Hesitating Beauty
Wilco Lyrics


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For your sparkling cocky smile
I have walked a million miles
Begging you to come wed me in the Spring
Why do you my dear delay,

What makes you laugh and turn away?
You're a hesitating beauty, Nora Lee
Well I know that you are itching to get married
Nora Lee

And I know I am twitching for the same thing
Nora Lee
By the stars and clouds above
We can spend our lives in love

You're a hesitating beauty, Nora Lee
We can build a house and home
Where the flowers come to bloom
Around our yard I'll nail a fence so high

That the boys with peeping eyes
Cannot see that angel face
Of my hesitating beauty, Nora Lee
We can ramble hand in hand

Across the grasses of our land
I'll kiss you for each leaf on every tree
We can bring our kids to play
Where the dry winds blow today





If you'll quit your hesitating, Nora Lee

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wilco's song "Hesitating Beauty" tell the story of a man named Jack who is hopelessly in love with a woman named Nora Lee. Jack has been walking for miles, begging Nora to marry him in the springtime. However, Nora Lee seems to be hesitant to make that commitment. Jack is aware of Nora's reluctance to marry him and urges her to quit hesitating and join him in building a life together. Jack promises to love her forever and build her a home with a fenced-in yard where they can raise their children and live out their days in love.


The song conveys themes of love, commitment, and patience. Jack's love for Nora Lee is so strong that he is willing to walk a million miles to be with her. He is patient with her hesitations and tries to reassure her of his love and intentions. The song suggests that love can conquer all and that a strong commitment and devotion to one another can bring happiness.


Overall, "Hesitating Beauty" is a timeless love song that speaks to the power of love and the desire to commit to a lifelong partnership. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, and the music complements the emotions conveyed in the song.


Line by Line Meaning

For your sparkling cocky smile
I have journeyed far, drawn by the allure of your bright, confident grin


I have walked a million miles
I have traversed seemingly endless distances to reach you


Begging you to come wed me in the Spring
Pleading with you to marry me as the flowers begin to emerge


Why do you my dear delay,
What is causing you to hold back, my love?


What makes you laugh and turn away?
What is the source of your laughter and avoidance?


You're a hesitating beauty, Nora Lee
You possess a stunning beauty, but your hesitation is palpable, Nora Lee.


Well I know that you are itching to get married
I am aware that you long to be wed, Nora Lee


And I know I am twitching for the same thing
I too am eager for us to be married


By the stars and clouds above
With the celestial bodies looking down upon us


We can spend our lives in love
We can share a lifetime of affection


We can build a house and home
Together, we can construct a place to reside


Where the flowers come to bloom
A space where blossoming buds abound


Around our yard I'll nail a fence so high
I'll construct a tall fence around our property


That the boys with peeping eyes
So that those with ill intentions cannot gaze upon


Cannot see that angel face
Your heavenly visage is concealed from leering eyes


Of my hesitating beauty, Nora Lee
The beauty that hesitates, the one named Nora Lee


We can ramble hand in hand
We can wander aimlessly side by side


Across the grasses of our land
Over the meadows of our shared fields


I'll kiss you for each leaf on every tree
I'll give you a smooch for each leaf that dangles from the branches


We can bring our kids to play
Together, we can bring our offspring to frolic and revel


Where the dry winds blow today
In a space that is currently parched by eerie gusts


If you'll quit your hesitating, Nora Lee
If you can overcome your reluctance, Nora Lee




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., T.R.O. INC., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JEFF TWEEDY, JEFFREY SCOTT TWEEDY, WOODY GUTHRIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@terronymusbraddock2350

Such a full sound. Beautiful music and lyrics.

@megapoonsmith9943

This song was my dads wedding song! Love it! x

@zeeer0psi

This song is perfection.

@michaelgenung1

Sweet little ballad. Love it!

@redjives

Such a sweet song.

@keikopatalie

so beautiful <3

@marcosperalta7709

Sweet and lovely like my teen love´s age

@nanomicroart

Well Done Bravo!

@Juanelioable

Perfect song... in memory of Woody Guthrie!!!

@JasonUmbrellabird

The details are in Dylan's Chronicles book.

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