But You're Mine
Sonny Cher Lyrics
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And that your clothes are out of line
And that your hair isn't combed all the time
You're not real pretty but you're mine
We have a great big old society
That won't make room for folks
Like you and me
For them my friend
They're on the outside looking in
We've got a great thing going
And it's gonna keep right on growing
And I hope that soon they'll see the light
But until that time
They'll have to blow their mind
Cause it ain't us that's gonna lose this fight
So when we're walking I don't care
When all those people stop and stare
If they'd look in your eyes they'd see
You're not real pretty but you belong to me
Hey hey hey now
Hey hey hey now
When you're lovin' me baby
And when I hold you baby
(When you kiss you)
I know you love me baby
(When I hold you)
You know I'll never leave you
(When I touch you)
I know I'll always love you
(Every day now)
You know I love you baby
You know I love you baby
The lyrics of Sonny & Cher's But You're Mine express the idea of love beyond the societal norms of beauty, class, and status. The song is a tribute to an unconventional love that is not validated by the standards of the society they live in. The opening lines of the song refer to the judgmental remarks that people make about the woman in the relationship. Even though he acknowledges that she might not fit in the society's notion of beauty and style, he proudly declares her to be his. He repeats the line "you're not real pretty but you're mine" several times throughout the song, reiterating the idea that love goes beyond the physical appearances.
The song also touches upon the discrimination faced by people who do not fit into the society's mold. Sonny & Cher acknowledge that they belong to a group that society won't make room for. Despite that, they remain hopeful and optimistic about their future. They believe that love is all they need to keep them going and that anyone who can't see their worth is on the outside looking in.
Overall, But You're Mine is a testament to the power of love and the need to create a society that is accepting of all kinds of love without any discrimination.
Line by Line Meaning
When people say, you're not my kind
When others criticize and reject you
And that your clothes are out of line
And say your fashion sense isn't up to par
And that your hair isn't combed all the time
And even criticize your appearance
You're not real pretty but you're mine
But I don't care what others think - you're mine and that's all that matters
We have a great big old society
Our society is huge and powerful
That won't make room for folks
But they don't always welcome or accept everyone
Like you and me
Like us outsiders
But I got some real sad news
But I have something sad to tell them
For them my friend
For them to understand
They're on the outside looking in
That they are outsiders, looking in on our relationship
We've got a great thing going
Despite this, we have a strong bond
And it's gonna keep right on growing
And our love will continue to flourish
And I hope that soon they'll see the light
And I hope that others will eventually understand and accept us
But until that time
But until then
They'll have to blow their mind
They'll have to change their minds, or be left behind
Cause it ain't us that's gonna lose this fight
Because we won't back down or give up
So when we're walking I don't care
So when we're together, I don't care
When all those people stop and stare
Even if others stop and stare at us
If they'd look in your eyes they'd see
If only they looked closer, they'd understand
You're not real pretty but you belong to me
That although you may not fit society's idea of beauty, you belong to me and I love you just the same
Hey hey hey now
An expression of excitement or encouragement
When you're lovin' me baby
When we're together and in love
And when I hold you baby
And when I hold you in my arms
(When you kiss you)
Additional lyrics not present in the original stanza
I know you love me baby
I feel your love for me
(When I hold you)
Additional lyrics not present in the original stanza
You know I'll never leave you
I promise to always be there for you
(When I touch you)
Additional lyrics not present in the original stanza
I know I'll always love you
And I will always love you, no matter what
(Every day now)
Additional lyrics not present in the original stanza
You know I love you baby
And I want you to know that I love you so much
You know I love you baby
I love you and I want you to know that
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SONNY BONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cris Daniel
This song was perfect in Licorice Pizza! I’m glad Paul Thomas Anderson is exposing more people to these forgotten classic songs!
Tango Bango
What a terrific sound they made. It will never happen again my friend! 🥴
Darren Bates
Haven't stopped listening to this since I seen Licorice Pizza. Just an incredible film with the soundtrack as its own character.
Ruben Saenz
One of the best movies I’ve ever seen! Licorice Pizza!! Great song great scene!
Anna Novelli
Wonderful music!!!!!
Giovanni Modica
Actually it was a song made by far before the time of the film
Lachy Reid
@Giovanni Modica no one said it wasn’t lol
Letizia Vaccari
Me too........,
Tom A
The scene this accompanied in Licorice Pizza is absolutely beautiful, where Gary and Alana run back from the police station. I was tearing up
Ruben Saenz
The seen with Alana and Gary running is sheer Joy! Emotional!