I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
From the very first time I blessed my eyes on you, girl
My heart says follow through
But I know, now, that I’m way down on your line
But the waitin’ feel is fine
So don’t treat me like a puppet on a string
‘Cause I know how to do my thing
Don’t talk to me as if you think I’m dumb
I wanna know when you’re gonna come, see
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
‘Cause if summer is here
I’m still waiting there
Winter is here
And I’m still waiting there
Like I said:
It’s been three years since I’m knockin’ on your door
And I still can knock some more
Cuckoo girl, cuckoo girl, is it feasible?
I wanna know now, for I to knock some more
Ya see, in life I know there’s lots of grief
But your love is my relief
Tears in my eyes burn – tears in my eyes burn
While I’m waiting – while I’m waiting for my turn
See!
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love, oh!
I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna
I don’t wanna wait in vain
I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna
I don’t wanna wait in vain
No, I don’t wanna (I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna
I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna wait in vain)
No I – no I (I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t
Wanna – I don’t wanna wait in vain)
No, no-no, I, no, I (I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna
I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna wait in vain)
It’s your love that I’m waiting on (I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna
I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna wait in vain)
It’s me love that you’re running from
It’s your love that I’m waiting on (I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna
I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna – I don’t wanna wait in vain)
It’s me love that you’re running from
Longing and Vulnerability in “Waiting In Vain”
Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain” captures the raw emotion of longing for love that seems just out of reach. The song’s narrator expresses a deep yearning and unwavering patience, revealing vulnerability as he waits for reciprocation from the one he adores. The repetition of the line “I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love” highlights a fear of unrequited affection, while the passage of time—marked by changing seasons and years—creates a sense of persistent hope despite uncertainty.
Endurance and Honest Expression
Marley’s lyrics speak to anyone who has anxiously waited for love, blending a sense of hope with the ache of potential rejection. He pleads not to be treated as a “puppet on a string,” asserting his self-worth even as he remains devoted. The song’s soulful delivery and heartfelt words create a universal anthem for those enduring the uncertain journey of love.
Song Credits
Songwriter: Bob Marley
Release Year: 1977
Label: Island Records