Meaning of "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by UB40

The lyrics of "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by UB40 express a deep admiration and love for someone. The narrator marvels at the many possibilities this person could have pursued in life, comparing them to various objects and qualities. By saying "you could have been a candle" and "you could have been a handle," the narrator suggests that this person has the potential to bring light and support. This admiration is further emphasized when the narrator states, "You know you could have been a broom" and "you could have been some perfume." The person's ability to sweep the narrator off their feet and their sweet scent evoke feelings of enchantment and desire.

The lyrics also focus on the person's physical beauty, suggesting that they could have been a flower or an hour if those qualities were measurable in time. This implies that the person's attractiveness is timeless and captivating. Additionally, the lyrics describe the person's intelligence by comparing them to a thief and a school book, highlighting their ability to steal the narrator's heart and their intellectual prowess.

Overall, the song conveys a deep appreciation for the person's presence in the narrator's life. The repeated phrase "I can tell, the way you do the things you do" emphasizes the narrator's certainty in their feelings and the undeniable impact this person has had on their happiness. The song is a celebration of the uniqueness and qualities of this person, highlighting their ability to bring joy and sweetness to the narrator's life.