Staton sang with the Jewell Gospel Trio and as teenagers, they toured the traditional gospel circuit in the 1950s with The Soul Stirrers, C. L. Franklin, and Mahalia Jackson. They recorded several sides for Nashbro, Apollo[disambiguation needed ], and Savoy Records between 1953 and 1963, before launching a solo career in 1968.
She had 16 R&B hits for Fame Studios and received Grammy nominations for cover versions of country standards. In 1975 she started working with disco producer Dave Crawford and had hits "Young Hearts Run Free" and "Victim". Also, The Mighty Majors ("You Can Never Go Back") was her backup band once on the road.
In 1982 she returned to gospel forming Beracah Ministries with her husband John Sussewell. In 1991 she had a top 10 UK hit as The Source featuring Candi Staton with dance track "You Got The Love".
In 2004 when Sex and the City ended its successful six-year run, the last song played on that show was "You Got the Love" with Sarah Jessica Parker walking down New York City streets and talking about the endless relationship with herself.
Someone You Use
Candi Staton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
that's all I've been to you
just someone to rely on
when your worlds empty and blue
just someone you can call dear
whenever you choose
I'm just someone you run to
I'm just someone you use
and that's all I'll ever be
just a clown you can laugh with
someone to treat you as you need
I'm just a fool you can love
anytime you choose
I'm just someone you can run to
I'm just someone you use
I'm just someone you run to
I'm just someone you use
but you know. when you need me
my loving heart just can't refuse
oh I'm just someone who loves you
I can't win and I can't lose
I'm just someone you run to
I'm just someone you use
im gonna say it again
I'm someone you can run to
whooo yeah
I'm just someone you use
The song "Someone You Use" by Candi Staton describes a one-sided relationship where the singer is the loyal, dependable partner who is only called upon in times of need. The individual is aware that they are being used and is unable to resist the other person's charm. The lyrics reveal a sense of frustration and hopelessness, as the singer acknowledges their role in the relationship and the fact that they are unlikely to ever become more than just a shoulder to cry on. The repeated refrain of "I'm just someone you use" emphasizes this point and drives home the message that the singer is resigned to being taken for granted.
The lyrics are simple but powerful, conveying a sense of vulnerability and emotional longing. The singer is willing to put up with being used because they love the other person and cannot bear the thought of letting them go. The use of metaphors such as "just a clown you can laugh with" and "just a fool you can love" highlights the singer's self-awareness and the fact that they understand they are being treated as a plaything. The song's melancholy melody and the singer's heartfelt delivery further amplify the pain of the situation, making it clear that this is a love that cannot be reciprocated.
Line by Line Meaning
just a shoulder to cry on
I am only a person to lean on when you are upset and need emotional support.
that's all I've been to you
I have never been anything more than a comfort for you in times of need.
just someone to rely on
I am a dependable person that you can count on in times of need.
when your worlds empty and blue
You only come to me when you feel alone and sad.
just someone you can call dear
I am just a person that you address affectionately, but do not actually love.
whenever you choose
You only reach out to me when it is convenient for you.
I'm just someone you run to
I am the person you turn to when you are in need of help and have nowhere else to go.
I'm just someone you use
You only interact with me when you need something, you do not actually care about me.
I'm just someone you can talk to
I am a person that you can share with, but not necessarily someone you confide in.
and that's all I'll ever be
I will never be more than a sounding board, never actually valuable in your life.
just a clown you can laugh with
I am only there to make you smile, not someone you respect or truly value.
someone to treat you as you need
I am a person that you use to fulfill the way you want to be treated, not someone you treat well in return.
I'm just a fool you can love
I am a person you can be affectionate with, without actually committing to a genuine relationship.
I'm just someone you can run to
You come to me as a last resort when you have no one else and need assistance.
but you know. when you need me
You have an understanding that I am only useful when you require assistance.
my loving heart just can't refuse
My affection for you means I find it difficult to say no, even if it is not in my best interest.
oh I'm just someone who loves you
I care for you, but that love is not reciprocated in the same way.
I can't win and I can't lose
I am in a situation where there is no possibility of me changing how you feel about me.
I'm gonna say it again
I will repeat it, to make sure that you understand me.
I'm someone you can run to
I am the person you come to in times of need, usually because you have no alternatives.
whooo yeah
An interjection to emphasize the feeling behind the statement.
I'm just someone you use
A confirmation that I am only valuable to you when you have something to gain from the interaction.
Contributed by Sydney I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Terinia reid
on It's the Anointing
I love this song