Save The Best For Me
DeBarge Lyrics
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Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
I'm gettin' tired of waitin' by the phone
You always call me when the party's over
Boy, I've got to have your full attention
I like the finer things in life, baby
Why don't you try to bring your love around
Before you let the well run dry and
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Out with the boys at least that's what you say
But there's some lipstick showin' on your collar
You have better have an explanation
And boy, it better be good
'Cause you been walkin' on thin ice, baby
I might be fooled once but never twice
So if you want me satisfied then
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save it, save it, you've got to save it
Save the best for me
Save it, save it, save it
Save the best for me, boy
There will always be temptation
To play around
But you've got to make a decision
Promise you'll take the time to
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save it, save it, save it
Save the best for me, boy
Save it, save it, save it
You've got to save the best for me, boy
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Save it, save it, save it
Save the best for me
Save it, save it
In Debarge's song "Save The Best For Me," the singer is feeling neglected and wants the love and attention of her partner. She implores him to save the best of his love for her and not to keep her on the shelf for somebody else. The singer seems to have a rich taste and desires finer things in life, but is questioning if her partner can give her that. She is tired of being kept waiting by the phone and wants to be the first in line for his attention.
The singer accuses her partner of being unfaithful with the lipstick on his collar and demands an explanation which better be good. She says that there will always be temptation for him to play around, but he has to decide to save the best of his love for her. The song's message is that if her partner wants to keep her satisfied, he needs to show her that he values her above anyone else. It is a plea for her partner to treat her as a priority and not just an afterthought.
Line by Line Meaning
Save the best for me, best of your lovin'
In order to keep me as yours, only give me the highest quality of your love and affection.
Don't keep me on the shelf for somebody else
Do not leave me waiting for you to return, while you spend your time and love on someone else.
I'm gettin' tired of waitin' by the phone
I am growing impatient with constantly waiting for your call.
You always call me when the party's over
You only remember me when you are no longer busy with other things or people.
Boy, I've got to have your full attention
I require your undivided attention in order for our relationship to work.
Make me the first in line
I want to be your top priority at all times.
I like the finer things in life, baby
I enjoy a life of luxury and want you to give me the best that you have.
Why don't you try to bring your love around
You should show me your love more often, in order to demonstrate your commitment.
Before you let the well run dry
Do not wait until you have nothing left of your love to give.
Out with the boys at least that's what you say
You claim to be out with your friends, but I have reason to believe otherwise.
But there's some lipstick showin' on your collar
I have found evidence of infidelity, and need an explanation from you.
You have better have an explanation
You need to provide a valid reason for your suspicious behavior.
And boy, it better be good
I expect the explanation to be convincing and substantial.
'Cause you been walkin' on thin ice, baby
You are putting our relationship at risk with your unfaithful behavior.
I might be fooled once but never twice
I will give you the benefit of the doubt this time, but will not tolerate repeat offenses.
There will always be temptation
The possibility of being unfaithful will always exist in any relationship.
To play around
To engage in extramarital affairs or other infidelities.
But you've got to make a decision
You must choose to resist temptation and remain faithful.
Promise you'll take the time to
Promise me that you will work on our relationship and give me the attention and love that I deserve.
Save it, save it, you've got to save it
You must conserve your love and affection in order to make our relationship last.
Save the best for me
Keep the highest quality of your love and attention for me.
You've got to save the best for me, boy
You must focus your love and attention on me, in order to keep me committed to the relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AARON LAEL ZIGMAN, JERRY KNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tajthegreatone9326
I woke up and this just popped up in my mind.🖤
@lesthebest3171
Like Jody Watley of Shalamar, Bunny’s contributions to DeBarge were never exploited properly. This song could have been a breakout hit if it had been accompanied by a video. In 1987. After leaving Shalamar Jody finally became a superstar and this could have happened for Bunny as well.
@jaywad8876
Right I hear
@lesthebest3171
Naturally Motown was busy promoting El and Chico, but with Madonna, Whitney, Janet, Jody and even Paula dominating the Pop and Dance charts, Bunny could have been promoted into a major star. Gordy was too interested in promoting his girlfriend Carrie McDowell who’s debut single “Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex” released 4/18/87 soon after Bunny’s debut, failed to do well on all the charts despite the Video and Motown push. She eventually found success on the Country music charts, but Motown was so out of touch with young America, Berry soon sold the company in 1988.
@lesthebest3171
P
@leonardopaulodesouza8653
I agree. But I miss more " A woman in love" video
@bigmorris80able
Bunny was truth...gotta love the 80's Pop era!!!!!
@mainesource3000
I still play this album. GREAT CLASSIC
@hersheychocolate2004
Still a banger in 2021😩😍
@lesthebest3171
This underrated song written and produced by Aaron Zigman and Jerry Knight released 1/31/87) has always reminded me of the Reid/Babyface classic Peebles hit “Girlfriend” (released 11/7/87). Of course L.A Reid married Pebbles but I wonder if before they fell in love, was “Girlfriend” written for Bunny DeBarge and turndown by Motown, who at the time wasn’t interested in promoting the new young black songwriters like Babyface/Reid or Jam/Lewis. They lost touch with young America and the DeBarges suffered because of it. Bunny’s debut song only went to RB18. No Video, No Pop exposure. Peebles debut song Girlfriend went #1 Pop and #5RB.