According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Teach Me Tonight
She & Him Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well don't think I'm trying not to learn
Since this is the perfect spot to learn
Teach me tonight
Starting with the ABC of it
Getting right down to the XYZ of it
Help me solve the mystery of it
The sky's a blackboard high above you
If a shooting star goes by
I'll use that star to write "I love you"
A thousand times across the sky
One thing isn't very clear, my love
Should the teacher stand so near, my love
Graduation's almost here, my love
Teach me tonight
I'll use that star to write "I love you"
A thousand times across the sky
One thing isn't very clear, my love
Should the teacher stand so near, my love
Graduation's almost here, my love
So would you teach me tonight
I must not fail, my love
Teach me tonight
The lyrics of "Teach Me Tonight" by She & Him tell a story of a person eager to learn lessons of love from their partner. The singer is open to learning new things and does not shy away from admitting that they have a lot to learn about love. The setting is perfect, and the singer asks their partner to take this opportunity to teach them about the mysteries of love.
The song is a playful and lighthearted take on love, using the analogy of the sky as a blackboard upon which they can write declarations of love with shooting stars. The singer wonders if it is appropriate for the teacher to be so close. The singer knows that graduation is almost here, and they want to learn everything they can about love before it's too late.
The lyrics of "Teach Me Tonight" are a reflection of the idea that love is a learning process, and both partners need to be open to learning and growing. It is a reminder that even in the midst of passion, there is always something new to discover about love.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you say, I've got a lot to learn
You mentioned that I have much to gain knowledge of.
Well don't think I'm trying not to learn
Please don't believe that I am avoiding learning.
Since this is the perfect spot to learn
As we are in an ideal location to do so.
Teach me tonight
I implore you to teach me immediately.
Starting with the ABC of it
Commencing at the most basic level.
Getting right down to the XYZ of it
Digging deep to understand the most complex aspects of it.
Help me solve the mystery of it
Assist me in revealing the enigma.
Teach me tonight
I implore you to teach me immediately.
The sky's a blackboard high above you
The vast open sky is like a canvas.
If a shooting star goes by
In the event that a meteor streaks across the sky.
I'll use that star to write "I love you"
I'll utilize such a moment to express my love.
A thousand times across the sky
In numerous displays of affection throughout the night.
One thing isn't very clear, my love
One item is still murky, my sweetheart.
Should the teacher stand so near, my love
Is it appropriate for the instructor to be so close, my love?
Graduation's almost here, my love
The conclusion of this educational experience is drawing near, my love.
Teach me tonight
I implore you to teach me immediately.
I'll use that star to write "I love you"
I'll utilize such a moment to express my love.
A thousand times across the sky
In numerous displays of affection throughout the night.
One thing isn't very clear, my love
One item is still murky, my sweetheart.
Should the teacher stand so near, my love
Is it appropriate for the instructor to be so close, my love?
Graduation's almost here, my love
The conclusion of this educational experience is drawing near, my love.
So would you teach me tonight
Therefore, I request that you teach me now.
I must not fail, my love
I cannot afford to come up short, my love.
Teach me tonight
I implore you to teach me immediately.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Gene De Paul
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rebecca Riley
Zooey's voice makes my stomach tie in knots and ties my heart strings.
G F
The soft, whiskey-tinged smokiness of Zooey's voice, magic. LOVE LOVE LOVE her and him!
Carlos Alberto
Está canción me regresa alos bonitos recuerdos con mi familia en Navidad.!! 2018 :)
cheekysheekie
I love this song.......hell I love the whole album!!!! I haven't heard a She and Him song that I haven't liked!!!!! Love Zooey <3
Self Soared
SO AMAZING <33 IT IS LIKE A TRAVEL BACK IN TIME BUT KEEPING THE ESCENSE OF TODAY
Nathalie Sanches
Meu vício <3
john e Lawler
i heard this before i knew who was singing, i am well impressed
Bob the Terrible
Delightful. Different to Dinah's but still nifty.
Jessica Longstaff
Would love this to be more slow and sensual to go with the lyrics. This sounds like it should be a Christmas song but I love her voice
Víctor Martínez
Sweet voice