Nearly In Love
Richard Thompson Lyrics

Love makes people so blind
Love can have a blinding, confusing effect on people

That's why I can't make up my mind
Because of the confusing nature of love, the singer is unsure of their feelings

If you stop me dead in my tracks
The subject of the singer's affection has a powerful effect on them

Or you just paper over the cracks
The artist is questioning whether their feelings are genuine or if they are just pretending to be in love

You're the one I've wanted so long
The artist has had feelings for this person for a considerable amount of time

But then again I might be wrong
Despite their feelings, the singer is still uncertain of their love for this person

Now you look just right in the pale moonlight
The object of the singer's affection appears perfect in a romantic setting

But let me turn the headlights on
The artist wants to examine their feelings more closely, in a more realistic situation

'Cause I'm nearly in love, I'm nearly in love
The artist is feeling a strong attraction towards this person, but it may not be true love just yet

I'm almost aware of walking on air
The artist feels light and happy around this person

Yes, I'm nearly in love
The singer is close to being in love with this person

I wish I was really, I'd love to dearly
The artist wishes their feelings were stronger, and they were truly in love

But I'm nearly in love
Despite their uncertainty, the singer still has strong feelings of attraction towards this person

I don't want to cause you doubt
The singer does not want to create doubt or hurt for the object of their affection

But I'm really checking you out
Despite their feelings, the singer is still examining their potential partner to make sure they are a good match

You're the closest to my heart bar none
The person the artist is interested in is the their closest romantic prospect

Except for my wallet and my gun
However, the artist also places importance in their financial security and protection

I never felt like this before
The singer is experiencing new and powerful emotions regarding their potential partner

That's why I want to make quite sure
Because of these emotions, the singer needs to be sure it's genuine before moving forward

That it's not just a dose of the flu
The artist is questioning whether their feelings are genuine or just a temporary infatuation

That gives me the chills for you
Despite their uncertainty, the artist is still emotionally affected by this person

I reserve the right to love you
The artist wants to be able to choose when and if they fall in love with the other person

After all I'm the first in line
The singer believes they have priority or a claim over the object of their affection

I'm not one for shout and screaming
The artist is not one to be overly dramatic or make a scene regarding their emotions

Mine, all mine, all mine, all mine, all mine
The singer is possessive of the object of their affection, hoping their love will be reciprocated