I need a lover
Benatar Pat Lyrics


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I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
Some girl that knows the meaning of, ah-
Hey hit the highway!

Well I've been walking the streets in the evenin'
Racin' through the human jungle at night
I'm so confused, my mind is indifferent
Hey - I'm so weak, won't somebody shut off that light?

Electricity runs through the video
And I watch it from this hole I call home
And all them stonies are dancin' to the radio
And I got the world callin' me up free tonight on the phone

(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl who'll thrill me and then go away
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!

Well I'm not wiped out by this poolroom life I'm livin'
I'm gonna quit this job, and go to school, and head back home
(head back home)
Now I'm not asking to be loved or be forgiven
Hey - I just can't face shakin' in this bedroom
One more night alone

(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!

(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl to thrill me and then go away
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!





You betcha'

Overall Meaning

"I Need a Lover" is a song by Pat Benatar that was released in 1979 as the lead single from her debut studio album, "In the Heat of the Night." The song was written and recorded by musician John Mellencamp in 1978 before it was covered by Benatar. The song is about Benatar's search for a lover who won't drive her crazy and someone who understands her desire to hit the highway.


The opening lines of the song express Benatar's craving for a lover who won't drive her insane. She repeats the line three times, which emphasizes her longing. She asserts that she needs a woman who understands the essence of what she's looking for- an adventure, a thrill, and the freedom to explore.


The second verse sees Benatar venting her frustration with life, suggesting that she is struggling to navigate the confusion that plagues her. She loves being out there, embracing the human jungle, exploring, and seeking adventure. However, the thrill and excitement leave her exhausted, and she wants someone to share her experiences with.


Overall, "I Need a Lover" is a powerful song about Benatar's search for love that will satisfy her restless nature. The lyrics express her desire for someone to travel with, someone who will bring excitement to her life, someone she can trust, and someone who won't drive her crazy.


Line by Line Meaning

I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
The singer desires a romantic partner who will not cause them any mental distress or turmoil.


Some girl that knows the meaning of, ah- Hey hit the highway!
The partner the singer seeks needs to understand what it means to leave or break up, and not cling onto the relationship unnecessarily.


Well I've been walking the streets in the evenin'
The singer has been wandering aimlessly and possibly feeling lost or searching for something.


Racin' through the human jungle at night
The singer is navigating through the bustling city life, possibly feeling overwhelmed or stressed.


I'm so confused, my mind is indifferent
The singer is uncertain and possibly apathetic about their current circumstances.


Hey - I'm so weak, won't somebody shut off that light?
The singer is feeling physically and emotionally drained, and wishes for the source of a light to be turned off as it is bothersome.


Electricity runs through the video
The singer is watching a video and feels a sense of energy and excitement from it.


And I watch it from this hole I call home
The singer is watching the video from their residence, which they describe as a depressing or unpleasant place.


And all them stonies are dancin' to the radio
The singer observes others who are likely smoking marijuana and dancing to music.


And I got the world callin' me up free tonight on the phone
The singer receives a phone call from someone, possibly a telemarketer, offering them something for free.


Some girl who'll thrill me and then go away
The singer desires a partner who can provide excitement and thrill for a short time, but then depart without causing any emotional distress.


Well I'm not wiped out by this poolroom life I'm livin'
The singer is not completely depleted or defeated by their current lifestyle, which possibly involves spending time in a poolroom.


I'm gonna quit this job, and go to school, and head back home (head back home)
The singer has plans to leave their current job, pursue education, and eventually go back to their hometown.


Now I'm not asking to be loved or be forgiven
The singer is not seeking love or forgiveness, but rather a fulfilling and enjoyable romantic relationship.


Hey - I just can't face shakin' in this bedroom
The singer feels uncomfortable with the idea of spending another night alone in their bedroom, possibly feeling lonely or bored.


Some girl to thrill me and then go away
Reiterating the desire for a partner who can temporarily provide excitement and then depart without causing distress.


You betcha'
An expression of affirmation or agreement.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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