Shot Down
Ralph Castelli Lyrics
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In December in the morning, it was freezing out
I got to hold you
It was the best day of that month
All I wanted was to kiss you on the mouth
But I was shot down when I needed you the most
I was shot down
I misread your signals
Do you remember walking to my house?
It was autumn in the nighttime, and you′d just snuck out
All I wanted was to kiss you on the mouth
All I wanted was to kiss you on the mouth
I was shot down
When I needed you the most
I was shot down
I misread your signals
I was shot down
When I needed you the most
I was shot down
I misread your signals
Your signals
In Ralph Castelli's song "Shot Down," the lyrics describe a personal experience of unrequited love. The singer recalls two separate instances where they had the opportunity to be with the person they desire but were ultimately rejected. In the first verse, it was a cold morning in December when the person they liked walked to their house. They were able to hold hands, an experience that was the highlight of their month. However, when the singer attempted to kiss them, they were "shot down." In the second verse, it was an autumn night when the person snuck out to meet the singer. Similarly, the singer expresses their desire to kiss them on the mouth, but they were "shot down" again.
The repeated line "I misread your signals" suggests that the singer may have misinterpreted the other person's intentions, causing them to believe that their feelings were mutual when they were not. It's clear that the singer feels rejected and hurt, especially since they were hopeful in both instances that something more substantial could develop. The lyrics convey the disappointment and uncertainty of romantic relationships, where it's not always clear if someone else shares our feelings.
The song's somber tone and relatable lyrics make it a poignant depiction of unrequited love. Castelli's delivery of the lyrics is emotive and sincere, adding to the song's impact.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember walking to my house?
The singer is asking if the person remembers a specific time they walked to his house.
In December in the morning, it was freezing out
The time of day and year are being described as cold and likely uncomfortable.
I got to hold you
The singer had physical contact with the person, likely holding hands or embracing.
It was the best day of that month
The day they spent together was the highlight of the month for the singer.
All I wanted was to kiss you on the mouth
The singer desired a romantic and intimate moment with the person.
But I was shot down when I needed you the most
The person rejected the singer's advances at the time when he wanted it the most.
I misread your signals
The singer realizes he misinterpreted the person's actions or words, leading him to misinterpret her feelings towards him.
Your signals
The singer is referring to the hints or signs the person gave that he interpreted incorrectly.
Do you remember walking to my house?
The same event is being asked about again, but in a different season and time of day.
It was autumn in the nighttime, and you'd just snuck out
The time of year and time of day have changed, and the person snuck out to see the singer.
All I wanted was to kiss you on the mouth
The singer still desires the same intimate moment from earlier in the song.
I was shot down
The person rejected the singer's advances a second time.
When I needed you the most
The singer wanted the intimacy or emotional connection during a time when he needed it most, but did not receive it.
Your signals
The singer is referencing the person's actions and words that he misinterpreted again.
I was shot down
The person's rejection is reinforced, further affecting the singer emotionally.
I misread your signals
The singer again admits that he misinterpreted the person's hints or signs.
Writer(s): Cole Carmody
Contributed by Samuel P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.