Feeding on a diet of The Pogues, Paul Kelly, and whatever else was playing, Joy cut his teeth performing at open mic nights in Melbourne. His style is folk music with pop influences. His songs capture the familiar pulse of everyday experiences in a unique and celebratory manner. His lyrics reach out to you and hold on for a moment.
Emmylou
Vance Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh if you're losing sleep, scared of shadows.
See it's just a chair, see the clothes hang there.
Oh don't go losing sleep, scared of shadows.
Oh don't feel bad.
Well I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou.
That's what I do.
Oh c'mon sleepyhead, get yourself to bed.
Don't go losin', oh, the nighttime.
Oh, don't feel bad.
Well, I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
Oh now, don't feel bad.
Well I never have.
Now that I've got you, my Emmylou.
No don't feel bad.
Well I never have, now that I've got you, my Emmylou.
The lyrics to Vance Joy's song "Emmylou" depict a narrator reassuring his partner not to lose sleep or feel bad, as they are loved and have a comforting presence in each other. The opening lines suggest someone who is scared of the dark or the unknown, exemplified by the mention of "shadows." However, the singer points out that what the other is perceiving as a threat is merely a chair with clothes hanging on it.
The singer then continues to encourage their partner to go to sleep, even comparing their own habit of wearing socks to bed to their partner's. The phrase "you are loved" is repeated several times, emphasizing the depth of affection and support in the relationship. The song ultimately ends on a positive note, with the singer stating that they never feel bad when they have their partner by their side.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh if you're losing sleep...
If you're struggling to sleep and your mind is troubled.
Oh if you're losing sleep, scared of shadows.
You're anxious and scared, but the things that are causing you fear are just mundane objects.
See it's just a chair, see the clothes hang there.
The objects that you're afraid of are just normal items, nothing to be worried about.
Oh don't go losing sleep, scared of shadows.
Don't let your fears control you and keep you up at night.
Oh don't feel bad.
There's no need to feel guilty or distressed.
Well I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou.
My partner, Emmylou, has brought me peace and contentment. I no longer feel worried or alone.
You wear your socks to bed, wear your socks to bed.
You have a quirky habit of wearing socks to bed, which I find endearing.
That's what I do.
I have my own unique habits and quirks. We all have different ways of approaching life and that's okay.
Oh c'mon sleepyhead, get yourself to bed.
It's time to go to sleep, don't resist it. Embrace rest and relaxation.
Don't go losin', oh, the nighttime.
Don't waste the nighttime by worrying or being afraid. Use it to recharge and prepare for the next day.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are appreciated and valued, don't forget that.
Oh now, don't feel bad.
Once again, there's no need to feel guilty or distressed.
Well I never have.
I've never been weighed down by negative feelings since I met Emmylou.
Now that I've got you, my Emmylou.
Emmylou has had a profound positive impact on my life.
No don't feel bad.
Emphasizing once more that there's no need to feel guilty or distressed.
Well I never have, now that I've got you, my Emmylou.
Once again highlighting the transformative power that Emmylou has had in the artist's life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JAMES KEOGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oscarandresdelgadotellez8622
Oh if you’re losing sleep…
Oh if you’re losing sleep, scared of shadows.
See it’s just a chair, see the clothes hang there.
Oh don’t go losing sleep, scared of shadows.
Oh don’t feel bad.
Well I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou.
You wear your socks to bed, wear your socks to bed.
That’s what I do.
Oh c’mon sleepyhead, get yourself to bed.
Don’t go losin', oh, the nighttime.
Oh, don’t feel bad.
Well, I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
Oh now, don’t feel bad.
Well I never have.
Now that I’ve got you, my Emmylou.
No don’t feel bad.
Well I never have, now that I’ve got you, my Emmylou.
@kaylajude2453
There's something about hearing the words "You are loved" over and over again that means the world to me, and I will never get over.
@jasonivey7865
Same.
The surreal part is that I catch my self hearing..
"You, I loved you,
I loved you,
I loved you,
I loved."
Which, depending on my mood, is like driving a stake through my heart with a stake.
🤧
@glorious6779
Kayla Jude Me to. It brings healing to me. I’m learning this song and will be posting it on my channel in a short while. Check my channel out I do originals. Subscribe would be nice to. But otherwise “you are loved”. ❤️✌️
@David.Calhoun
Mmmm, I definitely feel that! Thanks for sharing!
@IsabelleIdk1355
Same i was going through a really rough time, and i was on the verge and i had my alexa play soft music and this came on and basically saved me
@memosandmore
Absolutely ❤
@orev5035
It's one of those damn happy-sad songs. It's very strange how joy and sorrow are somehow so compatible with one another.
@jamilahuggins7602
Deep
@navarroiq7742
Pop That Bubble
@simond3270
Check Alt J - Taro. Same kind of feeling