Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
David Sanborn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
Say good-bye and say hello
Sure 'nough good to see you
But it's time to go
Don't say no
I don't want to be lonely tonight
Go away then, damn you
Go on and do as you please, yeah
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
You've been turning my world upside down
Do me wrong, do me right, right now baby
Go on and tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
I don't want to be lonely tonight
No, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight
I don't want to be lonely tonight
The lyrics to David Sanborn's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" expresses the vulnerable plea of an individual who is in a complicated and difficult romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware that their partner has been dishonest and may continue to be in the future. However, despite the turmoil, the singer hopes to receive physical and emotional comfort from their partner. The singer seems to be conflicted about what they want and how they feel, and they are unable to make a decision on their own. Thus, they turn to their partner, hoping that they can either provide the comfort they need or make a decision for them.
The line, "Do me wrong, do me right" signifies that the singer is willing to accept any treatment from their partner. It indicates that the singer is well aware that their partner is not good for them, but they still want them to stay close. The line "Save your goodbyes for the morning light" hints at the possibility of their partner leaving, suggesting that the singer recognizes the severity of the situation. However, they still prefer their partner's company for the moment, wanting to put off the inevitable heartbreak.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" highlight the desperate need for human connection, even if it's fleeting and temporary. Although the feelings are directed towards a romantic interest, they could also be related to any relationship where one feels lost, unsure and seeks guidance from someone they trust.
Line by Line Meaning
Do me wrong, do me right
Treat me poorly or treat me well
Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Lie to me, but make me feel loved and secure
Save your good-byes for the morning light
Don't say goodbye yet, wait until the morning
But don't let me be lonely tonight
I don't want to feel alone, even if it means staying with someone who isn't good to me
Say good-bye and say hello
Leave and come back repeatedly
Sure 'nough good to see you
It's nice to see you
But it's time to go
It's time to leave
Don't say yes, but please
Don't agree to stay, but make me feel wanted
Don't say no
Don't turn me away completely
I don't want to be lonely tonight
I need someone to keep me company
Go away then, damn you
Leave me alone, even if it hurts
Go on and do as you please, yeah
Do whatever you want
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I won't beg you to stay
I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
I don't know what I want and you're not fully committed
You've been turning my world upside down
You've been causing chaos in my life
Do me wrong, do me right, right now baby
Love me or hurt me, do it now
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
Wait until the morning to leave
I don't want to be lonely tonight
I need someone to keep me company
No, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight
Repeated emphasis on not wanting to be alone
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind