It Amazes Me

Song Meaning

Blossom Dearie's "It Amazes Me" isn't a boast; it's a beautifully understated exploration of perceived ordinariness juxtaposed with unexpected adoration. The song's meaning hinges on the disjunction between the singer's self-assessment and her lover's perspective. She inventories her qualities – "My height, just average / My weight, just average" – painting a portrait of unremarkable normalcy. The quiet irony is, of course, that Dearie's delivery itself is anything but average; her signature breathy vocals and sophisticated jazz piano create an atmosphere of intimate confession. This contrast underscores the central theme: the mystifying power of love to reveal hidden worth. The lyrics subtly delve into the psychology of self-perception. The singer acknowledges her attempts to conform – "learned to clip my wings / And soften my ways" – suggesting a past where she felt the need to diminish herself. These efforts, she believes, are "ordinary things unworthy of praise." Yet, her lover finds value in them, and even more so in her effort. This hints at a deeper understanding of love as not just appreciation of inherent qualities, but also recognition of the sacrifices and compromises made within a relationship. The line "Just knowing I try for him / When so many would / If they could, die for him" reveals both humility and a quiet awareness of her special position. Ultimately, the song's impact resides in its vulnerability. The singer, usually so composed, admits to being genuinely bewildered by her lover's affection. She claims to be "worldly wise / And nothing much fazes me," but the repeated refrain, "But to see me in his eyes / It just amazes me," exposes the chink in her armor. It's a testament to the transformative power of being truly seen and appreciated, not for some extraordinary talent or achievement, but for the simple, everyday act of being oneself. "It Amazes Me" transforms the mundane into the magical, revealing the profound beauty hidden within the ordinary moments of love and connection.