About The Song
“Poetry in Motion” is a hit song written and performed by singer-songwriter Johnny Tillotson in 1961. The song was a romantic ballad that became popular in the early 1960s and has since remained a classic in the popular music of that time period. The song was recorded by Tillotson during the late 1950s, and the recording was named “Poetry in Motion” after a poem by Edgar Allan Poe. The song features Tillotson’s signature playing style, which has been described as “string-accented electric skiffle” and incorporates elements of rockabilly and bubblegum pop. The song was successful on the American charts, reaching the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. It was also named one of the “Top 50 Greatest Records of 1961” by the Record Researcher magazine.
The song portrays a deep admiration and infatuation for someone special. The lyrics describe the overwhelming attraction and beauty the protagonist sees in his love interest. Tillotson compares the presence of his beloved to poetry, suggesting that her every movement is a work of art. It is a tender portrayal of the power of love, and Tillotson expresses his admiration for every move his sweetheart makes. The song highlights the beauty and gracefulness of the protagonist’s partner, comparing her to poetry in motion. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist admires every movement of his love interest and finds it to be perfect as it is.
Video
Lyrics
When I see my baby, what do I see
Poetry, poetry in motion
Poetry in motion, walkin’ by my side
Her lovely locomotion keeps my eyes open wide
Poetry in motion, see her gentle sway
A wave out on the ocean could never move that way
I love every movement
There’s nothing I would change
She doesn’t need improvement
She’s much too nice to rearrange
Poetry in motion, dancing close to me
A flower of devotion a-swaying gracefully
Oh, a-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
A-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
A-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa
Poetry in motion, see her gentle sway
A wave out on the ocean could never move that way
I love every movement
There’s nothing I would change
She doesn’t need improvement
She’s much too nice to rearrange
Poetry in motion, all that I adore
No number nine love potion could make me love her more
Oh, a-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
A-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
A-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
A-whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa