The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
Sarah Vaughan with Ted Dale and His Orchestra Lyrics

In these lyrics, Sarah Vaughan portrays the painful experience of loving someone who is already in a relationship with another person. The repetition of the phrase "The one I love belongs to somebody else" emphasizes the heartache and longing that comes with this situation. It reflects the singer's recognition that the person she loves is emotionally and physically committed to someone else, leaving little room for her own love to be reciprocated.

The line "She means her tender songs for somebody else" suggests that the person the singer loves expresses their emotions and affection through music, but these heartfelt tunes are directed at someone other than herself. This highlights the emotional distance and unavailability felt in the one-sided relationship. Despite physically being with her, the singer recognizes that the thoughts and feelings of her beloved are focused on someone other than herself, as stated in the line "I know her thoughts are strong for somebody else."

The lyrics continue to illustrate the singer's struggle with the situation. The hands she holds belong to somebody else, implying that even in moments of physical intimacy, she can feel the absence of genuine emotional connection. The mention of the hands potentially not being "so cold to somebody else" reinforces the disappointment and longing she experiences, as she realizes that the affection she receives may pale in comparison to what the person she loves gives to their partner.

The closing lines of the lyrics speak to the loneliness and despair that arise when one's love is unrequited. Being "alone on the shelf" refers to feeling like a discarded item, unwanted and left to gather dust. The singer highlights the depth of her despair by stating that it is even worse to fall in love without any reciprocation. The repetition of the initial statement reinforces the painful reality of the situation: the one the singer loves belongs to somebody else, and there seems to be no room for her in their heart.

Overall, these lyrics capture the emotional turmoil, longing, and sense of resignation that accompanies loving someone who is already taken. The vulnerability and sadness expressed in Sarah Vaughan's rendition of this song make it relatable to anyone who has experienced unrequited love and the frustration of longing for someone who is emotionally invested elsewhere.