In My Own Way
Richard O'Brien Lyrics


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If only you knew how to win some prizes
If only you knew how to play
If you could sleep nights
Stop your crying
Then you might find out I still love you in my own way

If that's not enough then I am so sorry I met you
It was almost like leading you on
But there's more to it all
Than just wringing your heart out over something
That keeps on going wrong

So don't tell me you love me
How am I supposed to know what that means
No don't sell emotion
You can't find devotion
If you're falling apart at the seams

I hope that you smile
When you reach your conclusion
I hope that you'll know just what to say
But if it should mean that my party's over
You should know that I still love you
You should know that I still love you
You should know that I still love you
In my own way
In my own way




In my own way
In my own way

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Richard O'Brien's song In My Own Way describe a strained relationship between two individuals. The first verse speaks to the lack of effort on the part of one person to communicate effectively in the relationship. The singer expresses a desire for the other person to learn how to "win some prizes" and "play" as a means of improving the relationship. The second line of the verse addresses the emotional distress of the other person, suggesting that if they could "sleep nights" and "stop crying" they might be able to understand that the singer "still loves them in [their] own way."


The second verse opens with an apology from the singer for leading the other person on. They acknowledge that there is "more to it all" than simply causing heartbreak, and suggest that the relationship has been plagued by persistent issues. The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's frustration regarding the other person's communication style. They tell them not to "tell [them] you love [them]" or "sell emotion" because they won't be able to find "devotion" if they are "falling apart at the seams." The song ends with a message of hope, suggesting that regardless of the outcome of the relationship, the singer's love for the other person persists "in [their] own way."


Line by Line Meaning

If only you knew how to win some prizes
If you were more successful, you might understand how to win my heart


If only you knew how to play
If you were more skilled, you might win my love


If you could sleep nights
If you weren't so anxious, you might be able to think clearly


Stop your crying
Don't be so emotional, it's not attractive


Then you might find out I still love you in my own way
If you change your behavior, you might realize I love you in my own unique way


If that's not enough then I am so sorry I met you
If my love isn't enough for you, then I regret ever getting involved with you


It was almost like leading you on
I might have given you the wrong impression about my feelings for you


But there's more to it all
Our relationship is more complicated than you realize


Than just wringing your heart out over something
You're focusing too much on the emotional aspects of our relationship


That keeps on going wrong
Our relationship seems to have a lot of problems


So don't tell me you love me
Don't say you love me unless you really mean it


How am I supposed to know what that means
I can't trust your words unless you show me with your actions


No don't sell emotion
Don't try to manipulate me with your emotions


You can't find devotion
I won't give you true devotion unless I trust you


If you're falling apart at the seams
If you're not emotionally stable, I can't trust you with my heart


I hope that you smile
I hope you're happy with the choices you make


When you reach your conclusion
When you figure out what you truly want in life


I hope that you'll know just what to say
I hope you'll be honest with yourself and communicate your feelings clearly


But if it should mean that my party's over
If our relationship ends, it will be the end of the happy times we shared


You should know that I still love you
Even if we aren't together, I still have love for you


In my own way
My love might not look like what you expect, but it's still real


In my own way
I have a unique way of expressing my love


In my own way
My love is special and individual to me


In my own way
My love is not like anyone else's




Contributed by Austin E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Danielle Asantewaa Forjour

If only you knew how to win some prizes
If only you knew how to play
If you could sleep nights
Stop your crying
Then you might find out I still love you in my own way

If that's not enough then I am so sorry I met you
It was almost like leading you on
But there's more to it all
Than just wringing your heart out over something
That keeps on going wrong

So don't tell me you love me
How am I supposed to know what that means?
No, don't sell emotion
You can't find devotion
If you're falling apart at the seams

I hope that you smile
When you reach your conclusion
I hope that you'll know just what to say
But if it should mean that the party's over...

You should know that I still love you
You should know that I still love you
You should know that I still love you
In my own way
In my own way
In my own way
In my own way



All comments from YouTube:

dreotingle

This is one of my favorite songs from the movie. I love her voice, it's so soft but deep at the same time.

Cliff Walker

Great vocals, great music, still holds its own today for sure!!

CupoJon

Listened to this like a dozen times in the last couple days. So Good. Love Jessica Harper.

Cheryl Z

I woke up with this song in my head and had to listen to it right away,

Brad Miller

Me too!

Rob Roy

I totally loved this movie. Almost as good as Rocky Horror. I feel that the sound track let it down a bit other wise it would have been just as good as Rocky Horror. It is also amazing how not many people even know about this movie. Just SAD.

Elric33239

But the "Fast Food is nutritious" sales pitch, as promoted by corps like McDonalds and Burger King, was also years down the road, so I strongly agree that it was a masterpiece that came out too soon to find its audience. I admit that I "didn't get it" when it first came out but it grew on me over time.

phookadude

The commentary on the dvd is great, about how the movie prophesised reality tv lol. It's a great movie on it's own, probably would have done better if they had dropped any connection to rhps.

imaginaryfairie

She has such a lovely voice!

Stephen Powell

Whoever sings these songs has got a great voice.

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