Too Close | Alex Clare

What is the meaning and main idea of Alex Clare's Too Close song? What is the message the song tries to convey? Continue reading this article to find the answers. And for your reference, below is the complete lyric of the song.

Too Close - Alex Clare

You know I'm not one to break promises
I don't want to hurt you but I need to breathe
At the end of it all you're still my best friend
But there's something inside that I need to release
Which way is right, which way is wrong?
How do I say that I need to move on?
You know we headed separate ways

CHORUS
And it feels like I am just too close to love you
There's nothing I can really say
I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more
Got to be true to myself
And it feels like I am just too close to love you
So I'll be on my way

You're givin' me more than I can return
Yet there's oh so much that you deserve
Nothing to say, nothing to do,
I've nothing to give
I must leave without you
You know we headed separate ways

CHORUS

So I'll be on my way

CHORUS

So I'll be on my way
So I'll be on my way

Meaning, Main Idea, and Message of The Song

Based on the lyric of the song above, I conclude that this song tells us about a man's decision to leave his lover. The decision is not made because he has another girl. He is not sort of a man who likes to play on girls' heart. It is also not because the girl has affair with another man. No. Both of them are faithful to each other. And more, they never hurt each other.

So, what is it that makes the man decides to end their love? The possible answer is implicitly explained in the first line of the third verse, the fourth line of the first verse, and the second line of the first verse. Combined the lines go as follow: 'You're giving me more that I can return,' 'but there's something inside that I need to release'. 'I don't want to hurt you, but I need to breathe'. Based on these two lines, I conclude that it is because the man feels that the girl is possessive so that he feels confined. He knows that his girl is too nice to him. But, he realizes that the 'too' has left him no space to breathe. Therefore, to me the line 'Yet there's oh so much that you deserve' is a satire to the girl.

Well, that's my interpretation of Alex Clare's Too Close song. What do you have in mind?

116 comments:

  1. I interpreted it as they fell out of love, or maybe never were. I get that impression because of the use of "At the end of it all you're still my best friend." The operative word for me was "best" and "still." My assumption is that a man who was with someone possessive wouldn't have been best friends with his mate, nor would he try to continue that. Subsequently I didn't take "Yet there's oh so much that you deserve" as satire or sarcasm or anything of that nature. I think he's saying that his gf (or bf, etc, whatever) deserves to be loved the way that she is loving him (You're givin' me more than I can return), but that he is unable to be that person for her. His heart doesn't reciprocate more than intense friendship, and he needs to be "released" from that.

    I think a contributing factor to making the relationship that exists, difficult is that their lives are going in different directions (You know we're headed in separate ways).

    I agree with the part where you say infidelity is clearly not an issue here and the "moving on" he describes does not mean they are necessarily moving on to someone else.

    Just my thoughts...
    -Nicole

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    2. you're all wrong the song he took from his ex gf breaking up with him, she wrote himn a letter and this was what she wrote in the letter, this is how she writes, i know her..

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    3. I agree with every word nicole said...you have a great judgement and perception on the lyrics ,...very legitimate,nicole
      I interpreted the lyrics the same way but i found other interperations equally interesting...beautiful song with beautiful lyrics...alex clare is just brilliant
      Nelly

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  2. Interesting views from both of you. I can see it from each of your perspectives. I thought the song was about a man who no longer feels he has anything in common with his lover. They have given him so much through the years and helped him grow, so much so that he feels indebted to her but he must be on his way. Maybe she dosent support something he thirsts for more than he thirsts to be with her or he sees their relationship as a hindrance. I assumed that the references to going separate referred to their life paths. Then the "Which way is up which way down" Line means he dosent know who's path is right who's path is wrong but they have come to a crossed road and there's no sense in fighting what need to be done.

    Anyways, I think what makes the song so awesome is that three different people were able to find three different meanings. It's open to interpretation and speaks to the listeners in different ways. Hey, who knows maybe Alex Clare/ the writer meant something that none of us came up with.

    Just my thoughts ,
    Cassie :-D

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    1. The listener/reader owns the theme.
      so even if alex clare was talking about prostitution (I doubt it)
      Your interpretation is legitmate.
      :D

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    2. The rules of art are awesome huh?

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    3. wow,
      congrats to all of us who have just a slightly different twist! i have been in an abusive marriage for 19 years, and finally getting out! this song is awesome! my husband has been my bf, my everything, but i am being suffocated. the lyrics really hit home on a very deep level for me. i love how the artist sings the song with such passion, too! loving this song!

      another good one is tusk by fleetwood mac(live with the usc marching band)...listen and read the lyrics on THAT one!

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  3. Ok, everybody...here is a bit of a twist. Maybe my interpretation is a bit different because of things going on in my life. Forgive me if I am completely wrong, but... With some of the words he throws out there, "But there's something inside I need to release" could this be a hidden feeling that nobody knows about. "which way is right, Which way is wrong," could be the total confusion of it all, just not knowing which way to turn because all you ever hear is the negative side and never the positives. "Ican't lie no more, I can't hide no more, got to be true to myself,"...well...maybe he is saying enough with being with people he really does not want to be with, he may only be with these people to please other people in his life while he is absolutely miserable but able to hide his misery and just wants to live his life the way he needs to. Maybe he wants people to know but does not want to say it...could it be that he is gay and wants to finaly start living his life? He does not want to lie or hide anymore and maybe he can't love a woman so he becomes close to her like a mother or sister instead of a lover and he just does not want to hurt anybody else because of his true feelings. Kind of my situation and the song just really seemed to fit my situation right now. So many different interps for this song. It's awesome how all of our brains can come up with so many different interps! I like the interps above too! They make a lot of sense!

