10cc – I'm Not In Love

I’m not in love, so don’t forget it
It’s just a silly phase I’m going through
And just because I call you up
Don’t get me wrong, don’t think you’ve got it made.
I’m not in love, no no!

It’s because ...

I like to see you, but then again
That doesn’t mean you mean that much to me
So if I call you, don’t make a fuss
Don’t tell your friends about the two of us
I’m not in love, no no!
It’s because ...

Be quiet, Big boys don’t cry, Big boys don’t cry, Big boys don’t cry, Big boys don’t cry, Big boys don’t cry, Big boys don’t cry

I keep your picture upon the wall
It hides a nasty stain that’s lying there
So don’t you ask me to give it back
I know you know it doesn’t mean that much to me
I’m not in love, no no!
It’s because

Ooh, you’ll wait a long time for me
Ooh, you’ll wait a long time

I’m not in love, so don’t forget it
It’s just a silly phase I’m going through
And just because I call you up
Don’t get me wrong, don’t think you’ve got it made
I’m not in love, I’m not in love.


Lyrics submitted by Boonechic_21

I'm Not In Love song meanings
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  • +25
    General CommentYou call her up? Check.
    You like to see her? Check.
    You keep her picture upon the wall? Check.

    You my friend, are in love.
    lyndonon January 23, 2008   Link
    • 5 Replies
  • +13
    General CommentIt's about someone who's in love but he's afraid to admit it probably because he's afraid that he will be hurt. I love this song
    WanderingGypsyon May 24, 2005   Link
  • +9
    General CommentEverybody's been close but no cigar, this song is about a guy who is denying that he's in love with this girl, if you listen to the song, or read the lyrics on the part that says (it's because) but then never gives an explanation, its cuz his feeling are too complicated to explain to the girl, trust me, When love presents its self guys like us are afraid of it, we'd rather have one night stands, or a girlfriend we don't love except for sex. than to treat ourselves to the real thing, not afraid of commitment, but love.. the guy in the songs pushing her away because he doseen't feel like he deserves real love,,,.and at the same time gets some kind of sick depressing satisfaction from breaking his heart and hers........
    kcwheezyon February 25, 2005   Link
  • +5
    General CommentI think this is a very raw feeling song. I believe he was rejected by her but yet he is in love with her. He wants the pain to go away denial takes place. He doesn't want her to have the upper hand "don't think u got it made..." He wants her to feel his pain "You'll wait a long time for me.."
    bridget104on January 21, 2014   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • +5
    My InterpretationThe song is obviously about a guy in the following situation: He’s met a girl, maybe had a few dates (or maybe they’re about to have their first date after being acquaintances for a while), and he finds himself becoming infatuated with her. Being the typical male who fears commitment, he enters the textbook “head vs. heart”/“emotions vs. reason” battle. He tries to put aside his feelings for her and convince himself (and her) that, while he may like her and is fond of her, she’s just another in a line of female companions for him, and he’s just going through a “silly phase.” He tries to explain away the signs of his deep emotional attachment to her by diminishing their importance to him, but he isn’t very convincing. I have first-hand, personal experience with this because I’m going through it right now. It’s both exhilarating and anguishing at the same time. I really can’t take much more of this. Oh… and I am NOT in love. Heh heh.
    AnalogKid2on January 08, 2014   Link
  • +3
    General CommentI see this song through different eyes, I don't think he's in love with her.
    I think, she is in love with him, and he's telling her that he just needs her company and nothing deeper.

    He's just telling her not to misinterpret the little things he does...the picture, the phone calls...and mistake them for love.

    Some people "can" have a relationship without being in love, and I think this song explains it beautifully.
    StuartJSon July 23, 2006   Link
    • 4 Replies
  • +3
    My InterpretationThe initial love affair has ended. Time has passed. He realizes he doesn't want to be without her. He calls her up, but he is afraid of what will happen if he opens his heart to her like he did before. He doesn't want to get hurt again - the emotions and loss were too overwhelming to bear.

    So he tells himself and her that he's not in love and not to make a big deal about it. But he's in denial, and when he tries to explain why he still feels for her he says "it's because..." and he stops. The true answer is too frightening for him to admit.

    And in a moment of weakness when he finally faces the truth, he breaks down and cries, but the voice in his head tells him to stop. He has kept her memory alive, she has waited for him, and this is the only way he can be with her - by denying his true feelings.
    SadHearton August 07, 2013   Link
  • +2
    General CommentInteresting, I always thought the song was about (in this case) a woman who assumes their relationship is more than it really is. In other words, he's saying "just b/c I talk to you, that doesn't mean I'm in love with you."
    twcfan92on June 07, 2003   Link
    • 3 Replies
  • +2
    General CommentI agree with you kcwheezy on this one. to me, this song is about a guy who really is in love with a girl. but he won't admit it... he's in denial, saying it's a silly phrase he's going through, and he's also brushing her off like 'oh yea just cause i call you don't think youve got it made, don't think i really like you' etc etc. and he keeps saying "it's because...." and stops there because either he really can't explain the way he feels or it's like he's just about to explain why he really does love her but he just can't bring himself to do it or admit it. i first heard this song on the virgin suicide soundtrack and have loved it eversince.
    chickychickon November 09, 2005   Link
  • +2
    Song MeaningHe uses this girl, who he feels is so in love him, that she'll wait forever.
    He doesn't say he wishes to commit,he likes the control,and the security it gives him knowing she will always be there waiting..
    until...
    She gives up on him, even wants her pictures back..time is up, she wont take any more...
    He finally realizes how in love he was, and how foolish to play such a cruel game.
    Big boys don't cry
    Cylenceon January 20, 2013   Link

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