Edward "Eddie" Holland, Jr. (born October 30, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan) is… Read Full Bio ↴Edward "Eddie" Holland, Jr. (born October 30, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan) is an African American singer, songwriter and record producer. Although Holland was an early Motown artist who recorded minor hits such as "Jamie", he started working behind the scenes due to stage fright. He is best known as a member of Holland-Dozier-Holland, the songwriting and production team that was responsible for much of the Motown sound and numerous hit records by artists such as Martha & the Vandellas, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and The Isley Brothers. Holland served as the team's lyricist, and also worked with producer Norman Whitfield on lyrics for the songs he produced for The Marvelettes and The Temptations.

Why Can't We Be Lovers
Eddie Holland Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sometimes I feel like
There's no use in trying
Why can't I face the fact
We've lost, we'll never get back

I don't know where
Where did we go wrong
I say I'm leaving but

My feelings are too strong

And, baby, you know
I'm in love, baby
So in love with you, darling
And I'll never be leaving
No, I'm just make believing

I'm in love, darling
So in love with you, baby
When I say I'm leaving
Girl, I'm just make believing

Mmm hmm, I ain't going nowhere
No, baby, I ain't going nowhere
Oh, darling, talk to me
My, my, my, my, my

Girl, you're the
Habit I can't break
I'd fall apart if you
Weren't there when I awake

I've said I'm leaving
But I don't have the heart
I can't picture you, baby
You and I being apart

If I say goodbye
It doesn't mean I'm going
And if I say there ain't no love
You may still see it showing

Ooh, ooh, baby
Why can't we be lovers
Oh, darling, from loving you
I'll never recover

If I say goodbye
It doesn't mean I'm going
And if I say there ain't no love
You may still see it showing

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, baby
Why can't we be lovers
Oh, darling, from loving you
I'll never recover

Baby, why can't we be lovers
Oh, darling, hey, from loving you
I'll never recover

Cause I'm in love
(I'm in love with you, baby)
So in love
(I'm so in love with you)

And I'll never be leaving
(You know I ain't going nowhere)
Just make believing
(Make believing all the time)

I'm in love
(That's all I ever do)
So in love
(I'm so in love with you)

And I'm make believing
(Can't take what I say seriously)
When I say I'm leaving

I'm in love, baby (hey, baby)
(Baby) so in love with you
(I love you, don't you understand)

And I'll never be leaving
(I ain't going nowhere)
Girl, I'm just make believing
(Nowhere)

I'm in love
(I'm so crazy about you)
Ooh, so in love
(This is it for me, mama)

And I'll never be leaving
(I'll never be leaving)
Just make believing
(I love you, you understand)

Just make believing
(I just make believe)

I'll never be leaving
(I ain't going nowhere)

Overall Meaning

Eddie Holland's song "Why Can't We Be Lovers" is a classic love song sung from the perspective of a person who is deeply in love with someone but is also struggling with the possibility of leaving them. The lyrics are reflective of an internal dialogue, with the singer questioning why things have gone wrong and wishing that they could be lovers with the person they love. The song is particularly emotional because it touches on the realities of love, both good and bad, and the complexity of relationships.

The lyrics convey the idea that the singer is facing a difficult time in their life due to the relationship they are in. Their emotions are complex, indicated by the repetition of the line "I'm in love, baby" throughout the song to reinforce their feelings for their partner. At the same time, the lyrics also suggest that the singer is uncertain about their relationship as they wonder why they can't be together. They contemplate leaving but acknowledge their feelings of love are too strong for them to go through with it. The line "If I say goodbye, it doesn't mean I'm going" suggests that they are struggling to come to terms with their love, even if it means that they may never have the chance to be together.

Overall, the song is intense, emotional and relatable. It captures the complexity of relationships and love in a touching and heartfelt way.

Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes I feel like
There are moments when I'm unsure

There's no use in trying
Trying to win back our love seems futile

Why can't I face the fact
Why can't I admit to myself that it's over?

We've lost, we'll never get back
Our love is gone, and it can't be rekindled

I don't know where
I'm uncertain as to the origin of our problems

Where did we go wrong
What was it that caused our love to fade?

