It's Only Love
The Beatles Lyrics


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I get high when I see you go by (my, oh my)
When you sigh my-my inside just flies (butterflies)
Why am I so shy when I'm beside you?

It's only love and that is all
Why should I feel the way I do?
It's only love and that is all
But it's so hard loving you

Is it right that you and I should fight (every night)?
Just the sight of you makes night time bright (very bright)
Haven't I the right to make it up, girl?

It's only love and that is all
Why should I feel the way I do?
It's only love and that is all
But it's so hard loving you




Yes, it's so hard loving you
Loving you

Overall Meaning

The Beatles' song "It's Only Love" echoes a universal theme - the paradox and conundrum of love. The lyrics talk about the high that one feels when their love interest passes by, as their inside fills up with butterflies, and their heart skips a beat. But the singer also feels shy and reserved when next to their crush. The song talks about the ambiguity of love, and how the highs and lows of love can be confusing and overwhelming. It starts by mentioning how the sight of the person makes everything seem brighter, and yet moments later, the lyrics ask if it's right for two people in love to fight every night.


However, the song then takes a turn, with the singer wondering why they feel the way they do. They mention that it's only love and nothing more, so why should it be so difficult? But despite knowing that it is only love, they find it challenging to love the other person. This lyric portrays the idea that people don't choose whom they fall in love with, it's something that just happens, and they can't control how they feel. The song's repetition of "it's only love," is an attempt at getting all lovebirds to calm down and consider that sometimes, feeling overwhelmed by another person is natural.


This song's true genius lies in how simple it is. While it's definitely dreamy and lovelorn, it's also honest and straightforward, making it easier for listeners to relate to the lyrics. The Beatles' refrain aims to reassure, reminding listeners that it's just a feeling, and it can pass.


Line by Line Meaning

I get high when I see you go by (my, oh my)
I feel euphoric when I catch a glimpse of you passing by


When you sigh my-my inside just flies (butterflies)
When you exhale, my heart races and I feel a burst of nervous excitement


Why am I so shy when I'm beside you?
I become bashful when I'm near you, even though I want to express my feelings


It's only love and that is all
Despite how intense and confusing my emotions feel, at the end of the day, it's just love


Why should I feel the way I do?
I question why love affects me so deeply, despite it being a universal emotion


But it's so hard loving you
Loving you comes with its own difficulties and complexities


Is it right that you and I should fight (every night)?
I question the validity of constantly arguing with someone I love


Just the sight of you makes night time bright (very bright)
Just seeing you fills me with joy and brightens up even the darkest times


Haven't I the right to make it up, girl?
Despite our disagreements, I believe I have the right to try and make up with you and work through our issues


Yes, it's so hard loving you Loving you
Repeating how challenging it is to love someone, particularly the person addressed in the song




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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