When I'm Not Near From The Girl I Love

Frank Sinatra's song "When I'm Not Near From The Girl I Love" delves into the whimsical and somewhat humorous nature of human affection and fidelity. The lyrics paint a picture of a man whose heart is easily swayed by proximity, suggesting that his love is not steadfast but rather influenced by whoever is closest to him at the moment. This theme is evident from the opening lines, where the protagonist admits that his heart beats wildly because of the presence of a particular person, but quickly shifts his affection to the nearest girl when the one he loves is not around.

The song employs clever wordplay and metaphors to illustrate the protagonist's fickle nature. Phrases like "every femme that flutters by me is a flame that must be fanned" and "when I can't fondle the hand I'm fond of, I fondle the hand at hand" highlight his inability to remain loyal to one person. The use of alliteration and internal rhymes adds a playful tone to the song, making the protagonist's confessions of infidelity seem almost charming and lighthearted.

Culturally, the song reflects a time when such themes of romantic indecision and playful infidelity were more openly discussed in popular music. Sinatra's smooth, charismatic delivery adds to the song's appeal, making the protagonist's admissions seem less like moral failings and more like endearing quirks. The song ultimately explores the complexities of human emotions and the often contradictory nature of love and desire, wrapped in a package of wit and charm that only Sinatra could deliver.