Lea

Ending this blog series on women and songs with “Lea”.

Sometime in 1986, the band Toto came up with the song “I’ll Be Over You”. Shortly after that, they followed this up with “Lea”.

The song obviously refers to a girl, but it was never confirmed if “Lea” is a real person. Toto gave no details as to who “Lea” is, unlike their other song “Rosanna” which partially referred to actress Rosanna Arquette who used to date the group’s keyboardist Steve Porcaro.

Still, “Lea” became a hit thanks to its jazz-type arrangement and the haunting lyrics. Of course, the fact that the song was about a mystery woman also helped a lot.

The message that “Lea” carries is somewhat shrouded in mystery as well. The first part of the song talks about a love offered, given, and shared.

Here’s to the few. who fared, my love
Only for you, I cared, my love
I’ve given it hope, and I know it’s only you
Encased in silence

Here’s to the you, who saved, my love
Only to you, I gave, my love
I’ve given it thought, and it’s not all that appears
In the chorus, however, there is a reference to a love being refused and the question of whether “Lea” still wants/needs this love.

Lea, how long will you still want me to want you
In and around you
Lea, my concertina
Will you still want me to want you
At the end of the song, the plead is for “Lea” not to let the feelings for her come to a sad end.

Lea, don’t let this end, my feelings for you

Lea, do you still want me to want you

So, who is “Lea”? She continues to remain mysterious which makes the woman and the song all the more beautiful.This mystique is something that most women have always been known to possess since she first enchanted man.

Want to hear “Lea” the way Toto sang it? Here’s the link: