Meaning of "I Thought It Was You" by Herbie Hancock

"I Thought It Was You" carries a strong sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The lyrics describe a chance encounter with someone who reminds the speaker of a past relationship. The mention of perfume and a closed door symbolizes the memories that have been locked away but are now reopened by this encounter. The repetition of "I thought it was you" emphasizes the speaker's initial mistaken belief that the person they saw was indeed their former lover. The mention of being young and the warmth of love reinforces the intensity and beauty of their past relationship. The phrase "remember what we knew" implies that the memories shared by the couple were special and unique. This encounter serves as a catalyst for the speaker to reminisce about the love they once had and the dreams they shared. The lyrics evoke a bittersweet sense of longing and yearning for a relationship that has since faded away.

The song explores themes of nostalgia, love, memory, and the longing for a lost connection. It portrays the profound impact someone from the past can have on our emotions and the lasting imprint of past relationships. The lyrics also reflect on the passage of time and the way it can affect our perception of love and relationships. It reminds us of the power of memory and how a single moment or encounter can transport us back to an earlier time in our lives. Overall, "I Thought It Was You" captures the universal experience of longing for someone from our past and the complex emotions that come with it.