I say I'm leaving but
I tell myself I'm going to leave, but it's not that simple

My feelings are too strong
I'm too in love with you to actually leave

And, baby, you know
You understand better than anyone else

I'm in love, baby
I'm head over heels in love with you

So in love with you, darling
The depth of my love for you is immeasurable

And I'll never be leaving
I could never bring myself to leave

No, I'm just make believing
I pretend I'll leave, but I know I couldn't

When I say I'm leaving
Even though I say I'll go,

Girl, I'm just make believing
It's just an illusion, I couldn't leave you

Mmm hmm, I ain't going nowhere
I'm not going to leave you

No, baby, I ain't going nowhere
I'll never walk away from our love

Oh, darling, talk to me
Please help me work through this

Girl, you're the
You're the one

Habit I can't break
I can't imagine my life without you

I'd fall apart if you
I couldn't handle the thought of you not being with me

Weren't there when I awake
If you weren't there with me each morning

I've said I'm leaving
I've mentioned it before

But I don't have the heart
But I couldn't break your heart like that

I can't picture you, baby
I can't imagine a future without you

You and I being apart
We can't be apart

If I say goodbye
If I were to actually leave

It doesn't mean I'm going
It's not a guarantee that I'll leave

And if I say there ain't no love
Even if I said there was no love left

You may still see it showing
You can tell that I still love you

Ooh, ooh, baby
My dear

Why can't we be lovers
Why can't we make it work

Oh, darling, from loving you
Because I love you

I'll never recover
I'll never get over you

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, baby
My love

Cause I'm in love
Because I love you so much

(I'm in love with you, baby)
(I'm head over heels in love with you)

So in love
I'm absolutely in love

(I'm so in love with you)
(I'm completely in love with you)

And I'll never be leaving
I'll always be here for you

Just make believing
It's just a fantasy, though

(Make believing all the time)
(I keep fantasizing about leaving)

(That's all I ever do)
(That's all I think about)

I'm in love, baby (hey, baby)
I adore you, honey (hey there, love)

(Baby) so in love with you
(I am so, so in love with you)

(I love you, don't you understand)
(I hope you know how much I love you)

And I'll never be leaving
I'll always love you

(I ain't going nowhere)
(I'm not leaving)

Girl, I'm just make believing
I'm just pretending I could ever leave you

(Nowhere)
(I could never leave your side)

(I'm so crazy about you)
(I'm obsessed with you)

Ooh, so in love
Absolutely infatuated

(This is it for me, mama)
(I know you're the one for me)

(I'll never be leaving)
(I'll never leave)

(I just make believe)
(I pretend I'll leave, but I really never could)

(I love you, you understand)
(I love you so much, I hope you know)

(I ain't going nowhere)
(I'm never leaving)

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, BRIAN HOLLAND, EDDIE HOLLAND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@fastballonly

11y↑56

Great song. I love the voice, lyrics, background strings, bass, everything. Thank you for the upload.

@stephaniecasey745

0⁰⁰

@zaksheik506

5y↑72

How fortunate we were having lived the 70s...golden years..

@amandaedward1018

2y↑1

Amen and amen

@bootsy7

37w

Yes

@kayvancooten1058

2y↑26

RIP Mr Dozier.
Thank you for the music.
🕯❤🎶🕊

@jvmarss

2y↑22

Written in '72 but a timeless treasure that can be played today. These folks are some of the most prolific writers of our time. Brought back memories for sure.

@jackiechurchill836

6y↑61

Beautiful melody sung to perfection. Masterclass. One of the more beautiful motown songs. It will live forever.

@andyhaslam9231

4y↑5

Jackie. This was NOT a Motown song. It was after they left Tamla in 1970 and started their own label Invictus which had hits for Freda Payne and Chairman Of The Board. This single was released in 1972 but just missed the Top 20.

@ralstonbaker1974

3y↑1

NOT a Motown song Jackie.

@amandaedward1018

Amen and amen

@donnaromero8850

1y↑1

Play it at my funeral. Best song ever....can never forget it.

@josephdavis3686

4y↑8

One of the greatest songwriters in our time what happen to our Black music when men could sing about our women without calling them out of their names.

@aristothree5689

4y↑4

Your so right because we had repect for our black women back in the day ARISTO THREE THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS YOU FILL ME 😃

@ianjackson7948

9y↑73

One of the best song writing teams of all times...Lamont Dozier on lead vocals...great 70's soul groove.

@ethelstevenslove2957

9y↑12

Ian Jackson Yes I agree, Lamont Dozier along with brothers Eddie and Brian Holland was inducted into the "Soul Music Hall of Fame" December 2012.......

@keitmon

11y↑87

I woke up one recent morning with this melody on the brain. I probably hadn't heard it for more than 30 years. It was great to find this on Youtube where real music still lives.

@keithburrell9882

2y↑2

R.I.P Mr. DOZIER...This song will bring joy FOREVER!

@stevecoleman2527

2y↑1

Every time i play it.its as good

@martinplatt5928

10y↑63

Staggered that this track only reached 29 in our BBC Top 50 in 1972.....should have made number 1 easily. This is in my top 5 best tracks EVER. Just incredible piece of music beautifully sung by a musical genius.

@sheilapalmer224

7y↑1

Martin Platt you are bless

@stevendouglas3860

5y↑2

Just shows How people brainwashed .
What a lovely song

@leonoraashley7275

5y↑2

Martin Platt agree with you, shame more people don't know this song, it's so beautiful.

@monicabella7894

Check DEAREST ONE

@leonoraashley7275

Martin Platt so true I agree with you hundred per cent

1 More Replies...

@denise0707

3y↑33

This song makes me forget all my troubles....pure gold 🎶🎵😊

@theoleschoolmusichawk

4y↑3

Theoleschoolmusichawk👀👀Great memories... 20th & Venango...and other dangerous things.

