Delia
The Ballroom Thieves Lyrics


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I haven't got a way with women
But I wouldn't mind to get away with you
Should find some time
Slip between the lines
And let it all in its own way fall into view
I've never been crazy 'bout the easy way
Take a tunnel through the mountain and you miss the lakes
But I'm all right
Not under covers with my eyes shut tight
I'm a first class lover and I'm coming to your city and state
You might ask, "What are you waiting for?"
And I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I'm not, not quite sure
You might ask, "What are you waiting for?"
What am I waiting for?
What am I waiting for?
Well, I used to be handcuffed by desire
I'd be weaving stories like a Hollywood novelist
I was on the loose
Burning through the city in my liar's shoes
I'd be chasing after dresses with my double-dealing salesman's kiss
You might ask, "What are you waiting for?"
And I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I'm not, not quite sure
You might ask, "What are you waiting for?"
What am I waiting for?
Now this old friend becomes an enemy
Steals from me the fortune that I seek
Well, how could anybody stumble into loving me
When I've told tales of wolves since I could speak?
You might ask, "What are you waiting for?"
'Cause there's a whole world out there just begging to be explored
I'm alive, yeah, I've got a life to live




I've got some love to make
Way more love to give

Overall Meaning

The Ballroom Thieves's song Delia is a beautiful ballad about falling in love and the hesitation that comes with it. The opening lines, "I haven't got a way with women, but I wouldn't mind to get away with you," express the singer's desire to connect with someone they care about. They want to spend time together and explore their feelings. The lyrics "Slip between the lines and let it all in its own way fall into view" suggest a sense of ease and surrender, allowing the relationship to develop organically.


The second verse reveals the singer's past struggles with desire and pursuing fleeting pleasures. They recognize that this approach ultimately led to disappointment and failed relationships. They now understand the value of taking time to cultivate a meaningful connection. However, they are still uncertain if they are ready to fully commit, as evidenced by the repetition of the question "What am I waiting for?" Throughout the song, the lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the challenges of vulnerability.


Overall, Delia is a poignant and honest reflection on love and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics capture the internal conflicts and doubts that can arise when opening oneself up to another person.


Line by Line Meaning

I haven't got a way with women
I am not very successful in my relationships with women


But I wouldn't mind to get away with you
But I would really like to take a break with you


Should find some time
We should try to make time for each other


Slip between the lines
We should escape from our daily routine


And let it all in its own way fall into view
And let things unfold naturally


I've never been crazy 'bout the easy way
I have always preferred a more difficult path


Take a tunnel through the mountain and you miss the lakes
Because if you take the shortcut, you might miss the beauty along the way


But I'm all right
But I am okay with it


Not under covers with my eyes shut tight
I am not hiding in bed covers with my eyes shut tight


I'm a first class lover and I'm coming to your city and state
I am a good lover and I am willing to come to your place


You might ask, "What are you waiting for?"
You may ask me why I am hesitant


And I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I'm not, not quite sure
And if I say I am sure, I would be lying because I am still not certain


Well, I used to be handcuffed by desire
I used to be trapped by my desires


I'd be weaving stories like a Hollywood novelist
I would make up stories like a Hollywood writer


I was on the loose
I was reckless


Burning through the city in my liar's shoes
I would deceive people and run around the city


I'd be chasing after dresses with my double-dealing salesman's kiss
I would try to impress women with my fake charm


Now this old friend becomes an enemy
Now my past actions have come back to haunt me


Steals from me the fortune that I seek
Now I am paying for my mistakes


Well, how could anybody stumble into loving me
Now it's hard for anyone to love me


When I've told tales of wolves since I could speak?
Because I have always been a storyteller who portrayed himself as a wolf


What am I waiting for?
What is holding me back?


'Cause there's a whole world out there just begging to be explored
There's so much out there that I haven't experienced yet


I'm alive, yeah, I've got a life to live
I am alive and I want to live to the fullest


I've got some love to make
I want to love someone


Way more love to give
And I have a lot more love to give




Contributed by London S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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