    Bobby S

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    1. I completely agree with this one. I too am in a similar position. I loved this song and couldnt figure out why and then I listened to the lyrics and it became pretty obvious... I think no matter what everyone will interpret this differently but "You're givin' me more than I can return" = he cant love her the way a man should

      And I agree with the "Ican't lie no more, I can't hide no more, got to be true to myself," = he is referring to the stigma of being gay and realizing he needs to come out of the closet

      Again everyone will interpret to fit there own lives, its human psychology. For me, I married my best friend who I love with all my heart, but as I grew older I realized that I was gay. For some people it isnt as obvious whereas for others they know their whole life. I made a promise and I will stick to it but I am afraid she deserves more. For me literally every line of this song resonates what I am going through.

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    2. Same here! My Best friend and I fell in love. He wanted to keep it hidden, I wanted to celebrate. I couldn't lie no more, hide no more and had to be true to myself. The relationship ended and he's still my best friend!

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    3. Oh well... May be he's just afraid of falling in love? "It feels like I am just too close to love you" if he says that, that means he already knows that there's something special? I'm taltking about personal experience too. All over the song, he's saying that she might be THE girl/boy, but there's something inside him that he needs to understand in order to love someone. There's nothing wrong with her/him, but as long as he can't release what is inside him, he could not fall in love. So he doesn't want to hurt her because she/he deserves "much better". That might the right person, but at the wrong time.

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    4. I agree with this post. I think it's in part because of what Ia currently going through. My ex left because he felt trapped and overwhelmed by the responsibility of a relationship and children. He also is scared to death of true intimacy and being close to someone. Apparently his friends have now told me this is his mo. Get to close feel overwhelmed which does feel like not being able to breathe...and he bolts.

      I don't want to hurt you but I need to breathe. Feels so overwhelmed with life and responsibility that he doesn't want to hurt anyone but feels like it's all constricting him.

      He still feels they are best friends but I see him saying that something inside that needs to be released...meaning he feels like he needs to have his freedom again...which way is right which way is wrong...shows his confusion in this decision. Feels like I am just too close to love you...I really believe this is him admitting that they have become too close and he doesn't know how to love being this close/intimate to him. And it scares him....there is nothing he can say because what he probably doesn't fully understand it himself. I think the whole time they were together he was so overwhelmed and felt trapped that he was lying to himself and hiding the truth that even tho he wanted to do the right thing and be a boyfriend/parent it was a lie. She gave him more then he an return. Unconditional love, a family, a home, and he sees her as deserving so much more...someone who can give back equally what she gives that he cannot because he can't truly love or get intimate. There is nothing to say or do and nothing to give...because he has nothing to give. He is incapable of intimacy. Even in the video it's hard to tell it's 2 different people...almost as if he's battling himself an inside turmoil.

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    5. I think that this song means he is fighting the fact that he's already fallen in love with him/her. Too close to love you...he's in love but he's afraid of getting hurt so he leaves. Problem solved, in leaving, he no longer has to deal or be afraid of truly loving someone. But that's just my opinion;)

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    6. I agree with your point of view... to make a choice between a girl or a boy... Girls, the reason choice and Guys, the heart choice... but to be true to himself....

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  4. I completely agree w/ "May 8th" post! It just seems to make the most sense... The only reason this song started to confuse me from the start is the line: And it feels like I am just too close to love you. LOL!

    The only way I can interpret it is like Too close = he knows his best friend too well to love that person? OR Too close = meaning in proximity - literally too close & attached at the hip kind of relationship? OR - here is a different spin - Too Close = he is too close to a big goal of his, and in turn, he cannot love the person b/c of it (he cannot have both, and wants to achieve his goal more). Basically, "I am just too close to my goal to love you."

    HAHA - I dunno - But I totally think it's bomb how at least a few people were all thinking "WTF?" about the lyrics & their meaning too! (I'm not the only one - yay)

    ~Lora~

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    1. yeah i feel like the 8th post holds a lot of substance here because Being too close to someone to love them makes me believe that they have a different type of relationship outside of love and hes lying to himself everyday to keep from risking it



      ~jay~

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  5. Maybe he loved her but once he starts to get too close he feels he needs out because he has commitment issues. In other words afraid of commitment.

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    1. I agree with you on this! I think this is exactly what the song means in my perspective.
      He was feeling her and loves her BUT can't commit "right now" or "ever". Danm boys and their stupid commitment issues.

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    2. My (ex) GF had it... didn't made a difference how hard i tried... she ran :(

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    3. Bingo! My BF told me basically the same thing. Yet every time he tried to leave completely he just couldn't do it. We started being just friends and have become so much closer once the title and pressure were taken off. Now we are close and loving. He is finally making plans for the future. Not too far, just a couple of months, but it is going forward. I don't care what we or anyone else calls it. We are together and that is all that matters. When u want to keep someone who has commitment issues u need to learn to back off a bit or they will run for the hills. I am patiently waiting because I am here for the long haul.

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  6. It seems to me that this girl loves him but, although he really likes and appreciates the girl, he just doesn't love her and can't give her what she wants or deserves. I'm still not sure about the "too close to love you", however. What is he too close to? I think he's saying that he just cannot love her even though he tried to and maybe wishes he could - perhaps he is too close to her as a friend to see her in any other way. There's certainly several valid interpretations for the lyrics and I think that's part of what makes the song so moving.

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  7. It's based on the typical modern day idea of relationships and how people are disposable. 'too close to love you' doesn't mean that he doesn't love his woman, only that he isn't attracted to her in the same way he used to be. Generally speaking, people don't leave their partners if they are still attracted (in love with) to them -even if one's partner is abusive, lots of people will not leave them because the attraction still exists.

    The truth is this - too much of a good thing becomes boring or unattractive. Too much of your favourite food and it won't be valuable or attractive to you any more. It's the same with people, particularly in modern-day Mcdonald's (fast- food throw away) culture. Fall in love fast, then throw it away when you are bored. If you're lucky, after the excitement of a relationship, what you are left with is your best friend who you trust completely.

    'Too close to love you' = 'I've had too much of you and I have lost attraction to you/ I'm bored and am going to throw my best friend away so I can find someone else (who is not necessarily better)to feel excited about until histoy repeats itself'.

    I love you...

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    1. I thoroughly agree with your comment 100%. Modern day relationships, disposable, tire easily, etc. These days no one believes in commitment anymore. Married people are now so quick to choose divorce over working problems out. The grass isn't always greener on the other side and people get hurt bad when the modern day disposal acceptance takes place. Maybe we belong in a different time period. We're stuck with a bunch of use'n'chuckers..

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    2. This song mirrors my last breakup (in fact, I broke down - an odd reaction, given the tempo - the first time I heard it on the radio), and I couldn't agree more with your interpretation of the lyrics. Sometimes when things seem to be going too well in a relationship, one of the two people involved get restless and decide to leave and see what else is out there. It's natural that the honeymoon phase (that initial spark of attraction) may wax and wane over time, but it's what happens in the down periods that determines whether or not a couple will remain together. It's as if the moment a hint of doubt enters the picture, someone flees in search of something "better".

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    3. so true! I feel the same way right now. my bf is the sweetest guy alive and loves me like crazy , I used to be head over heals for him , but in the recent past I don't don't feel the same way .maybe because he decided to study in a different country and its long distance now.. but I know he's the best guy out there for me and I want to love him with the intensity in which he loves me so that line so close to love you makes sense to me, meaning im so so close to' love you' but I dont completely love you.. maybe that s what that line meant. and another line - which way is right , which way is wrong . I feel that maybe he feels that one choice he has is to not break her heart n be with her to try to get the love back cuz he knows its still there and another choice is that hes not treating her the way she deserved to be treated, with same amount of love that she deserves so should he do her right by leaving her so that she can find a better guy who she deserves.. so the question is what is the right thing to do here.. its confusing.. well that's just how I m feeling right now.. and im going with choice no 1.. cuz I don't want to hurt him I still do love him..
      just the thoughts of a confused person trying figure life out..hope im doing the right thing

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  8. I may just be influenced by my current situation, which could easily be interpreted in this song as well... I took it from the prospective of "And it feels like I am just too close to love you, so I'll be on my way" meaning that "I am getting too close to the point of loving you, so I am going to leave now before I fall". I hear it from the prospective of the commitment phobic... And that he wants to salvage his relationship with his best friend before it gets screwed up by love because he knows that he can't give her what she has given him (her heart) and he knows she deserves more. I don't know, that is just how it has manifested in my mind. However, it is very interesting to see all the different interpretations.

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    1. This is exactly how I interpreted it as well!

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    2. I completely agree, but I just couldn't put it into words. :)

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    3. Agree here...I think he has commitment issues and that he is starting to fall for this girl but it freaks him out so he has to take a break, leave the relationship (but not fully leave since he cares deeply for her) and supports the decision with the fact that he cannot keep lying to himself. He can't help but run away and knows that she deserves more than half a heart short of commitment.

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    4. Agree - only want to add that I think the speaker has a dysfunctional view of 'love'; that love is a more superficial thing, where his "too close" relationship with his "best friend" would make him vulnerable if romance/passion/lust were to be introduced.

      Wonderfully tragic as he is about to abandon the most fulfilling of all relationships - love build upon friendship.

      I don't buy the 'gay' tack. The song seems more universal than that.

      Love it.

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    5. Travis, whoever you are, you are a very smart man! Btw I heard the song, and I loved it. However, was quite disheartened by the artist's response to the interview on this song, where he explains it as someone being very close to someone and then becoming lovers, knowing them very well, and loving them, but thinking you'll never be in love with them. However, I agree with your post on his sentiment, that it's a very superficial and dysfunctional view of love, for love is a very transcendental quality. Especially, if you started out as friends, it takes people years to hit them that they are in love with their mates, and a lot of trials and tests of life.

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    6. I interpreted it this way as well.

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  9. I took it exactly the same way as what post june 14th has taken :-)

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  10. yeah i definitely took it as he's almost in love with her but doesn't want to be, for commitment issues he's having.. Know someone like that who loves the lyrics hmm :)

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  11. This song speaks to me in a personal way, and I interpret it the way things are going in my life. I recently moved from Chicago to California to pursue a dream that I have wanted for a couple of years. My then boyfriend was not too thrilled about the situation, but I was 'too close' to my dream to love him. I believe the artist has 'something that he needs to release', like a goal or passion and his life is heading in a 'separate way' then that of his girlfriend. He 'can't lie no more' or 'hide no more' about what is in his heart. He may have been pursuing his music career and had to leave somebody behind in order for his dream to blossom. Story of my life right now... SN: I bumped this song all through the road trip to Cali :)

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  12. Sometimes people know eachother too well. They become more like family than lovers. A sense of passion and romance leaves. Some people need that feeling in their lives.They still love the other person but not romatically and they want to be truthful to themselves and the other person about it. Too close to love you.

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  13. Well, I'm german so 1. I don't no if I understood it right and 2. My English is not so good!
    I think he speaks to his best friend and he doesn't know if he's in love with her or not (and she is?), he likes her to much(but only as best friend) No idea if I tell rubbish, but this is my interpretation of the song!

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  14. I interpret this song being that he had a best friend of opposite gender and that girl liked him, but he was too close to her to actually love her that way. He still wanted to be friends but his friend had only started to love him, and he needed a break from her.

    That is just what I thought, so ya, ;)

    ~KaTT

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  15. I listened to this song when it was first on the commercial... it has been my ringtone for months now. I took it from prospective, and my out look. The artist of this song made this song open ended for all. Here I go, I took it as a man whom knew he tried for so long. So long to fulfill his desire, he had her once, maybe even twice. She in the end would never see him eye to eye or believe he in deed was able to make up for his mistakes. But the man continues to bend and break at every last text or call, or invitation to that woman. I know it sounds like BS. I continue...but the woman replys here and there. The man throws nasty after nasty messages in a drunk way to the lady. This continues for months because he can't stand the fact that she won't understand his love and regret. His love if you will. But she somehow always answers the next morning... they were once in love. They try to make love at one point. But it doesn't seem to work for either of them. He tries to just give her what he thinks she wants. But all the time she wanted to be taken care of and feel like she was special, even if it had been months and they agreed on just a good lay. He is so exhaustedly confused and distraught...they go back and forth for days about trying to reconcile. It is too far gone now... To be short...he said everything possible to make this woman see that he had changed and wanted to show her so much what he had in store. But still...she wouldn't budge. She finally gave way by offering a "consideration". He asked her out to coffee or lunch. She replied not to push or rush. And to let her have her time. And that she would consider it. Now go listen to the song and realize that it applies to everyone and anyone whom is in a relationship with anyone whom is troubled. The woman in this story was troubled. But the man chasing in the end realized what he had to do. "So ill be on my way". Don't wait and be the back burner...go find the next

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  17. Has anyone seen the video? UGH! The video makes NO SENSE TO ME!

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    1. As I said in my comment in the music video truth and fake are fighting. Look at the comment below.

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  18. I think that he got too close to a girl and couldn't continue doing stuff with her as a lover. The girl probably still loves him, but he doesn't love her anymore and realizes that there is no way they can be together because they are living such different lives.
    The music video shows him battling and that battle is probably truth and fake. Truth obviously won because he in the song it shows how he leaves the girl.

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  19. This song reminds me of when a boy and a girl get too close after doing stuff together and the boy losses interest because he now sees the girl in a different way. The guy could also be going off the college when the girl is still in high school which shows the different ways part.

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  20. I had this lover...which was married. We worked together. We got too close...too personal where it was showing at work and at home. I gave him my all...my attention...my time...my heart...but he had nothing to offer back for me. He was confused, couldn't function, didn't know what to do, couldn't sleep at night.... was he suppose to do the "right thing" and end our "special friendship" so he won't break up his family... Or do the right thing and leave his wife and be with someone he was falling in love with. What do you consider right or wrong...but he did do the right thing and kept his family that he loves. He told me it is for the best...and it was. The best for his kids to stay. He left our job...he is just a memory now that I reminsce about. But he was a wonderful guy and I give him all respect on keeping his family together. Sometimes we leave cause we feel we get too close...and when we get to close it changes our direction. And that could be scary.

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    1. You should be ashamed of yourself...SMH! You knew he was married. Why is it so hard for females to get their own men and leave other's alone!? I do not feel bad for you, I feel bad for his wife. SMH I can't stand homewreckers!

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  21. I'm a gay man and I see how it can be interpreted as that but he is a straight man with straight needs. Or at least that's how I envisioned him so, I just wanted to say I completely agree with Nicole on May 4th.

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  22. Given the intensity of the song, it's a relationship that is too intense. They're passionate and volatile, and he is lost in the turmoil. As good as it is, that soothing feeling from love isn't there and he is about to crash and burn. Just my 2 cents. -Miami

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  23. After having read a lot of your interpretations, I think that there is a lot of substance in all of them.
    Still I want to share my opinion:
    I think the core of the song is "I love you, but I can't be with you". It doesn't matter if he is gay, in love with someone else or anything. The import thing is, that it doesn't feel right. Probably all of you have felt this way before: You really, really "like" someone and you wish you could love him, but you have to realize that it is not possible. He is really close to loving her, but he just isn't in love...That is the reason why he has to be true to himself. Personally, I think it is on of the toughest choices in life, to leave the convinience of someone you "like" and make bothe of you unhappy, just to be happy some time in the future...

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  24. This song hits too close to home for me. Only because I'm unfortunately the longtime female "friend" of a guy who said he loved me and i was /am-i dont even know anymore- in love with him completely but that seems to.have changed things between us. Reading these interpretations and listening to the song has upset me. With love, pain runs all too deep. The singer is expressing his frustrations about feeling like a jerk for involving his best friend into the oh so complicated land of emotions and love. He isnt ready for it yet... with her probably wont ever be. I know because ive been trying to convince myself these same things, but its extremely painful down to your very soul when you love someone and want to be with them so much and they feel it from you but they cant and wont. Im glad he's made his little song about his frustrations, but trust me, his journey is a walk in the park compared to the one on the other end. Nice beat to it but too painful for me to listen to. Hes just not at that place in his life right now and love is about being open to committing to a life together through thick and thin. Its work and some guys sorry.. people.. arent up for all of that aside from the initial feelings of love. Sad, but true and honest ..and sometimes honesty hurts. Music is a wonderfull way of expression is how I'll wrap up this rant.
    As Florence would say...he's just a boy in the garden. 'winks to those of you who get that'

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  25. I honesty think this song is about a boy having commitment issues. He was feeling her and loves her BUT can't commit. He got too close and realized that he wasn't on her same level. Danm boys and their commitment issues.

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  26. I think all the mentioned views are wrong.

    Some believe this song has something to do with 'modern' relationships, and he is callously dated and dumped her. From this view point, sex—love is short lived, and couples have expiry dates. However, this view does not fit the story, since he is a trust worthy guy. How do we know that? Its the first thing he states in the song... Hey, I think we can trust it.

