I Love You
Simon & Garfunkel Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I met you babe
An auspicious affair
Right where you wanted me
Leaning back in the chair
You said no; I didn't know
What that meant
Then my ma marooned you
At that rockin' event

After all these years
After all we've been through
Our hearts still together
I'm in love with you

32 years, we've been hangin' around
I know sometimes
You don't like what you found
But were still together
Almost never apart
You're the only one
With who I share my heart

You know what to say
When things go wrong
You know what to do
To keep us all together

Two fine children
Now grown into men
I thought they left home
Never see them again
I was wrong, they come back regularly




The benefit of a loving home;
Quintessentially

Overall Meaning

These lyrics in Simon & Garfunkel's song "I Love You" portray a relationship that has endured over time and faced various challenges. The first stanza describes the initial meeting between two individuals, where one person seems to have had control over the situation. The line "You said no; I didn't know what that meant" suggests that there was some confusion or uncertainty early on in the relationship. This is followed by the mention of the singer's mother, who seemingly intervened and brought the two together in a lively event.


The second stanza emphasizes the longevity of their love, as they have been together for 32 years. Despite the ups and downs they have experienced, their hearts remain connected. This highlights the enduring nature of their relationship and suggests that their love has stood the test of time.


The third stanza acknowledges that there have been moments when one person may have been disappointed or dissatisfied with what they found in the relationship. However, the significant phrase "But we're still together" underscores their commitment to overcoming these challenges and not allowing them to tear them apart. They have remained united and dedicated to each other, even when faced with difficulties.


The final stanza mentions their two children who have grown into men. At first, the singer thought that once their children left home, they would rarely see them. However, they were pleasantly surprised that their children still come back regularly. This emphasizes the nurturing and loving environment the couple created in their home, which encouraged their children's continued connection and return. The word "quintessentially" implies that their loving home played a crucial role in their children's lives, suggesting that it was an essential component in shaping them.


Overall, "I Love You" showcases a relationship that has weathered the storms, endured the uncertainties, and remained steadfast. It emphasizes the power of love, commitment, and a supportive home environment in sustaining a long-lasting and meaningful connection.


Line by Line Meaning

When I met you babe
In the fateful moment of our encounter, my life took a turn for the better


An auspicious affair
Our relationship was destined, filled with good fortune and promise


Right where you wanted me
You had complete control over my heart and affections


Leaning back in the chair
Relaxed and at ease, I allowed myself to fully embrace the connection


You said no; I didn't know
Your rejection left me confused and uncertain


What that meant
I struggled to comprehend the full significance of your refusal


Then my ma marooned you
My mother inadvertently trapped you, creating an opportunity for us to reunite


At that rockin' event
During a lively and exciting gathering, our paths crossed once again


After all these years
Despite the passage of time


After all we've been through
Despite the challenges and obstacles we have faced together


Our hearts still together
Our love and connection remain strong and unbroken


I'm in love with you
My affection and devotion for you have only grown stronger


32 years, we've been hangin' around
For a span of 32 years, we have been together


I know sometimes
I am aware that occasionally


You don't like what you found
You may not always be pleased with the person I am


But were still together
Nevertheless, we have remained united and committed


Almost never apart
Our togetherness is nearly constant


You're the only one
There is no one else


With who I share my heart
Whom I entrust with the deepest and most intimate parts of myself


You know what to say
In times of difficulty or disagreement


When things go wrong
When situations take an unfavorable turn


You know what to do
You possess the knowledge and intuition to guide us through


To keep us all together
To maintain our unity and harmony as a collective


Two fine children
We have raised two exceptional offspring


Now grown into men
They have matured into capable and independent individuals


I thought they left home
I presumed they had permanently departed from our abode


Never see them again
Never to witness their presence again


I was wrong, they come back regularly
My assumption was incorrect, as they frequently return to reconnect with us


The benefit of a loving home
The advantage and positive impact of a nurturing and affectionate household


Quintessentially
Ultimately and essentially




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

jaygensn1

It was to this song that I told my girlfriend that I love her for the very first time.  That was almost 42 years ago.  I still play it for her as my wife and sing it to her.

Pepe Thephilos

The song is how I am praying for my soulmate.

Frosty Frost

Wow so beautiful....story and song can remember singing this as a teenager before my voice broke 💔

sumitra sarma

Beautiful,jaygensn1

Peter Lloyd

Lovely

Aj G

This is beautiful

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Gina Barbato

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.😍

shelly sowers

When my wife of 34 years left me. This was the sound track of my suicidal idealization. I cried every day for 2 years.

Kristina Ström

I totally agree... Just lovely ❤️

shelly sowers

Gina you have good taste.

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