Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
The Isley Brothers Lyrics
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Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes to the morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
Say good-bye woman say hello
Sure 'nough good to see you
But it's time to go
Don't say yes, but please
Don't say no
I don't want to be lonely tonight
Go away then, damn you
Go on and do as you please, yeah
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
Cause I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
You've been turning my world upside down
Do me wrong, do me right, right now baby
Go on and tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
I don't want to be lonely tonight
No, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight
I don't want to be lonely tonight
The lyrics to The Isley Brothers' song Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight depict a love that is in turmoil, with conflicting emotions of desire and uncertainty. The opening line "Do me wrong, do me right/Tell me lies, but hold me tight" suggests that the singer is willing to accept any kind of attention, even if it means being deceived, as long as they're not left alone. They plead with their lover not to say goodbye, even if they have to leave in the morning, as being alone is too much to bear.
The singer continues to express their vulnerability by saying "I don't want to be lonely tonight", making it clear that their partner's company is crucial. However, towards the end of the song, the singer becomes more assertive, telling their lover to go away and do as they please, as they are "undecided" and their lover's "heart's been divided". The singer refuses to beg and become submissive, but still desires their lover's presence, ending the song with the repeated plea "I don't want to be lonely tonight".
Through its lyrics, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight portrays the complexities of love and how one's emotions can contradict each other. The song captures the struggle of wanting someone's presence but also wanting autonomy, and the desire for intimacy despite the fear of being left alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Do me wrong, do me right
Treat me however you want, whether it's good or bad
Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Even though you might deceive me, please hold me close
Save your good-byes to the morning light
Don't leave me in the dark, wait until the morning to say goodbye
But don't let me be lonely tonight
I need your company, don't abandon me and cause me to feel alone
Say good-bye woman say hello
You just arrived, but you're already leaving
Sure 'nough good to see you
It's nice to see you again
But it's time to go
However, it's time for you to leave
Don't say yes, but please
You don't have to say yes to me, but please don't say no
Don't say no
Don't reject me
I don't want to be lonely tonight
I need someone to keep me company
Go away then, damn you
If you want to leave, then leave
Go on and do as you please, yeah
You have the freedom to do what you want
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I won't beg you to stay
Cause I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
I can't decide what to do, and you have conflicting feelings
You've been turning my world upside down
Your behavior is causing me confusion and chaos
Do me wrong, do me right, right now baby
Again, treat me however you want in this moment
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
Once again, wait until the morning to say goodbye
No, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight
I really don't want to be alone
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind