"If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight" is a song by James Taylor, included in his 1982 album "Dad Loves His Work." The lyrics describe a hesitancy to express one's feelings of love and affection to someone, out of fear of scaring them away. The narrator is torn between wanting to profess their love and the fear of rejection. The song conveys the vulnerability and uncertainty that can arise when developing feelings for someone. The repetition of "I love you" reflects the internal struggle of the narrator, wanting to express their emotions but fearing the consequences. The lyrics also suggest that the narrator has learned from past experiences and may have witnessed others being rejected when confessing their love. They refer to the other guys who have been left behind, indicating that they have seen unrequited love firsthand. This knowledge influences their decision to keep their feelings concealed, in an effort to avoid being hurt or seen as foolish. The song's title, "If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight," emphasizes the narrator's choice to hide their true emotions. They believe that if they play their role right and present their love in a subtle way, they may have a chance of being accepted. The mention of a flower in the moonlight symbolizes a tender and romantic gesture, suggesting that they hope to win the affection of the person they love. Overall, "If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight" delves into the complexities of love, fear, and vulnerability. It highlights the internal struggle of wanting to express emotions while fearing rejection, all in the hope of finding love and acceptance.
