Vanity
sarah vaughan - favorites Lyrics

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They call it vanity because I'd rather be
All by myself instead of
Laughing with the crowd
If I don't care to be part of their gaiety
They often say to me, "Don't be so proud"

But how are they to know
I'm looking high and low

For love that used to be my own
I never even glance when offered new romance
I can't because I'm yours alone

Till you forgive again
I'll never live again
So will it be as long as we are far apart

It may be vanity to think you'll come to me
But is it vanity to hide a broken heart

Till you forgive again
Well I'll never live again
So will it be as long as we are far apart

It may be vanity to think you'll come to me
Is it vanity to hide a broken heart

Overall Meaning

In the song "Vanity" by Sarah Vaughan, the lyrics explore the singer's choice to distance themselves from the crowd and seek solitude because they would rather be alone than pretend to be happy with others. The name "vanity" is given to this behavior by others, who accuse the singer of being overly proud or self-centered. However, the true reason behind their withdrawal is the search for a love that once belonged to them but is now lost. They refuse to entertain new romantic advances because they are still emotionally attached to someone they consider to be theirs alone.

The lyrics convey the loneliness and longing that the singer experiences in their search for love and connection. They express how they constantly look and hope for a love that has been taken away from them. The singer doesn't show interest in new romantic opportunities because they remain devoted to the person they still love. This loyalty to their beloved is so strong that they cannot accept new love into their life, as they see themselves as belonging solely to their lost love.

The song's chorus emphasizes the deep connection between the singer's ability to truly live and their forgiveness by their loved one. They believe that without the forgiveness and reconciliation with their beloved, they cannot move forward and fully experience life again. The lyrics suggest that as long as they remain separated from their loved one, they will live in a state of emotional stagnation.

The final lines of the song reflect on the singer's self-reflection and the possible implications of their behavior. They question whether it is merely an act of vanity to believe that their loved one will return to them. They ponder if it is self-centeredness or arrogance to conceal their broken heart from the world. These lines invite listeners to consider the complexity of emotions and motives in matters of the heart and the thin line between hope and self-deception.

Overall, "Vanity" portrays a deeply introspective journey of a person who has lost their love and chooses to isolate themselves rather than engage in superficial interactions. The lyrics convey their longing, devotion, and the inner conflict between the desire to move on and the attachment to the past.

Line by Line Meaning

They call it vanity because I'd rather be
They label it as self-centeredness because I prefer solitude

All by myself instead of
Completely alone rather than

Laughing with the crowd
Joining in with the cheerful mass

If I don't care to be part of their gaiety
When I have no interest in participating in their joviality

They often say to me, "Don't be so proud"
Frequently, they advise me, "Do not exhibit excessive pride"

But how are they to know
However, how can they be aware

I'm looking high and low
That I search arduously

For love that used to be my own
For the love that once belonged to me

I never even glance when offered new romance
I do not even consider when presented with new romantic opportunities

I can't because I'm yours alone
I am unable to do so because I belong solely to you

Till you forgive again
Until you grant forgiveness once more