I'm Looking Through You
The Beatles Lyrics


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I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight

You're thinking of me the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you're down there
I'm looking through you and you're nowhere

Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight

I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

(Yeah, ah baby, you've changed)
(I'm a-lookin' through you, yeah)




(I'm lookin' through you)
(You've changed, you've changed, you've changed)

Overall Meaning

The Beatles' "I'm Looking Through You" lyrics seem to describe a relationship that has fallen apart because one person has changed while the other has stayed the same. The singer is looking at their partner and realizing that even though they look the same on the outside, they have become a different, less genuine, version of themselves. The singer tries to communicate with their partner, but their words are unclear and they feel confused and hurt by their partner's lack of communication. They question why their partner did not treat them right and wonder why love can disappear so quickly.


The song is written in a reflective and introspective tone, with the singer looking back on the relationship with clarity and a sense of loss. The metaphor of "looking through" someone suggests that the singer is seeing past their partner's surface appearance and getting a glimpse into who they truly are. The repetition of the phrase "you're not the same" emphasizes the singer's sense of disappointment and disillusionment, as they realize that their partner is not who they thought they were.


Overall, "I'm Looking Through You" is a powerful song about the fragility of relationships and the disappointment that can come when one person changes while the other stays the same. The lyrics are simple but impactful, and they capture the complex emotions of love lost.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm looking through you, where did you go
You seem to have disappeared and left without a trace, I can't seem to find you anywhere.


I thought I knew you, what did I know
I thought I knew who you were and what you meant to me, but clearly, I was wrong.


You don't look different, but you have changed
Physically, you're still the same person, but something about you has changed and it is palpable.


I'm looking through you, you're not the same
I can tell that something within you has shifted and you're not quite the same person you once were.


Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
You're saying something, but I can't seem to understand it; the words aren't quite reaching me.


Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
The tone of your voice is comforting, but the message you're trying to convey is unclear and confusing.


You don't sound different, I've learned the game
Despite the confusion and change, the game remains the same; your words may be different, but the game being played is predictable.


Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
I'm left feeling hurt, betrayed, and questioning your intentions and loyalty to me.


Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
Love can fade away abruptly and leave us feeling uncertain about our emotions.


You're thinking of me the same old way
Despite the change, I can tell that you still view me in the same light as before.


You were above me, but not today
I once saw you as someone who was above me in some way or another, but now that view has changed due to new revelations.


The only difference is you're down there
The dynamics between us may have shifted, but ultimately, you're the one who's come out worse.


I'm looking through you and you're nowhere
It feels as though you're not really here with me anymore, even though you're physically present.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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