[Verse 1]
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 that plastic-covered couch

[Verse 2]
Second time I meant it I was twenty
We 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

[Chorus]
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" has meant many things
It never was supposed to
I can say "te amo" just for you
I can say "te amo" just for you

[Verse 3]
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
[Chorus]
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" has 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