd be a beggar or a knave for you
I would lower myself and do anything for you


If that isn't love, it will have to do Until the real thing comes along
If these acts of devotion aren't love, then they will suffice until true love comes along


I'd gladly move The earth for you
I would go to great lengths to show my love for you


To prove my love, dear And its worth for you
I want to demonstrate my affection and show you its value


With all the words, dear, at my command I just can't make you understand
Even with my extensive vocabulary, I can't properly articulate my feelings to you


I'll always love you darling Come what may My heart is yours What more can I say?
I will love you forever no matter what happens, you have my heart and that's all there is to it


I'd lie for you I'd sigh for you I'd tear the stars down from the sky for you If that isn't love, it will have to do Until the real thing comes along
I would do anything, even dishonest or impossible things, for you and if that isn't love, then it will suffice until actual love arrives


I'd lie for you I'd cry for you I'd lay my body down and die tor you If that isn't love, it will have to do Until the real thing comes along
I would even sacrifice my life for you, and if that isn't real love, it will still have to do until true love is found




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., IMAGEM MUSIC INC
Written by: ALBERTA NICHOLS, L.E. FREEMAN, MANN HOLINER, SAMMY CAHN, SAUL CHAPLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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