Another notable version is by Amen Corner (UK: #3).
Yet another (the first, released in 1966) by The Models on MGM.
The song is featured in the film, Wild America.
Bend Me Shape Me
American Breed Lyrics
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And baby you know it (know it, know it, know it)
You can make this beggar a king
A clown or a poet (poet, poet, poet)
I'll give you all that I own
You've got me standing in line
Out in the cold, pay me some mind
Anyway you want me
Long as you love me, it's all right
Bend me, shape me
Anyway you want me
You've got the power to turn on the light
Everybody tells me I'm wrong
To want you so badly (badly, badly, badly)
But there's a force driving me on
I follow it gladly (gladly, gladly, gladly)
So let them laugh I don't care
'Cause I got nothing to hide
All that I want is you by my side
Bend me, shape me
Any way you want me
Long as you love me, it's all right
Bend me, shape me
Any way you want me
You've got the power to turn on the light
Bend me, shape me
Any way you want me
Long as you love me, it's all right
Bend me, shape me
Any way you want me
You got the power to turn on the light
In American Breed's song "Bend Me Shape Me," the singer is deeply in love with a woman who has the power to transform him. He claims that she is the only woman he needs and that she can make him into anything, whether that be a king, a clown or a poet. He is willing to give her all he owns and is standing in line for her attention, even if it means waiting outside in the cold. The chorus repeats the phrase "Bend me, shape me, any way you want me, long as you love me, it's all right," emphasizing the woman's control over him and how he will do anything to be with her.
The singer also acknowledges that other people may think he is wrong to want her so badly, but he is driven by a force that he gladly follows. He does not care if others laugh or judge him, as long as he has her by his side. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the power that the woman has to turn on the light and transform the singer.
One interpretation of this song is that it showcases a relationship where one person is willing to bend and shape themselves entirely for the other person's pleasure. While the lyrics are romantic, they also have a sense of desperation and submission, which may not be entirely healthy in a relationship. However, the catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a popular classic song that listeners still enjoy today.
Line by Line Meaning
You are all the woman I need
You are the only woman that I need
And baby you know it (know it, know it, know it)
And you are aware of that fact
You can make this beggar a king
You have the ability to turn me into a successful person
A clown or a poet (poet, poet, poet)
You have the ability to change my personality and career path
I'll give you all that I own
I am willing to give you everything that I possess
You've got me standing in line
I am waiting for you to notice me and pay attention to me
Out in the cold, pay me some mind
I am feeling neglected and ignored and would appreciate some attention
Bend me, shape me
Mold me in any way that you see fit
Anyway you want me
You have complete control over me
Long as you love me, it's all right
As long as you love me, I am content with whatever you do to me
You've got the power to turn on the light
You have the ability to enlighten me or bring happiness to my life
Everybody tells me I'm wrong
People around me think that I am mistaken
To want you so badly (badly, badly, badly)
To have such a strong desire for you
But there's a force driving me on
But I cannot control my feelings for you
I follow it gladly (gladly, gladly, gladly)
I willingly follow my emotions for you
So let them laugh I don't care
I am not bothered by their ridicule or criticism
'Cause I got nothing to hide
Because I am open and honest about my feelings for you
All that I want is you by my side
I just want you to be with me
You got the power to turn on the light
You have the ability to give me happiness or enlightenment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Laurence Weiss, Scott English
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind