Story Behind The Song
I was fascinated with the idea of emotional versus physical fidelity. Does one trump the other? Which one would be more concerning to a partner? To me? I thought about couples I know who are in "functional" relationships, content with little passion so long as things run smoothly. I thought about how many couples look the other way if one spouse is unfaithful because it is more important to salvage the unit than to insist on fidelity. I'm not making any judgments here but, as for me, I will always opt for the passion and would be more disturbed if my partner craved another's emotional or intellectual compatibility - more so than if they craved that person's body. What about you? I thought the song was going to be called "Emotional Fidelity" but that became a very small piece of the last verse. This song is one of my favorites, both for the lyrical content as well as the light jazz feel that lets me stretch my vocal wings. Clearly, it's a forte of my producer as is evidenced by the luscious salsa-ish track he arranged and performed. Some of my favorite phrases in this song are: "You're not your father and I'm not your mother so why are we living their lie?" and "Maybe passion leads to insanity and desire is something better left ignored - maybe it's a sign of vanity to want to be adored."
Song Description
Does fidelity include both physical and emotional components?
| Song Length |
4:42 |
Genre |
Jazz - General, Pop - Dreampop |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Diplomatic |
Subject |
Relationship |
| Language |
English |
| |
Lyrics
Living a Lie
V1: Learning about your infatuation
Makes me wonder where we go from here
You're torn between desire and obligation - that much is clear
Now you've got me questioning your loyalty
Though you say you haven't crossed the line
Even though you've been faithful physically
Feels like we're living a lie
V2: Caught between upheaval and complacency
I guess I'd choose emotion over calm
But if you think I crave instability, you'd be wrong
Why does it have to be one or the other?
Can't we take the lows with the highs?
You're not your father and I'm not your mother
So why are we living their lie?
Bridge:
We live in the real world
That much is true
When temptation finds us
What will we do?
V3: Maybe passion leads to insanity
And desire is something better left ignored
Maybe it's a sign of vanity to want to be adored
All I know is my sense of security
Means I'm the woman in your heart and in your mind
Without emotional fidelity
It feels like we're living a lie