Song Meaning
The lyrics immediately plunge into a moment of intense, frustrated desire. The speaker accuses someone of being "Cruel" for pulling away a kiss "too soon." It's a direct, almost breathless plea for more intimacy. The scene is one of interrupted connection, leaving the speaker yearning.
The central tension here is the push and pull between the speaker's fervent longing and the other person's deliberate withdrawal. The speaker notes, "Strait away they hast them," highlighting the swiftness of the retreat. This isn't just an accidental break; the speaker interprets it as a calculated move, suggesting the other person might "To move my thoughts thereby." This perceived teasing only intensifies the speaker's desire.
The craft shines in this speculative turn, where the speaker attempts to decode the other's actions. The word "Cruel" sets an immediate, sharp emotional tone, while the later dismissal, "Alas such baits you need to find out never," reveals a confident, almost exasperated, passion. The repeated plea, "If you would let me," underscores the barrier and the speaker's earnestness, building a sense of urgency and profound longing.
Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they capture the raw, immediate ache of unfulfilled desire. The speaker's blend of accusation, speculation, and profound promise – "I would kiss and kiss you ever" – creates a compelling emotional arc. It's a vivid portrayal of longing, where the simple act of a kiss becomes a powerful symbol of connection and devotion, held just out of reach.
View Artist