Propinquity
The Monkees Lyrics


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I've known for a long time
The kind of girl you are.
Of a smile that covers teardrops,
The way your head yields to you heart.
Of things you've kept inside
That most girls couldn't bear.
I've known you for a long time,
But I've just begun to care.

I've known of all the heartaches,
I've known of all the pain.
I've seen you when the sun shines,
And I've seen you when it rains.
I've seen you make a look of love
From just an icy stare.
I've known you for a long time,
But I've just begun to care.

I know I've been blind
To not have loved you all this time,
But the image of you wasn't clear.
I guess I've been standing too near.

Oh, it's taken me a while,
But I have finally found
What you are to me;
And that's what really counts.
And what you are to me
Is something we can share.
I've known you for a long time,
But I've just begun to care.

Oh, it's taken me a while,
But I have finally found
What you are to me;
And that's what really counts.
And what you are to me
Is something we can share.




I've known you for a long time,
But I've just begun to care.

Overall Meaning

The Monkees’ song Propinquity is a beautiful ode to a love which has been long known, but only recently rediscovered. The song talks about a person who observes the girl he loves for a long time, knowing her ins and outs, the way she feels about things and the way she deals with pain. Despite knowing all of this, he had never realized the extent of his feelings for her. However, he now finally recognizes her worth and finds her to be someone whom he can share a deep connection with. The song talks about realizing the love that has always existed but was not acknowledged until now.


The lyrics of Propinquity showcase the depth of emotions experienced by the singer. He has seen his girl during highs and lows and now recognizes the kind of person she is. He confesses that he had been blind not to acknowledge his feelings for her earlier, but now sees clearly. The line “the way your head yields to your heart” represents the quality of the girl's judgment and how she prioritizes the emotions of her heart. The singer acknowledges that despite knowing her for a long time, he is still discovering new things about her. The song talks about how true love is not only about the time shared together, but it's about the discovery of the person's true worth.


Line by Line Meaning

I've known for a long time
I have been aware for a significant period of time


The kind of girl you are.
Your character and behavior are familiar to me


Of a smile that covers teardrops,
You hide sadness behind a cheerful expression


The way your head yields to your heart.
You follow your emotions rather than your rational thoughts


Of things you've kept inside that most girls couldn't bear.
You have experienced difficulties that would be unbearable for many other women


But I've just begun to care.
I have developed feelings for you only recently


I've known of all the heartaches,
I am aware of the emotional pain you have endured


I've known of all the pain.
I understand the physical and emotional discomfort you have experienced


I've seen you when the sun shines,
I have observed your positive and happy moments


And I've seen you when it rains.
I have witnessed your difficult and trying moments


I've seen you make a look of love from just an icy stare.
You have the ability to express affection even when you seem aloof


I know I've been blind
I realize that I have not fully appreciated you before


To not have loved you all this time,
I regret not having acknowledged my love for you earlier


But the image of you wasn't clear.
I did not have a complete or accurate understanding of who you are


I guess I've been standing too near.
I have been too close to see you clearly


Oh, it's taken me a while,
It has taken me some time


But I have finally found
I have discovered something important


What you are to me;
How I feel about you


And that's what really counts.
That is the most important thing


And what you are to me
The significance you hold in my life


Is something we can share.
It is a feeling and experience we can both have


I've known you for a long time,
I have been aware of you for a significant period of time


But I've just begun to care.
However, I have only recently developed strong feelings for you




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL NESMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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