Meaning of "Too Shy To Say" by Stevie Wonder

"Too Shy to Say" delves into the experience of unspoken love and the fear of vulnerability that prevents the narrator from expressing their feelings openly. The song revolves around the idea of longing for someone and the struggle to find the courage to communicate those emotions. It portrays a common human experience of being deeply in love with someone but feeling inhibited by fear, whether it be fear of rejection, fear of vulnerability, or fear of losing the friendship that currently exists. The narrator's yearning to be more than just friends and their desire to be with this person until the end speaks to the depth of their emotions and their longing for a fulfilling romantic relationship.

The repetitive chorus emphasizes the internal conflict the narrator faces, with the phrase "And I can't go on this way" expressing their frustration and discomfort with concealing their true feelings. The line "With it stronger every day" suggests that the love they feel is intensifying over time, intensifying their struggle to keep their emotions under wraps. The phrase "But being too shy to say" reflects the struggle they face in expressing their love openly.

The lyrics also touch on the dream of escape, as the narrator expresses their desire to fly away with this person until there is nothing left to do. This escapism presents a temporary solution to the narrator's dilemma, imagining a world where they can be together without the fear of rejection or the pressure of confessing their love. Yet, at the same time, it is clear that the narrator understands the limitations of this fantasy and yearns for a reality where they can openly declare their love.

Ultimately, "Too Shy to Say" speaks to the universal struggle of unrequited love and the emotional barriers we often face when it comes to expressing our deepest feelings. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, frustration, and the desperation to find the courage to be vulnerable and open about love.