Baby I Love You
Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack Lyrics


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If you want my lovin'
If you really do
Don't be afraid, baby, just ask
You know I'm gonna give it to you
Oh,and I do declare
I wanna see you with it
Stretch out your arms, little boy you're gonna get it
'Cause I love you
(Baby, baby, baby, I love you)
There ain't no doubt about it
Baby, I love you
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
Baby, I love you

If you really wanna kiss me
Go right ahead, I don't mind
All you got to do is snap your fingers
And I'll come a runnin', I ain't lyin'
Oh, what'cha want, little boy, you know you got it
I'd deny my own self before I'd see you without it

'Cause I love you
(Baby, baby, baby, I love you)
There ain't no doubt about it
Baby, I love you
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
Baby, I love you

Some day you might want to run away
And leave me sittin' here a cryin'
But if it's all the same to you, baby
I'm gonna stop you from saying goodbye (goodbye)
Baby, I love you, baby I need you, baby I want you




Don't let your neighbors tell you I don't want you
Don't let your low down friends tell you I don't need you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack's song "Baby I Love You" are a declaration of love and devotion. The song expresses the singer's willingness to do anything for their significant other, even if it means denying their own self. The opening lines "If you want my lovin', if you really do" conveys the message that the singer is ready and willing to provide love to their partner who just needs to express their desire for it. The singer encourages their partner to ask for their love without any hesitation, assuring them that they will receive it. The lyric "Stretch out your arms, little boy, you're gonna get it" symbolizes the open and comforting arms of the singer, welcoming their partner to embrace their love.


The chorus of the song stresses the depth of the singer's feelings, repeating the phrase "Baby, I love you" several times, emphasizing the certainty of their love. The singer seems confident that their love is unquestionable and is willing to do everything in their power to keep their partner by their side. The line “Don't let your neighbors tell you I don't want you” shows the singer's determination to prove their love to everyone, including their partner's peers who might have doubts about the relationship.


Overall the song is a declaration of pure love, emphasizing the importance of expressing love to your partner and promising devotion in return.


Line by Line Meaning

If you want my lovin'
If you desire my affection


If you really do
If your feelings are genuine


Don't be afraid, baby, just ask
Fear not, request my love if that's what you truly desire


You know I'm gonna give it to you
You're aware that I will grant you my love


Oh, and I do declare
I state with emphasis


I wanna see you with it
I desire for you to be the recipient of my love


Stretch out your arms, little boy you're gonna get it
Open your arms, you will receive my love


'Cause I love you
I love you very much


(Baby, baby, baby, I love you)
(Used as an emphasis to the previous line)


There ain't no doubt about it
It's certain that I love you


I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
I love you multiple times, repeatedly


Baby, I love you
I deeply and sincerely love you


If you really wanna kiss me
If you genuinely desire to kiss me


Go right ahead, I don't mind
You have my permission to do so, it's fine


All you got to do is snap your fingers
All you need to do is make a gesture


And I'll come a runnin', I ain't lyin'
I will hurry towards you, I'm telling the truth


Oh, what'cha want, little boy, you know you got it
What do you need, you know I'll provide it


I'd deny my own self before I'd see you without it
I'd refuse myself before I'd let you go without it (my love)


Some day you might want to run away
One day you may want to leave


And leave me sittin' here a cryin'
And leave me alone, crying


But if it's all the same to you, baby
But if you don't mind, my dear


I'm gonna stop you from saying goodbye (goodbye)
I'll prevent you from leaving


Baby, I love you, baby I need you, baby I want you
I love you, I need you, I want you


Don't let your neighbors tell you I don't want you
Do not let your neighbors deceive you by telling you that I don't want you


Don't let your low down friends tell you I don't need you
Do not let your bad-mannered friends deceive you by telling you that I don't need you




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SPRINGTIME MUSIC INC
Written by: RONNIE SHANNON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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