This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
It's been too clear for so long, I knew that there was something going on
Wanted to know what it's about, walked to your door, so we could talk it out
And as I got to your door that night, what did I see through the bedroom light
Chorus:
Two silhouettes, standing at the window
Two silhouettes, standing face to face
I turned away, didn't want to see, there ain't no more sadder sight to me
Than two silhouettes, yeah, ain't stopped crying yet, no
Still can't believe it yet, no, two silhouettes
The sight it stayed in my head, and through the night, as I lay on my bed
I wonder what do I do, just tell me how will I make it through
Somehow I wish that we'd never met, I'm telling you that I won't forget
[Chorus]
I will be waiting, if you decide that you want me
I will come running, if that's the way you want it to be, yeah
Two silhouettes, standing at the window - standing at the window
Two silhouettes, standing face to face - face to face out of place
I turned away, didn't want to see, there ain't no more sadder sight to me, ooh
Than two silhouettes, yeah, ain't stopped crying yet, no
Still can't believe it yet, no
Two silhouettes, yeah - baby what you doin' to me
Ain't stopped crying yet, no - baby won't you set me free
Still can't believe it yet, no - don't wish you'd feel the same about me
Two silhouettes, yeah, ain't stopped crying yet, no
Still can't believe it yet, no
(repeats out)
Wanted to know what it's about, walked to your door, so we could talk it out
And as I got to your door that night, what did I see through the bedroom light
Chorus:
Two silhouettes, standing at the window
Two silhouettes, standing face to face
I turned away, didn't want to see, there ain't no more sadder sight to me
Than two silhouettes, yeah, ain't stopped crying yet, no
Still can't believe it yet, no, two silhouettes
The sight it stayed in my head, and through the night, as I lay on my bed
I wonder what do I do, just tell me how will I make it through
Somehow I wish that we'd never met, I'm telling you that I won't forget
[Chorus]
I will be waiting, if you decide that you want me
I will come running, if that's the way you want it to be, yeah
Two silhouettes, standing at the window - standing at the window
Two silhouettes, standing face to face - face to face out of place
I turned away, didn't want to see, there ain't no more sadder sight to me, ooh
Than two silhouettes, yeah, ain't stopped crying yet, no
Still can't believe it yet, no
Two silhouettes, yeah - baby what you doin' to me
Ain't stopped crying yet, no - baby won't you set me free
Still can't believe it yet, no - don't wish you'd feel the same about me
Two silhouettes, yeah, ain't stopped crying yet, no
Still can't believe it yet, no
(repeats out)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Two Silhouettes Lyrics as written by Ballard
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.