Need You Tonight
Bonnie Raitt Lyrics


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All you got is this moment
The twenty-first century's yesterday
You can care all you want to, baby
Everybody does, yeah, that's okay

So slide over here and give me a moment
Your moves are so raw, I've got to let you know
I've got to let you know, you're one of my kind

I need you tonight
'Cause I'm not sleeping
There's something about you, boy
That makes me sweat

How do you feel? I'm lonely
What do you think? Can't think at all
Whatcha gonna do? Gonna live my life

I need you tonight
'Cause I'm not sleeping, boy
There's something about you, baby
That makes me sweat

How do you feel? I'm lonely
What do you think? Can't think at all
Whatcha gonna do? Gonna live my life





I'm lonely

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bonnie Raitt's "Need You Tonight" are simple, yet powerful. The opening lines set the tone for the song, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment. The reference to the twenty-first century's yesterday means that time is fleeting and we will never get it back, encouraging the listener to make the most of every opportunity.


The lyrics then turn to a seductive conversation between two people. The singer is drawn to the other person's raw moves and declares them to be "one of my kind." The chorus reveals that the singer is unable to sleep because of the other person's presence, creating a physical reaction of sweat. The repetition of "how do you feel? I'm lonely, what do you think? Can't think at all, whatcha gonna do? Gonna live my life" emphasizes the singer's desire to be with the other person in the moment.


Line by Line Meaning

All you got is this moment
You only have this specific instant in time, nothing more.


The twenty-first century's yesterday
Modern day life has moved past what we thought was the future.


You can care all you want to, baby
It's perfectly fine to have feelings for someone.


Everybody does, yeah, that's okay
It's normal for everyone to have emotions.


So slide over here and give me a moment
Come closer to me and spend some time with me.


Your moves are so raw, I've got to let you know
The way you act is incredibly natural, I need to confess this to you.


I've got to let you know, you're one of my kind
I must tell you, you are unique and truly special to me.


I need you tonight
I require your presence right now.


'Cause I'm not sleeping
Because I am restless and unable to relax.


There's something about you, boy
There is an aspect of you that is drawing me in.


That makes me sweat
It's having an effect on me that causes me to perspire.


How do you feel? I'm lonely
Can you tell me how you're doing? I am feeling isolated.


What do you think? Can't think at all
What's on your mind? I am unable to think clearly.


Whatcha gonna do? Gonna live my life
What are your plans for the future? I am going to focus on living my life to the fullest.


There's something about you, baby
You have a quality to you that is attracting me, my love.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andrew Charles Farriss, Michael Kelland Hutchence

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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