Concentrate
SVNF8 Lyrics
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And trouble begins to brew,
Whenever the Winter winds become too strong,
I concentrate on you.
When fortune cries "Nay! Nay!" to me
And people declare "You're through!",
Whenever the blues become my only song,I concentrate on you.
On your smile so sweet, so tender,
When at first your kiss I decline.
On the light in your eyes when I surrender,
And once again our arms intertwine
And so, when wise men say to me
That love's young dream never comes true,
To prove that even wise men can be wrong,
I concentrate on you.
In the lyrics of "Concentrate," the singer paints a vivid picture of emotional struggle and resilience against life's hardships. The repeated invocation of dire weather metaphors, such as "skies look gray" and "Winter winds," symbolizes the internal turbulence and challenges that seem overwhelming. These elements signify a sense of foreboding and trouble when faced with adversity. The phrase "I concentrate on you" acts as a lifeline; it suggests that the singer's focus on a loved one becomes a source of comfort and strength. Instead of allowing despair to engulf them, they channel their energy into remembering and appreciating the presence of the significant person in their life, emphasizing the idea that love can offer solace during troubling times.
The second stanza deepens this exploration of despair by contrasting external misfortune with the internal struggle of the singer. When "fortune cries 'Nay! Nay!'" and others imply that the singer's endeavors are futile, the weight of disappointment becomes palpable. The allusion to “the blues” as the singer's only song signifies a profound sense of melancholy. However, the act of concentrating on this loved one symbolizes a conscious choice to shift focus away from negativity and despair. This external validation by others only enhances the strength of the bond described, suggesting that love can serve as a resilient counterforce, lifting the singer above their circumstances and displacing the associated hardships.
The third stanza transitions beautifully from the difficulties of life to the intimate moments shared between the singer and their beloved. The imagery here is rich and personal, showcasing a sense of vulnerability when the singer reflects on "your smile so sweet, so tender" and a kiss that is initially declined. This creates a narrative of emotional complexity, where love is not just a refuge but also an intricate dance of desire and hesitation. The imagery of surrender and intertwining arms elevates this bond, suggesting that there’s beauty in the connection that transcends momentary doubts. This relationship provides a sense of fulfillment that eclipses the challenges faced, reinforcing the notion that human connection can be the ultimate source of hope and security in tumultuous times.
Finally, the last stanza presents a poignant critique of cynicism regarding love—a theme often echoed by those considered wise. By referencing these wise men who claim “that love's young dream never comes true,” the singer challenges conventional wisdom and the societal skepticism surrounding romantic aspirations. The resolve to focus on the beloved demonstrates an act of defiance against fate, suggesting that love has the power to defy expectations and judgments. Ultimately, the song encapsulates a powerful message: that in the face of adversity and doubt, the act of concentrating on love can illuminate pathways through darkness, affirming the strength and reality of deep emotional connections—even proving that wisdom is fallible when it comes to matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Whenever skies look gray to me
In moments when I feel sadness or despair enveloping me
And trouble begins to brew,
And as difficult situations start to arise unexpectedly,
Whenever the Winter winds become too strong,
Whenever harsh challenges feel overwhelming like a relentless winter,
I concentrate on you.
I focus intently on you and the warmth you provide.
When fortune cries 'Nay! Nay!' to me
When luck seemingly turns its back on me, rejecting my efforts,
And people declare 'You're through!',
And others proclaim that I am failed or at my end,
Whenever the blues become my only song,
Whenever feelings of sadness or depression seem to dominate my experience,
I concentrate on you.
I redirect my thoughts to you, finding solace in your presence.
On your smile so sweet, so tender,
I think of your gentle and heartwarming smile,
When at first your kiss I decline.
Even when I hesitated to embrace your affection initially,
On the light in your eyes when I surrender,
I recall the radiant joy in your eyes once I finally give in,
And once again our arms intertwine.
And how, in that moment of surrender, we embrace and connect intimately.
And so, when wise men say to me
Thus, when learned individuals advise me with their insights,
That love's young dream never comes true,
Claiming that youthful love is often a mere illusion, unattainable,
To prove that even wise men can be wrong,
My aim is to demonstrate that such esteemed beliefs can be misguided,
I concentrate on you.
I steadfastly focus on you, believing in the power of our love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind