Meaning of "Walk on By" by Mel Tormé

The lyrics of "Walk on By" by Mel Tormé delve into the complexities of forbidden love and the difficulty of maintaining a romantic connection while being involved with someone else. The internal struggle of wanting to be with someone but knowing the impossibility of it due to societal norms or personal commitments is palpable in the words. The singer is torn between their love for the other person and the reality of their situation, leading to a constant push and pull of emotions. By asking the other person to "walk on by" and maintain their distance, there is a sense of resignation and acceptance of the circumstances, even though the love remains strong. The repetition of the lines "I love you, but we're strangers when we meet" emphasizes the bittersweet nature of the relationship, where love exists but cannot be openly expressed or acted upon.

The mention of meeting in a "dimly lit corner" and trying to say goodbye again hints at a clandestine and perhaps fleeting nature of their encounters, adding a layer of secrecy and intensity to their connection. The theme of longing and unfulfilled desire runs through the lyrics, as the singer acknowledges the inevitability of their situation but also struggles to let go completely. Overall, "Walk on By" captures the heart-wrenching dilemma of loving someone you can't be with and the pain of keeping that love hidden.