Freckles
SHEL Lyrics


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Smile like an apple pie
Set your straw hat on my head and walk on by
It's just another perfect day
Until she shows up in pretty shoes
And you both skip away
I thought love would be so easy
Like pulling petals off a daisy
As if these freckles weren't enough
This curly red hair on my head is always tangled up
I'm half her age and half her height
And even in my Sunday dress I fail to catch your eye
I thought love would be so easy
Like pulling petals off a daisy
It's feelings we can't help that bring us shame
I know I'd be all right if you felt the same
It's feelings we can't help that bring us shame
I know I'd be all right
I know I'd be all right
I thought love would be so easy
Like pulling petals off a daisy
He loves me, he loves me not
He loves me, he loves me not
He loves me, he loves me not
He loves me, he loves me not
He loves me, he loves me not
He loves, he loves me not
He loves me not




He loves me not
He loves me not

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Shel's song "Freckles" are a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the desperation it can bring. In the first verse, the singer sings about a perfect day until the object of their affection appears with someone else, and they are left behind. The second verse speaks to the singer's insecurity and feelings of inadequacy when compared to the person they desire. The refrain repeats the line "I thought love would be so easy like pulling petals off a daisy," referencing the once-believed notion that love could be predicted or controlled like a flower's petals.


Line by Line Meaning

Smile like an apple pie
Be cheerful and warm like the sweet and comforting taste and aroma of a fresh apple pie.


Set your straw hat on my head and walk on by
Place your hat on my head as a playful and flirtatious gesture, then continue on your way without showing real interest.


It's just another perfect day
The world seems bright and full of promise, but there's a hint of naivete in this idealistic view.


Until she shows up in pretty shoes
Everything changes as soon as the other woman appears, as if her footwear symbolizes a more confident and alluring presence.


And you both skip away
You're swept off your feet by the new woman, and you both gleefully run off into the metaphorical sunset.


I thought love would be so easy
There's a sense of disappointment and frustration that love isn't as simple and straightforward as expected.


Like pulling petals off a daisy
The popular childhood game of determining love by pulling daisy petals is an oversimplification of true love, and doesn't work in real life.


As if these freckles weren't enough
The artist feels self-conscious and inadequate compared to the other woman's apparent perfection, accentuated by her own physical flaws.


This curly red hair on my head is always tangled up
The artist's physical flaw is a symbol of her feeling out of control, both in regards to her own appearance and her unreciprocated love.


I'm half her age and half her height
The artist is inferior to the other woman in every way, despite her youthfulness.


And even in my Sunday dress I fail to catch your eye
Despite trying to look her best and impress the man she loves, he remains oblivious to her existence and uninterested.


It's feelings we can't help that bring us shame
The artist feels guilty and embarrassed for loving someone who doesn't love her back, as if it's her fault for feeling a natural emotion.


I know I'd be all right if you felt the same
The singer acknowledges that reciprocated love would bring her happiness and healing, despite the pain and longing she currently feels.


He loves me, he loves me not
The old childhood game that once represented hope and possibility is now a cruel reminder of the singer's unrequited love.


He loves me not
The ongoing disappointment and rejection fuels the singer's heartache and sense of inadequacy.




Contributed by Stella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@addisonmccleery7119

When I saw them in concert. I fell in love with them!! I bought a cd and got to meet them. There AMAZING!

@N.BMyers

I'll always love you 💗💗💗

@shawnkiefel1116

seen them in person and wasn't disappointed and they are great people in person to talk to

@theowias3

Such amazing talent. Your music is a breath of fresh air. Keep up the great work!!

@azuraskye544

I saw a concert of them when I 6 and I’ve been a fan ever since. I still have a poster of the concert I went to and still have most of there cds. I love SHEL and can never get enough of them. I’m so happy that they continue to make music and I’m happy every time I see them post a new song.

@MsMustardLover

I love this song!!! These gals are wonderful!!!

@davidhaag8889

These girls are so talented and pretty. Im showing everyone this stuff and im a rocker but you can't deny this talent

@BlanketTruth22

Saw you perform in fort Collins. You all are incredibly beautiful and inspiring. Thanks!

@JamesDanielReeves

I just love this great earthy sound of this group. I love change up at the end of the song! Just exellent stuff!

@juliejan9115

Thanks for coming to our school love all your songs

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