More Love
Al Jarreau Lyrics
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I should have been your shelter in the rain
I should have touched you more and held you closer
'Til I felt it melt your quiet pain
Should I have had more time to spare for you
Should have been there for you, to care for you
With more love, more love
I could have given you the gifts I threw to total strangers
Passing through my nights
I could have cuddled near your gentle flame
Been warmer there than in these glaring lights
Should have had more time to spare for you
Should have been there for you, to care for you
With more love, more love, more love
What would it have taken if only could have taken
My eyes off me for a while
I'd have seen the hurtin' hidin' just behind the curtain of your smile
Oh, I swear I didn't know, which goes to show
How long it takes a man to be a man
But if I say enough
And try enough
And pray enough
And cry enough
I can still can
Have more time to spare for you
Always be there for you, to care for you
With more love, more love, more love
These lyrics speak to the regret and longing of the singer who wishes they had listened better and been more present for their loved one. They recognize that they should have been a source of comfort and support during challenging times instead of neglecting or overlooking their needs. The singer acknowledges that they could have given more love and attention, not just tangible gifts or random acts of kindness, but true emotional connection and intimacy. The line "what would it have taken if only could have taken my eyes off me for a while" highlights the self-centeredness that prevented the singer from being fully present in the relationship. However, in the last stanza, the singer expresses hope and determination to make things right by committing to prioritizing the needs of their loved one and demonstrating more love.
Overall, these lyrics showcase themes of regret, missed opportunities, and vulnerability, which are common in many love songs. However, Al Jarreau's delivery and style add a layer of soulful passion and depth to the lyrics, making them more impactful and resonant.
Line by Line Meaning
I should have listened more and listened well
I regret not paying enough attention and being present in our conversations
I should have been your shelter in the rain
I should have protected you and provided comfort during difficult times
I should have touched you more and held you closer
I should have been physically and emotionally affectionate towards you
'Til I felt it melt your quiet pain
I should have comforted you until I could sense the relief in your body language
Should I have had more time to spare for you
I should have made more time for you in my busy schedule
Should have been there for you, to care for you
I should have been present in your life to be able to take care of you
With more love, more love
More love is necessary to remedy the situation
I could have given you the gifts I threw to total strangers
I regret not sharing my love and kindness with you instead of strangers
Passing through my nights
These strangers were fleeting and unimportant in comparison to you
I could have cuddled near your gentle flame
I could have sought comfort and warmth in your love
Been warmer there than in these glaring lights
The attention and lifestyle I have been seeking elsewhere does not compare to the warmth and love I could have experienced with you
What would it have taken if only could have taken
What steps could I have taken to prevent this situation?
My eyes off me for a while
I should have stopped being selfish and focused on your needs
I'd have seen the hurtin' hidin' just behind the curtain of your smile
I would have noticed the pain you have been hiding behind a facade of happiness
Oh, I swear I didn't know, which goes to show
I was not aware of the depth of your pain which highlights my lack of attention
How long it takes a man to be a man
It takes time and self-reflection to become aware of one's mistakes and how to rectify them
But if I say enough
If I apologize and make a commitment to change
And try enough
If I put in enough effort to rectify the situation
And pray enough
If I ask for forgiveness from a higher power
And cry enough
If I show true remorse and regret for my past actions
I can still can
There is still hope for us to rekindle our love and heal from our past mistakes
Have more time to spare for you
I will dedicate more time to being physically and emotionally present in your life
Always be there for you, to care for you
I will make a commitment to always be there for you in times of need
With more love, more love, more love
I will show you more love, care, and affection than ever before
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACK SEGAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind