We’re looking through them

Here’s another song from the American version of Rubber Soul, the Beatles’ most beautiful album and the first that I ever got “into.” The lyrics of the song, “I’m Looking Through You,” about the end of a relationship, perfectly express the feelings many conservatives are having now, or have had for a long time, about the Republican party, the conservative establishment, the neoconservatives, and George W. Bush. The way the words and melody work together in this song is a marvel.

I’m looking through you
Where did you go?
I thought I knew you
What did I know?
You don’t look different
But you have changed.
I’m looking through you.
You’re not the same.

Your lips are moving,
I cannot hear.
Your voice is soothing
But the words aren’t clear.
You don’t sound different
I’ve learned the game.
I’m looking through you
You’re not the same.

Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight.

You’re thinking of me
The same old way.
You were above me
But not today.
The only difference is you’re down there.
I’m looking through you
And you’re nowhere.

Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight.

I’m looking through you
Where did you go?
I thought I knew you.
What did I know?
You don’t look different
But you have changed.
I’m looking through you.
You’re not the same.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, 1965

Posted by Lawrence Auster at June 21, 2006 04:27 PM | Send