If You Love Me
BenZel/Jessie Ware Lyrics
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I need it more than your embrace
Just say you want me, that's all it takes
Heart's getting torn from your mistakes
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love
If you don't wanna try
But all that I've been thinking of
And babe, it looks as though we're running out of words to say
And love's floating away
Just say you love me, just for today
And don't give me time 'cause that's not the same
Want to feel burning flames when you say my name
Want to feel passion flow into my bones
Like blood through my veins
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love
If you don't wanna try
But all that I've been thinking of
Is maybe that you might
And babe, it looks as though we're running out of words to say
And love's floating away
Won't you stay
Won't you stay
Slowly, slowly you run for me
But do you know me at all
Someone told me love controls everything
But only if you know
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love
(No-no-no-no, no-no)
If you don't wanna try
(Could you try sometime?)
'Cause all that I've been thinking of
(I just think)
Is maybe that you might
(You might)
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love
If you don't wanna try
But all that I've been thinking of
Is maybe that you might
And babe, it looks as though we're running out of words to say
And love's floating away
Won't you stay?
Won't you stay?
The lyrics of "If You Love Me" by BenZel/Jessie Ware, is a plea for love from someone who needs reassurance and reciprocation. The first verse begins with the singer realizing that they need to hear "I love you," rather than just physical affection. They are aware that their heart is being torn apart by the mistakes of the person they love. In the chorus, Jessie repeats the idea that she doesn't want to be in a relationship that is not reciprocal, but acknowledges that she has been thinking about them a lot and perhaps they might belong together. This is reiterated in the bridge where the singer begs the person to stay, to take a chance on their love and not to run away from them.
The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that is in danger of ending because one person is not ready or willing to commit to the other. The singer is pleading with the partner to say that they love them just for today, to not give up on love because it is not the same as giving them time. The verses hint at how love can be destructive if not handled properly, and how insecurity and fear can destroy even the most perfect of relationships. In the end, the song is about reassurance and persistence. It is a plea for the person they love to stay and take a chance on them.
Line by Line Meaning
Say you love me to my face
The singer desires a verbal declaration of love from the subject
I need it more than your embrace
The singer values verbal affirmation of love over physical intimacy
Just say you want me, that's all it takes
The singer believes that a simple admission of romantic interest is sufficient to pursue a relationship
Heart's getting torn from your mistakes
The artist is emotionally hurt by the actions or behavior of the subject
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love
If you don't wanna try,
The artist is hesitant to enter a committed romantic relationship with someone who is not equally invested
But all that I've been thinking of
Is maybe that you're mine
The singer has been contemplating the possibility of a romantic relationship with the subject
Baby it looks as though we're running out of words to say
And love's floating away
The singer perceives a lack of communication and emotional distance, which endangers the relationship
Just say you love me, just for today
And don't give me time 'cause that's not the same
The artist requests a temporal and unconditional declaration of love, rejecting the notion that love develops over time
Want to feel burning flames when you say my name
Want to feel passion flow into my bones
Like blood through my veins
The artist desires intense romantic passion and physical chemistry with the subject
Won't you stay?!
The artist implores the subject to continue the romantic relationship
Slowly, slowly you run for me,
But do you know me at all
The singer questions the subject's level of familiarity and understanding of the singer's personality and desires
Some one told me love controls everything
But only if you know!
The artist acknowledges the power of love but recognizes that it requires mutual understanding and commitment to thrive
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love
(No no no no)
If you don't wanna try,
The singer reiterates their hesitation to enter a romantic relationship with the subject who is not equally invested
'Cause all that I've been thinking of
Is maybe that you're mine
(You're mine)
The singer discloses that their romantic interest in the subject persists and intensifies despite their hesitance
And love's floating away
Won't you stay
Won't you stay
The singer fears the loss of the romantic relationship and pleads with the subject to continue the relationship
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Ross Ash, Benny Blanco, Jessie Ware
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SuperFbar
This is R&B/Soul music, not this mainstream crap nowadays! She is the best!
@mcgarnacle1977
This is a remake of If You Love Me by Brownstone from the 90's, awesome!
@samaaronkag
The beat, lyrics and Jessie's voice is just so exquisite. This song needs to be on the radio.
@selenadinh4914
It's 4am ,and this is totally my jam for an insomniac freak like me. So soothing and beautifully dark. A MUST listen by BenZel & Jessie Ware.
@TQM
Gets me every time, almost 5 years later
@monte70
Still bump till this day
@NoFaceNoCaseREVIEWS
<<old enough to remember the original by Brownstone. One of my favorite songs of all time! love this
@Westfamilyoz
one of my favourite songs of the year. top ten for sure. i love jessie ware xx
@rissbliss
I love this rendition!! She really made this song her own <3
@marz2k4
Wicked version of a classic Brownstone track ! You can tell Jessie is old at heart. Long Live 90's