    The problem was that the character did not mean for this relationship to ever occur. Yet, he felt obligated since they were best friends, and hope that they can remain that still. 'Which way is right, which way is wrong?' indicates his confusion of where he should have led the relationship. What he should of done was not lead it anywhere, and back off.

    Realizing honesty to be the simplest conclusion to his dilemma, he decides to be 'true to [himself],' and go 'on [his] way.'

    Don't be fooled and think that man did not love this girl or had commitment issues. For neither is true, as indicated in the song by there 'closeness.' Its sort of a pun. 'Love', within the song, refers to sex. Closeness does not refer to physical proximity, but to love, or I suppose caring, for those who consider love to be sex.

    So while he cares for her, he does not care for her with the part of himself below the waste. Ah, the main conflict. But why is this an issue? Well, its not because she is possessive or too nice, as such details are never mentioned. However, what can be assumed is meta knowledge that she wants to fuck him.

    Which is also indicated in the line, 'you're givin' me more than I can return.' The item in question is lust, and he believes that she deserves a man that can return her appetite of '...so much that [she deserves]'. Sex.

    Now, why is this still a conflict? After all, he could just give in and have sex with her to continue the relationship.

    Well, did you see the music video? It demonstrates the character view of sex as a ritualized, physical insertion. Nothing more.

    So rather then 'lie' about and 'hide' his lack of physical desire, because he is 'too close,' he leaves.

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  27. This very easily could relate to a girl with g.i.g.s.

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  28. My perception is that he was wronged in whatever capacity and although he forgave, he can't continue to pretend everything is complete, as it once was. "Too close" as in he now knows too much, the wrong should have been left unsaid. "You're givin me more than I can return, yet there's oh so much that you deserve"... brutal honesty - that would be painful to the partner if reciprocated. Nothing left to say or do or give that would be positive, so he leaves it lying on the floor like a child would spilled milk.

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  29. I think that this song is about a couple who were best friends and tried out a more than friends relationship but the guy is realizing that it isn't for him. He will always love her because he is so close to her as a best friend and he sees that she deserves so much but from someone other than him.

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  30. I can say personally that so many of you are right. I just got out of a relationship with a man that had been a very close friend for years. He literally sang this song around me the last couple weeks several times, would play it loud on his stereo immediately following our usual drama induced mostly by him. With this being said, he said he loved me, I deserved more than he could give. He frequently said that he is afraid to let me go cause he feels something but doesn't feel it's fair to me cause he can't give me what I deserve. He said he knew he was lucky to have me but confused. I think he was too. Lose to be in love with me but didn't wanna lose our closeness of the friendship. I don't find it ironic that he started passionately singing this song around me. It hurts to hear it but, I do deserve more, and he should be true to himself and to her. This song is admitting he has love, maybe not enough love for her, but he just can't breathe cause he's not in this 100%. He doesn't know if it's right or wrong but has to let her go to be able to be him. He loves her enough to let her go and find a man that loves her whole.

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  31. I think hes saying that he doesn't love her in the same way that she loves him and has accepted that he never will. She is suffocating him and holding on too tight. He was lying to himself by telling himself he could learn to love her. She knows he doesn't love her and feels him pulling away so she tries to hold on, but just ends up suffocating him. Thats why hes too close and can't breathe. My interpretation.

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  32. Well hell..... I'm super bummed the guy I "talk" to posted I'm just too close to love you.... So now I'm getting all paranoid && sad.....

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  33. He is too close to love her basically he is getting too close to falling in live with her he must be in his way!!! Commitment issues. He needs room to breathe. Room to himself he is scared and knows he can't commit and gives he what she deserves because of his phobia duh !!

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  34. Firstly, love this song.
    For me this song kinda describes recent events in my life. Absolutely crazily in love with someone to the point where it kind of hurts (in a good way), but they totally (almost 100%) love this other person. This song to me says I’ve kept my feelings in check, I’ve hidden them from you as much as I can (I promised never to hurt you), I love you and really like your lover, but it's like trying to keep a storm in jar, you just can’t contain it forever, so before it breaks free and wrecks everything between us all I’m going to back off massively and head my separate way and let you head yours. You're my best friend and I’m sorry I can’t tell you why I want us to part, but just trust me I really need to go, I’m just too close to love you and I need to be true to my own feelings.
    This song says this sort of thing to me. Love the line “nothing to say”, I got to that point recently say anything more would hurt them, so best to stay quiet.
    Don’t know if anyone else thinks a similar thing to this song/lyrics, bottom line I just like the tune 

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  35. qouted from his website "Too Close (“It’s about a friend I had of the opposite sex. It’s no longer a friendship…”) "

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  36. No. The song is about a married man in love with a girl that's not attached. She would give him everything but he cant do the same for her. He is attached with a wife and babies which she deserves and wants for herself but he can not provide this for her without destroying many lives including his babies.

    No more lies. which way is right which way is wrong. If the only person that is hurt is him than he is a hero for saving all including her because she finds her a new life for herself. Sad, very sad for him.

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  37. I take it as him saying that being "to close to love" means that he is friend-zoning the girl. He knows that she loves him but he believes that he can't return those feeling. The second verse and chorus lay this idea out fairly clearly, at least in my perspective. "you gave me more than I can return / yet there's so much more that you deserve." The chorus describe him leaving her becuase he know's he can't give her what she needs and he doesn't want to end up hurting either one of them by pretending any longer.

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  38. This song is the story of my damn life.......I love all the interpretations but I do believe its about a guy leaving a girl (who is just a friend) because she is in love with him. But he doesnt feel the same way. So he cuts off all ties with her so he doesnt hurt her more because for him the attraction isnt there. Everything else is...but "it". The whole "Which way is right...which was is wrong" is him fighting himself whether or not to remain friends with her even though he knows she is in love with him.

