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Maybe
The Chantels Lyrics


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Maybe, if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And Maybe, if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh, maybe

Maybe, if I hold your hand
you will understand
And maybe, if I kissed your lips
I'll be at your command
Oh, maybe

I've cried and prayed to the Lord
To send you back my love
But instead you came to me
Only in my dreams

Maybe if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And maybe if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh, maybe

(Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)

Overall Meaning

The Chantels' 1958 hit single "Maybe" is a timeless classic about longing and hope in the face of heartbreak. The song, written by Richard Barrett, is a wistful ballad that speaks to the universal experience of wanting someone who is no longer there. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they convey a depth of feeling that is both poignant and relatable.


The first verse of "Maybe" sets the stage for the rest of the song, with the singer expressing the hope that if she prays and cries enough, her lost love will return to her. The second verse focuses on physical gestures - holding hands and kissing - as a way to bridge the emotional distance between the two lovers. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "Maybe," highlights the uncertainty and lack of control inherent in the situation. Despite her best efforts, the singer cannot be sure if her love will ever come back to her.


The third verse introduces a new element to the story, with the singer lamenting that her prayers have not been answered and her love only appears to her in dreams. This adds a layer of poignancy and sadness to the song, as it suggests that the singer's hope may be misplaced and that her love is truly gone. Nevertheless, she continues to hold out hope, as evidenced by the final chorus.


Overall, "Maybe" is a beautiful and melancholy song that captures the bittersweet nature of unrequited love. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with listeners for over 60 years, making it a classic that will endure for generations to come.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe, if I pray every night
I hope that by praying every night, you will come back to me.


You'll come back to me
I hope you will return to me.


And Maybe, if I cry every day
I hope that by crying every day, you will come back to me.


You'll come back to stay
I hope you will return to me and stay with me.


Oh, maybe
I'm unsure if my hopes will come true.


Maybe, if I hold your hand
I hope that by holding your hand, you'll understand me.


you will understand
I hope you will comprehend my feelings.


And maybe, if I kissed your lips
Perhaps, by kissing you, you will be at my command.


I'll be at your command
You will be under my power and obey my commands.


Oh, maybe
I'm still uncertain about the outcome.


I've cried and prayed to the Lord
I have cried and prayed to God for your return.


To send you back my love
I wanted God to send you back to me with love.


But instead you came to me
Unfortunately, you only come to me in my dreams.


Only in my dreams
You are not physically present with me but only exist in my dreams.


(Maybe, maybe, maybe)
I'm still not sure but I'm hopeful.


Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
I'm still not sure but I'm hopeful.


Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
I'm still not sure but I'm hopeful.


Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
I'm still not sure but I'm hopeful.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Richard Barrett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@leventtrolley9135

Maybe, if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And maybe, if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh, maybe

Maybe, if I hold your hand
You will understand
And maybe, if I kissed your lips
I'll be at your command
Oh, maybe

I've cried and prayed to the Lord
To send you back my love
But instead you came to me
But only in my dreams

Maybe if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And maybe if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh, maybe

(Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)



All comments from YouTube:

@liemsk

I’m a 30yo Chinese and I’ve been listening to these old American tunes for nearly 7 years, there’s never another person in my life appreciate or understand what I’m listening to but they are a great treasure to me, and I will listen to it until I’m dead.

@Marcel_Audubon

we appreciate! we understand!

@wetpuppet4718

I’m only 15, but I completely agree and understand, I’ve been listening to these golden tunes throughout the pandemic. They really are a treasure, and I especially hold Buddy Holly close to my heart.

@infinitejest441

Check out Otis Redding. He’s my favorite ❤️

@ichika_kanojo

i am a chinese too,i have listened those old tunes for over 10 years since primary school. my father‘s disc collection enlightened me for those good music,even now i can play piano for some of those tunes

@oscaracosta6565

Enjoy,there’s many more songs like this. Oldies but goodies.

11 More Replies...

@lincolnlane9235

She just POURS herself into this song. The sorrow of a million broken hearts can be felt in the energy behind her voice.

@nickoshana2246

Including Mine!

@francinemitchell8682

Maybe song hits home 🏡

@andrewthornhill7042

As Darlene Love once said: "She (Arlene Smith) had a voice on HER!"

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