"Kelly"

I used to get a lot of song ideas while walking around. I did this in both Boston and Chicago. “Kelly” is a song that took a while to stew. I had a couple of lines and the hint of a melody, which had both popped into my head while walking, but it took a bit of sitting at the piano and patiently working out the rest of the song to complete it. I had a teacher in school who used the term “grunt and snort exercises” for tasks like that. Some jobs don’t get done unless you simply force yourself to slowly slog your way through them, grunting and snorting all the way. I think the insecurity that eventually came out in the finished lyrics reflects that struggle.

Kelly

© 1987 Brian Hutzell

Kelly, tell me
What are your plans
What are you going to do?
Kelly, tell me
I wanna know
What do I mean to you?
I suppose you don't have to answer but I'd like to know
Tell me now before I have to go
Kelly, tell me
What do you think about when I'm away?
Do you wonder what I am up to, if I am safe?
Does it matter that I'm in love with you
Do you care?
Have you ever heard my silent prayer?

Kelly is the name of the girl I'm in love with
But she's only seen me in my working clothes
Maybe I'm afraid of the world she belongs in
But unless I tell her she will never know
(I've never said a word, I've never said a word)
Kelly is the name of the girl I'm in love with
Someday when I'm feeling brave I will propose

Kelly, tell me
What are your feelings for me
Are they true?
Can I kiss you
Is it permitted? Will you kiss me too?
I suppose you don't have to answer, but it would be nice
Tell me now before I say goodnight

Before I say, “I love you," I need some indication
That whatever happens, you won't start laughing at me

Kelly is the name of the girl I'm in love with
But she's only seen me in my working clothes
Maybe I'm afraid of the world she belongs in
But unless I tell her she will never know
(I've never said a word, I've never said a word)
Kelly is the name of the girl I'm in love with
Someday when I'm feeling brave I will propose

Before I say, "I love you," give me some reassurance
If I look like a fool you won't be cruel to me

Don't abuse me
You confuse me, and it makes me nervous
If you tease me I'll be afraid to let my feelings surface
I suppose that what really matters is not how we dress
But it is a snag nevertheless

Kelly is the name of the girl I'm in love with
But she's only seen me in my working clothes
Maybe I'm afraid of the world she belongs in
But unless I tell her she will never know
(I've never said a word, I've never said a word)
Kelly is the name of the girl I'm in love with
Someday when I'm feeling brave I will propose

Pages 2-3

From Bigsong II

Brian Hutzell