Where Or When
Rod Stewart Lyrics


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It seems we stood and talked like this before
We looked at each other in the same way then
But I can't remember where or when
The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
But I can't remember where or when

Some things that happened for the first time
Seem to be happening again
And so it seems that we have met before
And laughed before, and loved before
But who knows where or when

Some things that happened for the first time
Seem to be happening again
And so it seems that we have met before
And laughed before, and loved before




But who knows where or when
Who knows where or when

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Rod Stewart's song Where Or When describe a sense of déjà vu experienced by the singer when he meets someone he's sure he's met before, but he can't remember when or where. The clothes and smile of the person are the same as they were during the previous encounter, but the singer can't recall the time and place. He mentions that some things that happen for the first time seem to happen again, leaving him with the impression that he has met the person before, laughed, and loved before. But there is uncertainty in his mind about the time and place of their previous meeting.


The song's lyrics are touching on the concept of déjà vu, which is a feeling of already having experienced the exact moment or situation currently being lived. The songwriter is using this feeling to depict the connection and chemistry between two people who have possibly met before. The lyrics are intense and emotional as the singer describes the experience of deja vu and how this feeling leads him to introspection and confusion. The sense of familiarity that's found in the lyrics of the song is something most people can relate to, making it all the more popular as a love song.


Line by Line Meaning

It seems we stood and talked like this before
We appear to have had a similar conversation in the past


We looked at each other in the same way then
We gazed at each other with the same level of affection previously


But I can't remember where or when
Unfortunately, I am unable to recall the exact location and time of our previous encounter


The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
You are currently dressed in the same outfit as before


The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
Your current grin is the same as the one you had during our last meeting


But I can't remember where or when
Unfortunately, I am still unable to recollect exactly when and where we met before


Some things that happened for the first time
Certain events that occurred initially


Seem to be happening again
Appear to be recurring


And so it seems that we have met before
Hence it appears that we have met at an earlier time


And laughed before, and loved before
We have shared moments of laughter and affection previously


But who knows where or when
It is still a mystery to both of us as to the exact location and time of our prior encounter


Who knows where or when
Neither of us have the answer to the question of where and when we have met before




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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