Do You Love Me
S&B Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now, in the summer of life, sweetheart
You say you love but me
Gladly I give all my heart to you
Throbbing with ecstasy
But last night I saw, while a-dreaming
, The future old and gray,
And I wondered if you'll love me then, dear
Just as you do today?

Will you love me in December as you do in May?
Will you love me in the good old-fashioned way?
When my hair has all turned gray,
Will you kiss me then and say,
That you love me in December as you do in May?

You say the glow on my cheek, sweetheart
Is like the rose so sweet
But when the bloom of fair youth has flown
Then will our lips still meet?
When life's setting sun fades away, dear,
And all is said and done,
Will you arms still entwine and caress me?
Will our hearts beat as one?

Will you love me in December as you do in May?
Will you love me in the good old-fashioned way?
When my hair has all turned gray,

Will you kiss me then and say,
That you love me in December as you do in May?

Overall Meaning

In Simon and Garfunkel's "Do You Love Me," the lyrics explore the timeless question of whether a romantic love can withstand the test of time. The song begins with the singer expressing their love for their sweetheart, giving all their heart to them with an ecstasy that dominates their summer of life. However, the singer's elation is quickly tempered by the reality that all things must eventually age and decay. As they dream of the future - one in which they are old and gray - the singer wonders if their love will still be as strong as it is today.

The chorus then asks the titular question: "Will you love me in December as you do in May? Will you love me in the good old-fashioned way? When my hair has all turned gray, will you kiss me then and say that you love me in December as you do in May?" Here, the singer is essentially asking if their love is the real deal or simply a temporary infatuation. They want to know if their partner will stick with them through thick and thin, even when the superficial glow of youth and beauty fades away.

Throughout the song, the lyrics invoke imagery of flowers wilting, old age, and the fading of life's light. Yet, despite all of these bleak musings, the song ultimately ends on a hopeful note. The singer asks if their partner's love will still entwine and caress them in old age, if their hearts will beat as one when all is said and done. In doing so, the song suggests that despite the inevitability of aging and the passing of time, true love has the power to endure.

Line by Line Meaning

Now, in the summer of life, sweetheart
At this youthful and joyous time in our lives

You say you love but me
You proclaim your love for me

Gladly I give all my heart to you
I willingly give you my entire heart

Throbbing with ecstasy
Filled with joy and excitement

But last night I saw, while a-dreaming
However, last night I dreamed

The future old and gray,
Of a future where we are elderly

And I wondered if you'll love me then, dear
And I wondered if you will still love me in our old age

Just as you do today?
The same way you love me today?

Will you love me in December as you do in May?
Will your love for me endure the test of time?

Will you love me in the good old-fashioned way?
Will our love remain traditional and steadfast?

When my hair has all turned gray,
When I am old and gray-haired