Real Love
Doobie Brothers - The Very Best Of The Doobie Brothers (2007) Lyrics
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If only just tonight, girl, let me hear you lie just a little
Tell me I'm the only man that you ever really loved
Honey, take me back in my memory place
When it was all very right, so very nice, so very nice
Here, darlin', stands another bandit wanting you
In and out your life, they come and they go
Your days and nights like a wheel that turns
Deep inside your heart, that nobody knows
When you say comfort me to anyone who approaches
Chalkin' up the hurt, you live and you learn
Well, we've both lived long enough to know
That we'd trade it all right now for just one minute of real love, real love
When you say comfort me to anyone who approaches
Chalkin' up the hurt, you live and you learn
Well, we've both lived long enough to know
That we'd trade it all right now for just one minute of real love, real love
The Doobie Brothers’ song “Real Love” is a plea for a deeper, more meaningful connection that isn’t just a fleeting moment. The singer acknowledges that he is just another man in her life, but begs her to lie to him and tell him he is the only one she has ever loved. He wants to go back to a time when the relationship was right and nice, before other people came into the picture. The chorus repeats the idea that they have both lived long enough to know that they would trade everything they have for just one moment of real love.
The lyrics describe a cyclical pattern where people come in and out of her life, but she continues to seek comfort from them despite the hurt and heartache she experiences. The singer understands this pattern, but yearns for something deeper and more authentic despite the risks involved. The idea of “real love” is contrasted with the fleeting and impermanent nature of other relationships, symbolized by the wheel that grinds down the secret part of her heart. Ultimately, the song is a plea for the authenticity and depth that can only be found in true love.
Line by Line Meaning
Darlin', I know I'm just another head on your pillow
I understand that I am just one of many partners you have had.
If only just tonight, girl, let me hear you lie just a little
For this fleeting moment, please tell me a comforting falsehood.
Tell me I'm the only man that you ever really loved
Assure me that I hold a special place in your past.
Honey, take me back in my memory place
Please help me reminisce on our happy moments together.
When it was all very right, so very nice, so very nice
When our relationship was amazing, and nothing could go wrong.
Here, darlin', stands another bandit wanting you
Just like the others, I am another reckless suitor pursuing you.
In and out your life, they come and they go
People come and go in your life, leaving a temporary mark.
Your days and nights like a wheel that turns
Your life is like a revolving wheel, with continuous ups and downs.
Grindin' down a secret part of you
Slowly chipping away at a private piece of your being.
Deep inside your heart, that nobody knows
A part of you that remains unknown even to yourself.
When you say comfort me to anyone who approaches
When you turn to anyone for solace during tough times.
Chalkin' up the hurt, you live and you learn
Recognizing past pain as a valuable lesson for the future.
Well, we've both lived long enough to know
With our many years of experience, we understand that
That we'd trade it all right now for just one minute of real love, real love
There is nothing we long for more than an authentic instance of love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PATRICK HENDERSON, MICHAEL H MC DONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ryan_the_Caffeinated
“Darlin’ I know, I’m just another head on your pillow…”
One of the greatest opening lines ever…
@jimjohnson5291
"Here, Darlin', stands another bandit wanting you..."
@Jolene8
Scandalous! 😅
@DeanWinchester69
This wave of emotion and melancholy hits me every time I hear this song. Michael McDonald's performance is so powerful and authentic. You can feel the yearning in his voice as he sings about trying to find a meaningful loving connection with someone. There are only a handful of songs that resonate with me on such a emotional level, and this is one of them.
@andreakelly5080
If only I could go back there knowing what I know now.
@dorothyparker544
This!!! ❤️
@katiacardoso
Hi @deanwinchester69, Michael McDonald is the guy.
@MikeMaxwell1961
Nailed it.
@tonyrizzo615
He makes you feel and recognize his pain if you’ve ever been there
@blujazz10000
Nicollette Larson providing backing vocals was the finishing touch on this Doobie Brothers masterpiece !!❤