"I Was Only Telling A Lie" is a song by James Taylor from his album "JT" released in 1977. The song tells the story of a brief, passionate encounter between the narrator and a woman he meets at a motel. The lyrics describe the narrator staying in a one-room suite at a downtown motel with a view of a parking lot and an off-ramp. He mentions having a half flat six-pack of lukewarm beer and the two of them lying down together. The narrator enjoys the woman's whispered sweet nothings in his ear, satisfying him. He refers to her as "baby-bootie, juicy-fruity, truck-stop cutie, roadside beauty," expressing his infatuation with her. However, he admits that he doesn't expect their relationship to last for a long time. The narrator compliments the woman's appearance, comparing her eyes to mackerel fish and joking about her bringing a side of fries. He admits being hypnotized by her and falling in love once again. But in a twist, he confesses that when he told her he loved her, it was a lie. He plans to leave before daybreak, explaining that the word is "goodbye." He assures her that there's no need for her to be upset or act in a dramatic manner, comparing it to someone overreacting to the death of their pet dog. Overall, the song portrays a fleeting, passionate encounter with an acknowledgment of the temporary nature of the relationship. The narrator's admission of lying about love highlights the transient nature of the encounter and the emotional disconnection between the two characters.
