Do I Need You
Ann Peebles Lyrics

I've been unhappy all my life,
I have never been truly happy in my life, and this feeling has persisted over time.

Seems like all I do is sacrifice.
It appears that all I have done in my life is give up things, usually for the sake of others.

The more I sacrifice the worse it makes me feel.
Paradoxically, sacrificing more usually only makes me feel worse about myself and my situation.

Most of the things I thought were wrong
Many of the things I believed were not right, at least in my experience.

Turned out to be for real.
However, I have since realized that these things are true and cannot be denied.

I don't know if I'm ready
I am not sure that I am prepared or capable of handling what you are offering me.

For the love you want to give.
Specifically, I may not be ready to accept the love you are offering me and all that comes with it.

I need something in my life to make me want to live.
Generally, I require some source of inspiration or motivation to make me feel that life is worth living.

I'm up in my whole life,
Overall, I am dissatisfied with my life and my current situation.

But I think need a change.
Despite my dissatisfaction, I believe that making some sort of alteration in my life could improve my outlook.

I need some sunshine in my life,
More specifically, I require something or someone to brighten up my life and dispel the gloom.

I can't stand the rain.
Metaphorically, I loathe being unhappy and want to find a way to escape from it like taking shelter from the rain.

Tell me do, do, do I need you?
I am posing the question to you directly whether or not I actually require your presence or involvement in my life.

I don't need no man,
I am emphasizing that I am not specifically desiring a romantic relationship with a man given my past experiences.

I already know the game.
I am aware of the patterns that often emerge in romantic relationships often involving manipulation or dishonesty.

I need more loving in my life
I require more meaningful connections and support from people in my life to feel fulfilled.

To chase away the pain.
The love and support of others can help alleviate the emotional hardships that I am facing.

You might be good to me,
I acknowledge that you could potentially treat me well or offer me the support and love I desire.

And I might be good to you.
I am acknowledging that I could potentially be a positive influence in your life as well.

I don't need nobody that can't be true.
In general, I do not require anyone to be dishonest or inauthentic with me for any reason.

Tell me do, do, do I need your kiss?
Continuing to question whether the physical affection associated with a romantic relationship is necessary for my own emotional fulfillment or comfort.

Do I need the pain
Here, I am questioning whether the emotional pain that often comes with romantic relationships is worth it.

That you might bring?
Questioning specifically whether the person I am addressing would bring such pain.

Like I said in my last song,
A reference to the earlier song the artist released, likely holding similar themes or emotions.

Can't stand the rain'
Again referencing the metaphorical distaste for unhappiness and desiring for it to end.

Tell me do, do I need your love?
Continuing to question whether the intimacy and connectedness associated with love is necessary or desirable to me.

Tell me do, do I need your kiss?
Continuing to question whether the physical aspect of love is necessary for my own emotional fulfillment or comfort.

Tell me do, do I need you?
Continuing to address the central query of whether or not the person is necessary or desired in my life.

Do I need the pain you might bring?
Ending on the same questioning note as earlier about the potential pain involved with pursuing a relationship with the person in question.