Gilbert O'Sullivan：Meaning of Who Was It Songmeaning

"Who Was It" is a song by Gilbert O'Sullivan from his 1977 album "Southpaw". The song tells the story of a person who is deeply in love with someone and goes to great lengths to show their devotion and affection. In the lyrics, the protagonist claims to have caught the person they love when they were falling and helped them get back on their feet. This metaphorical fall could signify a difficult time or emotional turmoil that the person was going through, and the protagonist was there to offer support and love. The protagonist also admits to tripping the loved one intentionally, so that they would meet and have the opportunity to form a relationship. This shows the devotion and determination of the protagonist to be with the person they love. The song also mentions a failed attempt at kissing the loved one, despite a clear rejection, and the protagonist's persistence in trying to win their affection. This persistence is demonstrated by the line "And who was it that managed to succeed (In getting it with your fist down below)", indicating that even though the loved one physically resisted, the protagonist's love overpowered the physical response. The lyrics further express the idea that the protagonist and the loved one are similar in many ways, and their resemblance often leads people to confuse them. However, the protagonist embraces this similarity, seeing it as a testament to their deep connection and understanding. The song also highlights the protagonist's willingness to be there for the loved one even when no one else is around, and their surprise at not being invited to stay overnight on one occasion. This may suggest that the relationship between the protagonist and the loved one is not yet fully established or that the loved one is hesitant to fully commit. Overall, "Who Was It" portrays a person who is unconditionally devoted to loving someone, going above and beyond to show their affection and support. The lyrics reflect the protagonist's unwavering commitment and the lengths they are willing to go to be with the one they love.