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  39. I feel like this song isn't in fact about a man falling out of love, but almost the complete opposite.
    From the lyrics in the song, it sounds almost as if he is falling in love with his best friend. Everybody can agree that when you fall in love with your best friend, you often don't want to admit it in fear that it could make things awkward if the other person doesn't feel the same way.
    "At the end of it all, you're still my best friend
    But there's something inside that I need to release
    Which way is right, which way is wrong" : he doesn't know what to do, he is in a personal dilemma...should he confess his love or keep it to himself?
    "And it feels like I am just too close to love you
    There's nothing I can really say
    I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more" : he understands that they have an extremely close friendship, and that it would make it awkward should something happen between them and things don't work out. Almost as if he realizes he is "friendzoned"

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  40. This is a song about being gay. he is coming out. that's why there are samurai in it. with Dick sticks and masks.

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    Replies
    1. no he is not gay this is a illuminiti song the girl is really not a girl. he sold his soul to the devil now he wants to go his own way. thats why he is saying which way is right which way is wrong. she being the devil is being to possesive and he can't breath but now he know that they are going separate ways so he is trying to get out.

      Delete
  41. Ok my interpretation of the song too close to love you.. Is just that!!! He feels like he is too close to love her, meaning he is scared he feels liket running away, I believe it has nothing to do with there relationship!! I believe its something inside of him telling him to go!! He can't lie no more cause the closer he gets to loving her the more he has to go!! The part that states we r headed separate ways however confuses me!! Maybe shes more capable of expressing her love for him without feeling she has to hide, in terms of feeling scared, doubts, uncertainty, the inability to breath.. I feel he can't or isnt ready to love, due to whatever reason!! The song specifically says he has something to release idk I for one would love to hear the true meaning from the man himself!! Anyone know what site i can find It :))
    In conclusion great song!! I'm a fan of Alex Clare for life!!

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    Replies
    1. We are headed separate ways could mean literally...ie moving to different parts of the country or they are in completely different parts of their lives and it's not compatible for a rekationship

      Delete
  42. He promised her that he would alway be there for her, but the more he falls in love with her he feels that he may hurt because he is still battling something within hisself and he has to leave, but at the same time he knows that leaving her will hurt her. So he's caught at a crossroads of whether to do what is best for him by leaving which will end up hurting her or staying and hurting her and destroying everything even their friendship.

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    Replies
    1. I fully agree. That's exactly what the song is about.
      He has internal issues he has to deal with first. He is in love with her, but he is not capable of expressing it, as well as receibing it from her.

      Delete
  43. He fell hard for a girl/ guy but there was no way they could be together due to different life paths or being in different places In their lives. They see the potential to be in a relationship with each other if there wasn't any obstacles but unfortunately they are there. My interpretation, my life story that literally just happened

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  44. I just think it's the typical reason people break up. "I love you but I'm not in love with you".

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  45. "too close to love you" is about 2 people who are the best of friends and become lovers and too close is that you know everything there is to know about that person that you never get that initial spark to be in love with them. check it out in the video statement from alex clare himself

    http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/alex-clare-talks-too-close-in-this-exclusive-video-interview/10202517

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  46. I took this song as the girl loves him more than he loves her, or differently. Perhaps unrequited. He is also torn, they are together, everyone expects them to be. So he has everyone telling him how great they are together, but he just doesnt feel it.
    Alex Clare said it was bout 2 friends who become lovers, but they know each other so well, there is no spark.

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  47. Mine: the man isn't invested in the relationship like the female is. She is not his first priority. He cares for her, but he does not love her. He knows its best to let her go so she can find someone that's equally in love with her. He just doesn't want to break her heart any longer so he just leaves to save her from wasting her time.

    The different paths is her wanting commitment that he isn't ready for. He tried to fall in love with her, but he loves her only as a best friend. When love is a one way street, the person in love tries to do their best to hold on with deperation to the point that they suffocate the other( whom may have a wall up). He is afraid of commitment. When he says which way is right and wrong is because he's afraid if he leaves he will hurt her too bad, but he may also pass up some thing he may never find again. He's also close to loving her so maybe he could fall in love but if he doesn't , he will have wasted both of their time and it could get really ugly from there.

    Its hard when love is a one way street for both parties. Its best to both just let go and find someone that can love you the way you want to be loved. That's why he has to be true to himself, it hurts to continue to lead her on for her own happiness when he also has to think of his. I love this song and Lauren Hill's Ex-Factor.

    ~Ms. Melanie

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  48. okay, so my interpretation is derived from my current life situation, and when i heard the song i felt that my guy could practically be singing it to me, he made it his bbm status also so i'm guessing he thinks of the song in the same way. i think the songs about a guy and a girl,(i know its a girl because alex clare said in his interview that he wrote this song for a friend of the opposite sex, and that the "friendship" doesn't exist anymore) who were really close, and got into a relationship, but after having a long drawn complicated relationship, the guy finally realizes that he can't be with the girl, no matter how close he is to her. he probably promised to love her and be there for her forever, which is why he says he's "not one to break promises" but he needs to leave, because he has to "be true to himself". then because of their friendship and the fact that they know each other so closely and they've probably been through a lot together, he says that "at the end of it all you're still my best friend" but basically he needs to leave, cause he's just too close to her as a friend and a person in his life, and even though he doesn't yet know "which way is right and which way is wrong" he needs to step out of the relationship cause he needs to "breathe" and clear his head out and their relationship has elapsed its time and he "needs to move on". basically he just needs to get out of whatever relationship that they have, even though she may mean the world to him, because their time is up.

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  49. Two words sum up the meaning of this song: Emotional Unavailability.

