The Come On

Reflections on Unrequited Love: Janis Ian's Emotional Journey
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Lyrics

I haven't been loved by a man in quite a while

I have not experienced love from a man for a considerable period.

You know it ain't easy making me smile

It is challenging for others to bring joy to me.

Friends have their lovers

Friends have their romantic partners.

Men on a string

Men are pursuing me persistently.

There must be something terribly wrong with me

I feel that something is seriously wrong with me.

Sometimes I feel like I haven't learned anything

There are times when I feel I haven't gained wisdom or experience.


How do you do?

Greeting someone, perhaps a new acquaintance.

Would you like to be friends?

Expressing a desire for friendship.

No, I just want a bed for the night

Rejecting the idea of friendship, seeking only a place to stay.

Someone to tell me they care

Desiring someone to show concern and care.

You can fake it, that's all right

Acknowledging the possibility of faking emotions for comfort.

In the morning I won't be here

Indicating a transient presence, not staying overnight.


It's a sacrificial altar

Comparing a relationship to a sacrificial altar.

And I'm laying down my head

Being vulnerable and open in the relationship.

And I'm telling you up front

Admitting a lack of substantial offerings in the relationship.

I haven't much to give

Expressing limited capacity to give in the relationship.


Is that how it's done,

Pondering the correct approach to relationships.

Or shall I sing and dance?

Asking whether singing and dancing are necessary in relationships.

Give me a chance

Seeking an opportunity to prove oneself in the relationship.


How do you do?

Greeting someone again, potentially the same or a different person.

Do you want to be friends?

Reiterating a desire for friendship, seeking confirmation.

Yes, that might be very nice

Accepting the idea of friendship, expressing positivity.

Maybe we'll fall in love

Speculating on the possibility of falling in love.

Every body has its price

Recognizing that everything has a cost, implying a willingness to pay.

Mine is yours for free

Stating that the speaker's price for love is free.

If you'll be in love with me

Offering love in exchange for reciprocation.


I haven't been loved by a man in quite a while

Reiterating the lack of recent love from a man.

You know it ain't easy making me smile

Highlighting the difficulty in bringing joy to the speaker.

Friends have their lovers

Observing that friends have their own romantic relationships.

Men on a string

Noting the persistence of men pursuing the speaker.

There must be something terribly wrong with me

Expressing a recurring feeling of something being wrong with the speaker.

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