I Second That Emotion
Supremes & Temptations Lyrics


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Maybe you'll wanna give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat.
And maybe you'll go away and never call,
And a taste of honey is worse that none at all.
Oh little girl!

In that case I don't want nobody
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
If you got the notion,
I second that emotion.
So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion.

Maybe you'll think that love will tie you down
And you don't have the time to hang around.
Or maybe you'll think that love will make us fools,
And so it makes you wise to break the rules.
Oh little girl!

In that case I don't want nobody
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
If you got the notion,
I second that emotion.
So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion.

In that case I don't want nobody
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
If you got the notion,
I second that emotion.




So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Supremes and The Temptations' hit song "I Second That Emotion" delve into the complexity of emotions that come with falling in love. The song focuses on the hesitations that can arise when considering entering into a committed relationship. The first verse paints a picture of a girl who may only want a fling or one-night stand, leaving the singer feeling uncertain about the sincerity of her affection. The second verse takes a broader perspective, exploring the idea that love may be seen as a restriction, a waste of time or a foolish mistake by some. The singer, however, is open and willing to commit to a lifetime of affection if the other person feels the same.


The chorus's repetitive line of "I second that emotion" refers to the feeling of support and agreement with the other person's emotions – the idea being that if the other person wants to love and be loved, the singer will "second" that emotion and reciprocate the same feeling.


The song's lyrics suggest a sense of vulnerability and fear of heartbreak but also the possibility of a deep and rewarding connection. It captures the universal struggle of trying to navigate the complexities of love and the desire for emotional reciprocation.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe you'll wanna give me kisses sweet
Perhaps you'll desire to give me some sweet kisses.


But only for one night with no repeat.
Though only for a night with no encore.


And maybe you'll go away and never call,
It's possible you may leave me and never again contact me.


And a taste of honey is worse that none at all.
Experiencing a mere sample of something sweet is worse than having none at all.


Oh little girl!
Addressing the girl he is speaking to.


In that case I don't want nobody
If that's your intention, then I don't want anyone.


I do believe that that would only break my heart
I firmly believe it would only hurt my feelings.


Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
However, if you have the desire to love me,


If you got the notion,
If you feel inclined,


I second that emotion.
I fully agree with that feeling.


So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
Therefore, if you desire to devote your life to me


I second that emotion.
I completely support that sentiment.


Maybe you'll think that love will tie you down
Perhaps you believe that love will restrict you.


And you don't have the time to hang around.
You do not have the time to linger around.


Or maybe you'll think that love will make us fools,
Alternatively you may think that love will make us foolish,


And so it makes you wise to break the rules.
And it makes sense for you to break the rules.


Oh little girl!
Addressing the girl he is speaking to.


In that case I don't want nobody
If that's the way you feel, I don't want anyone.


I do believe that that would only break my heart
I am convinced that it would only hurt me.


Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
However, if you desire to love me,


If you got the notion,
If you feel inclined,


I second that emotion.
I totally support that sentiment.


So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
Therefore, if you desire to devote your life to me


I second that emotion.
I fully agree with that feeling.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred Cleveland, William Robinson Jr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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