Lover Man
The Incredible String Band Lyrics


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Baby, come tell me 'bout your tree-house
And your candy-striped pet mouse
And your car that has feet
Hey, come tell me 'bout your eyebrows that meet

And my baby, won't you tell me 'bout your chilblains?
And your right eyeball's growing pains
And your purple tractor that sings
Hey, come tell me all of those things
But if you want to tell me some more
Think you can

Oh baby, tell me 'bout your lover man
You know I'm talking 'bout him
He's one that's strutting around
Each time I get out of town
You know the one that I mean
He's one that's stealing my scene away
Baby, I'm talking 'bout him

Oh baby, won't you tell me 'bout your black rose?
And the garden where your love grows
Among the cabbages and beans
Hey, come tell me why your primroses are green
But if you want to tell me some more
Think you can

Oh baby, tell me 'bout your lover man
You know I'm talking 'bout him
He's one that's strutting around
Each time I get out of town
You know the one that I mean
He's one that's stealing my scene away
Baby, I'm talking 'bout him

He's one that's stealing my cream away




Baby, I'm talking 'bout him
Talking 'bout your lover man, talking 'bout him

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Incredible String Band's song "Lover Man" are a playful and whimsical conversation between two lovers, with the singer asking their partner to share details about their life, from their tree-house and candy-striped pet mouse to their chilblains and growing pains. The singer encourages their partner to share more and then suddenly shifts the focus to "lover man," someone who is "strutting around" and stealing the singer's scene and cream.


At first glance, the song seems like a lighthearted and nonsensical series of requests and observations. However, some interpret the song as a commentary on jealousy and possessiveness in relationships. The singer seems to be jealous of "lover man" and the attention their partner gives him, despite the singer's attempts to distract their partner with silly questions about their eyebrows and purple tractor. The singer's focus on "lover man" suggests a fear of losing their partner, and their reference to "stealing my cream away" has an air of desperation and ownership.


Overall, "Lover Man" is a unique and quirky addition to The Incredible String Band's eclectic discography, with its catchy melody and playful lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby, come tell me 'bout your tree-house
Tell me about your childhood home and all the happy memories associated with it.


And your candy-striped pet mouse
Tell me about your cute and playful pet mouse.


And your car that has feet
Tell me about your imagination and the fun you have with it.


Hey, come tell me 'bout your eyebrows that meet
Tell me about your unique physical features and how they make you special.


And my baby, won't you tell me 'bout your chilblains?
Tell me about the things that ail you physically or emotionally.


And your right eyeball's growing pains
Tell me about your bodily problems and how you cope with them.


And your purple tractor that sings
Tell me about your wondrous imagination and the things you make up in your head.


Hey, come tell me all of those things
Share all the fascinating parts of yourself with me.


But if you want to tell me some more
If there is more you want to share with me,


Think you can
Please feel free to do so.


Oh baby, tell me 'bout your lover man
Can you tell me about the person who holds a special place in your heart?


You know I'm talking 'bout him
You know exactly who I mean.


He's one that's strutting around
He's confident in himself and his abilities.


Each time I get out of town
Every time I leave, he starts to show off.


You know the one that I mean
I'm referring to the one who seems to take over whenever I'm gone.


He's one that's stealing my scene away
He's taking away the spotlight that once belonged to me.


Baby, I'm talking 'bout him
I can't stop thinking about him.


Oh baby, won't you tell me 'bout your black rose?
Can you share with me the things that are important to you, even if they may seem obscure or unconventional?


And the garden where your love grows
Tell me about a place where you feel safe and loved.


Among the cabbages and beans
Even if it seems an ordinary place, I want to know what makes it so special to you.


Hey, come tell me why your primroses are green
Can you explain to me the little nuances and idiosyncrasies that make you unique?


He's one that's stealing my cream away
He's taking away my confidence and my sense of worth.


Baby, I'm talking 'bout him
I can't stop thinking about how he's impacting my life.


Talking 'bout your lover man, talking 'bout him
I need to share my feelings with you about this person who has changed my life so much.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MIKE HERON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

puddypuss

I wish the al stewart version was on here too

stan edwards

LOVE THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND ;SINCE WAY BACK IN THE 1960S / MIKE HERON SONG / THIS IS THE BEST VERSION/ THANKS FOR POSTING ; NICE VIDEO

Leo Friberg

Nice video to a great song!

John Benn

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!

From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.

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