If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight
James Taylor · JT [1977]
If I keep on talking now
I'll only start repeating myself
And all I can say is
I love you
I love you
I love you
I love you
If I slip and tip my hand
I'm certain to scare you away
Then what would I say
I'd be hurting I'm certain
I'd be uncool to let you know that you're the one
The fool who jumped the gun
'Cause I've been advised by other guys
You've left behind
Your goodbyes are somewhat unrefined
But if I play my role just right
Tonight could be my lucky night
And you could be mine
If I present it to you
With a flower in the moonlight
Shiny and new
Well, you couldn't say no tonight
If I keep my heart out of sight
If I play my role just right
Then Tonight could be my lucky night
And you could be mine
If I present it to you
With a flower in the moonlight
Oh, shiny and new
Well, you couldn't say no tonight
If I keep my heart out of sight
I'll only start repeating myself
And all I can say is
I love you
I love you
I love you
I love you
If I slip and tip my hand
I'm certain to scare you away
Then what would I say
I'd be hurting I'm certain
I'd be uncool to let you know that you're the one
The fool who jumped the gun
'Cause I've been advised by other guys
You've left behind
Your goodbyes are somewhat unrefined
But if I play my role just right
Tonight could be my lucky night
And you could be mine
If I present it to you
With a flower in the moonlight
Shiny and new
Well, you couldn't say no tonight
If I keep my heart out of sight
If I play my role just right
Then Tonight could be my lucky night
And you could be mine
If I present it to you
With a flower in the moonlight
Oh, shiny and new
Well, you couldn't say no tonight
If I keep my heart out of sight
If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight
James Taylor's 'If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight' appears on the 1977 album JT, showcasing her signature blend of acoustic intimacy and introspective lyricism. Recorded during a pivotal period in her career, the track exemplifies her ability to explore themes of emotional restraint and vulnerability with understated grace. As part of her extensive discography spanning the late 1960s through the 1970s, this recording reflects the soft, melodic sensibilities that defined her work alongside contemporaries like Carole King and Joni Mitchell. The song remains a testament to her skill in crafting personal narratives that resonate universally, capturing the quiet complexity of maintaining composure while feeling deeply.