HARVEST
Teddy Thompson/Rufus Wainwright Lyrics
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Then a person should like you
Being that I'm only just a person
What would you do?
If a person should ever like a person
Then a person should like me
Being that you're only just a person
It must be
From the harvester of hearts
Always find it hard to get an answer
From the harvester of hearts
If a person should ever like a person
How funny that would be
If a person should ever like me
Not that I have that much to offer
God knows I have so much to gain
From the harvester of hearts
From the harvester of pain
If a person should ever like a person
Then a person should be free
Free to like whomever that they want to
Even though it ain't me
Not that I have much to offer
God knows I have so much to gain
From the harvester of hearts
From the harvester of pain
The lyrics of Teddy Thompson/Rufus Wainwright's song "Harvest" speaks about unrequited love and the vulnerability that comes with it. The first verse talks about the hesitancy and uncertainty of liking someone who may not reciprocate those feelings. The lines "Being that I'm only just a person / What would you do?" express the fear of rejection and the struggle of putting oneself out there. The following verse mentions the difficulty in extracting a clear answer from the person who holds power over our emotions, the "harvester of hearts." This person seems to be in control of the singer's emotional state and the lyricist finds it frustrating that they cannot get a response.
The subsequent verse reveals the lack of confidence in oneself despite the strong desire for love. The lyricist knows that they don't have much to offer but still yearn for affection, as seen in the lines "Not that I have that much to offer / God knows I have so much to gain / From the harvester of hearts / From the harvester of pain." The last line affirms that love is often intertwined with pain, alluding to the likelihood of heartbreak that comes with falling in love. The final verse wraps up with the acknowledgment that the subject of the lyrical content is free to choose whomever they want, regardless of the singer's desires.
Line by Line Meaning
If a person should ever like a person
In the context of romantic attraction, if one person likes another person
Then a person should like you
The person being addressed should be liked back by the person who has affection for them
Being that I'm only just a person
Acknowledgment of one's own humanity and limitations
What would you do?
An expression of uncertainty regarding the outcome of a potential romantic relationship
Then a person should like me
The person being addressed hopes to be liked back by the person who has affection for them
Being that you're only just a person
Acknowledgment of the limitations and humanity of the person being addressed
It must be
Unclear what exactly this line is referring to - could be interpreted as a continuation of the previous line, or as an expression of understanding
Still I find it hard to get an answer
Difficulty in receiving a response or clear indication of romantic interest from the person being addressed
From the harvester of hearts
The person being addressed, who 'harvests' emotions from others
Always find it hard to get an answer
Continuation of the previous sentiment
How funny that would be
Ironically commenting on the unlikelihood of being reciprocally liked
Not that I have that much to offer
Humility in acknowledging one's perceived lack of worthiness or attractiveness
God knows I have so much to gain
Expressing hope and expectation that the person being addressed can offer emotional fulfillment or satisfaction
From the harvester of hearts
A repeated allusion to the person being addressed as an emotional 'harvester'
From the harvester of pain
An acknowledgement that emotional intimacy can often be accompanied by pain or heartbreak
Then a person should be free
In the context of romantic attraction, one should be allowed to pursue and explore those feelings without judgment or restriction
Free to like whomever that they want to
Continuation of the previous thought, highlighting the importance of personal autonomy and choice
Even though it ain't me
Accepting the possibility of unrequited affection and the likelihood of being rejected
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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