"Not a Second Time" is a song by John Lennon. This song inspired a musical … Read Full Bio ↴"Not a Second Time" is a song by John Lennon. This song inspired a musical analysis from William Mann of The Times, citing the "Aeolian cadence" (Aeolian harmony) of Lennon's vocals as the song draws to a close, and noting that the same chord progression appears at the end of the final movement of Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde." Lennon, years later, remarked: "To this day, I have no idea what Aeolian cadences are. They sound like exotic birds."

Not a Second Time
The Beatles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You know you made me cry
I see no use in wondering why
I cry for you

And now you've changed your mind
I see no reason to change mine
I cry, it's through, oh

You're giving me the same old line
I'm wondering why
You hurt me then
You're back again
No, no, no, not a second time

You know you made me cry
I see no use in wondering why
I cry for you, yeah

And now you've changed your mind
I see no reason to change mine
I cry, it's through, oh

You're giving me the same old line
I'm wondering why
You hurt me then
You're back again
No, no, no, not a second time
Not a second time
Not the second time

No, no, no, no, no
Not a second time

Overall Meaning

The Beatles is clearly expressing heartbreak and disappointment in the song "Not a Second Time." The opening lines "You know you made me cry, I see no use in wondering why, I cry for you" expresses deep pain caused by someone they loved. The repetition of "I cry for you" further emphasizes the pain that the person caused.

The second verse "And now you've changed your mind, I see no reason to change mine, I cry, it's through, oh" shows that the person who caused the pain had a change of heart and wants to reconcile. However, The Beatles are not willing to entertain that idea because the pain is still fresh, and they see no reason to forgive.

The chorus "You're giving me the same old line, I'm wondering why, You hurt me then, You're back again, No, no, no, not a second time" shows that The Beatles are in no way willing to give that person a chance to hurt them again. They are firm in their decision and express it conclusively.

In summary, The Beatles' Not a Second Time song is about heartbreak and disappointment caused by a loved one. The lyrics express deep pain, and although the one who caused it tries to reconcile, the hurt party is not willing to forgive because of the pain they went through.

Line by Line Meaning

You know you made me cry
You caused me a great deal of pain and sorrow

I see no use in wondering why
I cannot comprehend why you would do something so hurtful

I cry for you
My emotions are overwhelming and I cannot help but cry

And now you've changed your mind
You have altered your opinion or decision

I see no reason to change mine
I will not alter my stance or viewpoint just because you did

I cry, it's through, oh
My crying is indicative of the fact that this relationship is now over

You're giving me the same old line
You are using the same tired excuses or explanations as before

I'm wondering why
I am perplexed as to why you would return after having hurt me

You hurt me then
You caused me pain in the past

You're back again
You have returned to my life

No, no, no, not a second time
I will not allow myself to be hurt by you again