First time I meant it, I was seventeen
I said it first, and she said it right back to me
Surrounded by pictures of her childhood
In her grandparents' house, we were invincible
Like their plastic-covered couch

Second time I meant it, I was twenty
You started out as best friends
I'd already said it plenty
Using words like the one and forever
If it wasn't with her, didn't think I'd want it ever

I can say te amo
But I can't say I love you
I love you has gone so wrong
Te amo is brand-new
I love you's meant many things
It never was supposed to
I can say te amo just for you
I can say te amo just for you

Third time I meant it, I lost a part of me
She only loved the man she wanted me to be
But when I said it, I meant it
I was totally honest
Then she held it against me
Like I'd broken a promise

I can say te amo
But I can't say I love you
I love you has gone so wrong
Te amo is brand-new
I love you's meant many things
It never was supposed to
I can say te amo just for you
I can say te amo
I can say te amo
I can say te amo just for you