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Have You Ever Loved A Woman
Derek and the Dominos Lyrics


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Have you ever loved a woman
So much you tremble in pain?
Have you ever loved a woman
So much you tremble in pain?
And all the time you know
She bears another man's name.

But you just love that woman
So much it's a shame and a sin.
You just love that woman
So much it's a shame and a sin.
But all the time you know
She belongs to your very best friend.

Have you ever loved a woman
And you know you can't leave her alone?
Have you ever loved a woman
And you know you can't leave her alone?
Something deep inside of you
Won't let you wreck your best friend's home.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Derek and the Dominos's song "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" reflects a common yet complex theme of love and betrayal. The song explores the emotions that come with loving someone who belongs to another person, particularly when that person is your best friend. The lyrics are raw and honest, describing the intense pain that comes with loving someone who cannot be yours.


The opening lines of the song immediately set the tone and convey the depth of emotion the singer is feeling. The use of the word "tremble" is particularly effective, as it suggests both physical and emotional pain. The repetition of the question "have you ever loved a woman" emphasizes the singer's longing and desperation.


The second verse explores the shame and guilt that the singer feels. While they cannot control their love for this woman, they know that it is wrong to pursue her. The repetition of the line "she belongs to your very best friend" highlights the complexity of the situation and the betrayal that would occur if the singer were to act on their feelings.


The final verse delves into the conflict between love and loyalty. While the singer cannot bear to be without this woman, they also cannot bear to destroy their best friend's home. The use of the phrase "something deep inside of you" suggests a battle between reason and desire. The lyrics ultimately reflect the difficulty of navigating complex emotions and the sacrifices that must sometimes be made for the sake of love and friendship.


Line by Line Meaning

Have you ever loved a woman
Have you ever experienced the feeling of being in love with a woman


So much you tremble in pain?
So passionately that it brings you both joy and excruciating pain


And all the time you know
Despite your love for her, you are fully aware


She bears another man's name.
That she is in a committed relationship with someone else


But you just love that woman
However, your love for her consumes you


So much it's a shame and a sin.
To the point where it feels sinful and shameful


She belongs to your very best friend.
Your best friend is the person she is committed to and loves


And you know you can't leave her alone?
Despite the complications of the situation, you cannot resist being near her


Something deep inside of you
A feeling that is so profound


Won't let you wreck your best friend's home.
Prevents you from acting on your feelings and tearing apart the happiness of your best friend's relationship




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BILLY MYLES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Rustino44

Remember when true masters expressed themselves emotionally by playing instruments..God bless America and Long Live The American Blues!

@airsoftcrony6854

but this is a British Band?

@albertdadario8916

One of the best albums ever recorded. Too bad the band didn't stay together.

@RyanJohnson-tw2ch

Thank you Mrs boyd

@keithpower6611

My favourite blues song of the 70’s. Eric and Duane together are magic

@markmcmyn8967

I cant come up with the words that express how good this album is. Songs such as this and key to the highway and little wing are the greatest guitar collaborations I have ever heard.

@pat3834

Absolutely ADORE this track Best on the entire album!!

@mikejschmidt

Just amazing in so many ways. The notes just explode out of Clapton’s guitar, could fit right back in on Bluesbreakers. Then, after an incredible build up...the first solo gets handed off to Duane, who delivers way beyond what you have any right to expect; I mean, who could match that opening? This whole song is just, well it doesn’t get any better.

@weenfain2321

I honestly can’t live without this album..

@DavidMcCoul

Wow. I'm just amazed at how good a guitarist Eric Clapton is. He plays one of the most natural guitar sounds I've ever heard, almost as is it flows directly from his emotional subconscious.

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