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    1. Thank you. Whoever says that he doesn't love her or is not in love with her did not fully understand the song. He is in love with her, he just can't be with her because of his own issues (intimacy, fear of rejection, commitment, unrealistic desire to find a perfect partner, etc...you call it).
      So, he IS IN LOVE with her. He is just not ready. And he may never be. And then, when he is old and lonely, he will realize what he has lost... Sad. Or maybe, he will man up and try to deal with his issues if he really wants to be with her :)

      Delete
  50. My Name is Collins, I want to appreciate drcharlesspelltemple@gmail.com for bringing my girlfriend back to me. I am living with my girlfriend now and we are getting married in a month time. I just wanted to thank you for all your help and support. You are wonderful spell caster.

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  51. I think he came to "better off as friends" realization.

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  52. Begin major rant:
    My husband of 14 years used this song tonight as an example of how he is feeling about our relationship. He has been seeing another woman for 10 months and we have been separated on and off during that time. I have been hanging in there, trying to not guide his hand and be patient while he figures out for himself what he needs in his life to be happy. He is living with her, but we have been continuing contact & interaction while he figures out what direction he needs to go.

    He consistently shares with me things he hates about her. Insensitivities, lies, irresponsibility, it goes on and on. And equally consistently tells me how blameless I am in ALL of this and how good a person I am and how I deserve so much better/more.

    I called bullshit on him and these lyrics tonight. To me, they express an exceptionally lame excuse to be lazy and unwilling to put effort into a relationship.

    It is no secret - he has admitted himself - that I have put exceptional effort and love into our marriage. I stood by him when he became an alcoholic. I have endured many difficult situations over the years, many caused by him, a few mutual, some my fault, some that just "happened." He has lauded my strength and the depth of love this exhibits.

    And before you say, "Dang, she really DOES sound smothering." The latest transgression from her that he initially was furious over and then (once again) blew off was texts he discovered between her and a friend discussing how overly needy he is and how his need for constant reassurance makes her feel smothered. His response was to acknowledge that sure as heck he is NEEDY and can't get enough of his partner. He himself has admitted he hated being away from me for very long and just as strongly hates being alone while she's away now that she's the main partner in his life. He is a man who THRIVES on interaction and contact with a partner. I myself would NEVER say I felt smothered by him. And he has never said the same about me.

    In the song, he is saying "I am just to close to love you." Not that SHE is too close. But that HE is. And this is where I call the bullshit. If you are acknowledging:

    1)Someone put true effort into a relationship
    2)They deserve SO MUCH, basically acknowledging they've done good by you and deserve good things themselves

    But then you follow that up with:

    1) "I can't return the same"
    2) "I need to do this so I can breathe"

    I call that lazy, selfish and unwilling to put in effort the way their partner has.

    If we're talking about the song, I pointed out to my husband that the musicality of the song is very harsh and angry. If you're expressing these kinds of feelings, the mood should be one of regret and apology. Instead, it comes from a place of anger. Which tells me the person is either trying to put the blame on their partner (it's your fault, you give too much and I can't keep up, also saying "you KNOW we have to go our separate ways when she knows NOTHING of the sort) or they know they're lame themselves and giving up rather than drum up the courage & strength to give back in kind.

    I'm sorry for the rant. But I am sick and tired of devoting love & life to a man only to be told "I cannot fault you but I'm outta here."

    It's worse than the scenario of the woman who works 3 jobs to put her husband through medical school, only to have him say "Thanks, been nice, I'm outta here" once he has his own practice.

    Stop looking for something different and look at what you already have DIFFERENTLY.

    So, yeah. Even before he brought this up as an example, I hated this song. And I hate it even more now that our conversation made me analyze it deeper.

    And yes, I am "bitter, much"

    /rant

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  53. Wow. Sure wish I could delete this.

    Turns out he was using this song as a way of referencing how he feels about the "other woman." Not about me.

    However, I'm going to still say this applies the way I indicated. My husband has said more than once that I am absolutely free from fault in everything that's going on. A recent text from him says "You're perfect just the way you are. All you can offer should be enough for anyone." It was this text that had me sure he was talking about his relationship with ME in referencing this song.

    I reacted so strongly at the thought this was directed at me because I've heard it before. "I do love you, I'm not worthy" blah blah blah. I'm NOT perfect, damn it! Don't look at me like I am and make YOURSELF feel like you don't measure up to some non-existent expectations.

    And this song PERFECTLY echoes that situation as well.

    At this point, I feel like I'm coming across as a lunatic. It's just that it's really painful to treat someone as well as I'm told I do, yet have them turn around and say "I'm leaving because I don't have it in me to treat you the same way." And this song basically re-opens that wound every time I hear it played.

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    Replies
    1. take care of yourself. you deserve much better, and he may love you deep inside, but he's basically a shithead. you've got your whole life ahead of you. your life will see the love you give, return to you, provided you give it a chance. it'll be a long and slow journey, but i assure you it'll be worth it.

      -words of wisdom from a girl in india xx

      Delete
  54. god bless you forget your husband and move on. he doesn't love you, sorry

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  55. THE MEANING OF THIS SONG
    He’s in a relationship with women, but he saying to he, that he is not the one break promises, his not the one who start play false, tricks. She starts play. Now he won the battle living her.
    He don’t want hut her because he still likes he as best friends. He needs his freedom,
    He need release the truth feelings. He’s not in love with her no more. He love her as friends
    He don’t know the best way to dump her, will be right or wrong way, he need to move on
    They were already going their separate ways. Anyway
    There's nothing he can really say he can't lie no more, I can't hide no more, He must be true to myself, so he will run way. hahahha
    She gave too much to him, more that he can return
    He feel sorry for he, and think she deserve better someone who loves he , Yet there's so much that you deserve
    Nothing to say, nothing to do, nothing to give
    He just want leave, run way freedom, hahaha , must leave without you
    And it feels like I am just too close to love you. she give herself too much, he try to feel the same, try to fall in love, but he can’t, he love he as friends, he not in love her.
    a1-business@hotmail.com

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  56. I think the song is about two best friends. Married to two other people. They began an affair with each other and he relizes it's not right it becomes to be too much for him knowing it is wrong and knowing she deserves better. He becomes smothered by the entire situation. He loves her but has to escape

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  58. why most of men couldn't fight for the one they love? why do they leave the woman they love?Why do they let the woman love them and then leave them?

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  59. HA - "I have been in an abusive relationship for 19 years"... BUT "my husband has been my best friend and so good to me" LIAR! Why don't you just be honest and admit that you are tired of him. Women LOVE to come up with a reason for leaving a man other than their own personal decision. I guess that's why the term is "Man Up", because "Woman Up" would mean to lie and make excuses.

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  60. @anonymous, 17th january: because those men do not truly love their women. it's as simple as that, any other explanation is wishful thinking.

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  61. http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/alex-clare-talks-too-close-in-this-exclusive-video-interview/10202517

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  62. in other words: "you deserve white dress and happy ending" i have already heard that some time ago...

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    ReplyDelete
  64. whats the whole thing about the sword fighting though???
    please tell me!!

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  65. I believe it's about the infamous friend zone. The lyric 'Too close to love you' obviously conveys how they've become too close as friends to risk losing it over a failed relationship. Other lines such as 'You're still my best friend' are self-explanatory, he sees her as nothing more than just a best friend. 'There's oh so much you deserve,' the inevitable line where one will "find someone better", the whole "Some girl will be so lucky to have you" etc. It's a painful truth, but at the same time a powerful song. Going through the exact same situation right now. Well done, Mr Clare.

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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  68. I think the meaning of this song goes deeper than what is said. Alex Clare is a practicing Jew and practicing Jewish men marry Jewish women as the religion and bloodline of Jews is passed through the mother. This is a huge challenge for Jewish men but one which very few compromise as they often get disowned by their community if they break the rules. A practicing Jew can only be with a Jewish woman and it takes at least two years to convert to the faith. Even then, some orthodox sects don't allow marriages to converts.
    I think this song is about Alex Clare falling for a non Jewish woman knowing there isn't a future between them therefore he has to break away because he is 'too close to loving her'

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  69. I think that both have been in a complicated relations.May be it was for a long time and often they had problems.They love each others with all their hearts but the boy cant accept to loose his freedom,he needs her love,but cant return it back to her with the same.He needs her kindness,love,passion,he loves her,he loves her more than anything,but because of that he doesnt want to be with her,because he knows that he is not good enough for her and that he is going to hurt her - he cant accept that.He is doing that because of his love.
    But what he doesnt know is that he is urting her more that way-she thinks that he doesnt love her enogh to be with her and just to forget about his ego and try to be happy,She thinks that the fault is in her,she is blaming herself for something that she cant control-his ming.

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  70. This has probably already been said, but I interpreted it as he is too scared to be in love. I've felt this way with all of my relationships.. I'm scared to get close in case they break my heart or I somehow "mess up".

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  71. INTIMACY ISSUES.

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  72. Commentary from January 16, 2014 has the right direction, the bographical interpretation. Somebody set a link ealier, with an interview: http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/alex-clare-talks-too-close-in-this-exclusive-video-interview/10202517 - So what's up with his relationship with Winehouse? Both were jews, but with different lifestyles. The Song is probably about different lifestyle of two jews, the end of their relationship and the death of Amy.

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  73. I think he's talking about two girls, the first one his girlfriend and she loves him so much but he doesn't and he need to be released from this love because he loves the 2nd girl as he said "it feels like I am just too close to love you,
    There's nothing I can really say.
    I can lie no more, I can hide no more,
    Got to be true to myself.
    And it feels like I am just too close to love you,
    So I'll be on my way."...

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  74. I think its about best friends.One girl,the other guy.Then maybe the girl or boy is like i love you and tries to kiss but gets rejected.The other one goes like i love you but in a best friend and even after that we can still be friends.

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  75. This is how I see it....my lover just ended an affair with me of 6 years. He could no longer separate feelings between myself and his wife. Neither one of us want to break up our families. I can separate it therefore I can handle seeing him, for him he can't and every time he sees me his mind is on me and his wife becomes suspicious and it causes him stress, so I've given him more, he says I deserve more, but he's gotten too close therefore he must leave. My heart is broken. I could see us together. Please don't judge. There are reasons behind this entire situation.

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  76. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  77. According to the artist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Too_Close_(Alex_Clare_song)
    Clare said "Too Close" was inspired by a particular relationship with a close friend that turned romantic. He said, "One thing led to another, but it didn't really work out and that felt too close."[4]
    In other words, he knew her too well to get involved with her that way, successfully.

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    ReplyDelete
  79. Inetersting comments. I would like to share with you what this song mean to me :) I had a love couple of year ago. we worked at the same company. But he was there just in delegacy from another country. We are really similar personalities, with same crazynes. We get really close to each other but never had sex just some really intimate moments durring parties and daily business. everybody thought we are together but we didn't care. He had a kind of serious girlfriend at his home country. we had something special he told me but he never wanted me to think that he will stay with me. we were always 100% honest with each other, loved and take care of each other. It took for 2 years.
    So this song for me and for him meant also that he king of loves me but he needs to go back to his normal life. Get farther to be able to forget me...

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  80. I kind of interpreted it as someone in a friendship which is turning into something more of a relationship, and he is afraid of losing the person because he can't see the relationship working. His rejection ruins it. Just a thought

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  81. I think it's about a guy who has been in relationship for a while and made promises about marriage and children but feels too close to love her now as the feelings have changed and the passion has gone. She is still his best friend and they have gone through a lot, but he has to go because she has given him more and she deserves someone who can love her like she loves him.

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