@bookerpa

15y↑6

Pure soul, pure gold - Motown at its best and such a shame that they don't make music like this any more. That sexy sax pulls at my heart.

@jontewilliams6957

13w

That’s the great Jr.Walker on sax!!!

@jerryday9838

5y↑10

It reminds me of the good times growing up in the 70's.the music was just cool,no cussing,no fussing.just all about LOVE.

@Cas82958

5y↑28

One of the most sincere love songs I've ever heard I don't know how this song could be any better.

@jazzcrusader123

10y↑54

Just love it! Play it in my car all the time and I feel like I'm in heaven!

@beverlyhoward3512

Me too , love this song!♥️

@jackiedillon5995

4y↑16

The soul in this track is immense,,,,, XX 🤗♥️

@simondamsell657

Fantastic song x

@lestermoore9827

41w

So glad to have been living, loving, falling in love, during this musical era. True love music, these times are to be cherished and remembered

@jamiemartinwebb

6y↑59

Motown was a massive part of our music mix in the UK, I feel blessed to have been a teenager when Motown was the thing to listen to.

@steward25

5y↑4

Me too...till this day 50 or more years on its a daily fix❤

@daveshewan6343

4y↑4

Totally agree, the best music ever.

@ralstonbaker1974

3y↑2

This is NOT a Motown record Jamie. By this time HDH had left to form their own label Invictus

@jamiemartinwebb

3y↑1

@@ralstonbaker1974 thank you for that Ralston, I didnt know that, but its unmistakably a Motown sound 😉

@rosiewilkins9885

3y↑12

I LOVE THIS SONG "ITS " BEAUTIFUL & RELAXING !!!!!

@FreeLancerLondon

6y↑9

Great song from great Motown writers. Brings back a lot of memories.

@caryldavies7719

7y↑44

What a beautiful song - they don't make songs like this anymore.

@catmel1954

6y↑1

One of the best Motown songs ever
Even better that the most prolific songwriters wrote and recorded it.

@edwardjames5150

7y↑28

takes me way back to my very first true love. we were having problems and I was scared to break up with her. Couldn't stand the thought of her kissing someone else. we stayed together 17 years and had two beautiful children. we were 14 and 12 when we started out and 31 and 29 when we split. was a good love and she will always have a special place in my heart.

@jimmieperryman965

5y↑17

What" a blessing to have live in this era,

@dec222222

9y↑73

They dont make songs liike this anymore .. Just Beautiful .

@donnaleboeuf6641

8y↑2

THEY SURE DON'T!

@sheilapalmer224

7y↑3

Donna LeBoeuf you go

@daryltaylor2992

7y↑5

Donna LeBoeuf. SAD! THEY NEVER WILL

@smaked100

11y↑7

I grew up on Motown and as much as i love them all, i just can't imagine anyone else singing this as GOOD as this. One of my favorite songs ever xx

@stinkfoot9776

5y↑5

Seriously.Beautiful.I feel Marvin would have loved to sang this song.

@lisapadilla4550

10y↑36

Such an amazing song....

@jonnythomas4885

agree 100% - only spoiled by the cheesy talking at the end

@Multi1628

7y↑1

~ Top 10 R&B in 1972, and huge in New Orleans. The 'B' side was a hit in the clubs all decade. Great Jr. Walker sax sounds here, and perfection from H-D-H as always and forever. Thank you for posting ~ Cheers, AVEDJ ~

@cptmccoy

So right, David! I lived in New Orleans, going to UNO, back in 72! Used to blast this song when it came on! Loved it!😂💙💚

@philljohnson6256

7y↑3

Remember buying this in 1972. Still sounds brilliant after all these years.

@frankbrittain6182

2y↑5

I searched everywhere for this track.. found it on CD many years ago. .this is classic Motown,never copied or beaten!

@grahamhoff5069

9y↑35

one of the best motown songs ever sung

@kjchicago1

8y↑3

On Invictus Records

@darryl526

8y↑1

not a Motown song

@williamg2552

7y↑5

It would have been, if they had stayed on the Motown Label. But Berry Gordy broke several promises to them, so they split...and formed their OWN .

@eddiesimms9301

49w↑1

I first heard this song in December of '72 at the tender age of 14..... DAMN GOOD Song !!

@misst.e.a.187

6y↑12

Mmmm this takes me back to such happy times. Love, love, love this song

@kathycoates4333

2y↑2

RIP Mr. Dozier🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 This is my favorite song❤❤❤

@teenonator

9y↑18

One of my all-time favorite tunes.....I had an ex-juke box copy of this released just under Brian Holland's name

@halogenie1

9y↑15

such brilliant songwriters and such an influence on my two autistic sons Noreen United Kingdom!

@manmorris111

3y↑6

Still makes me cry, so good even after all these years

@BluePaul

11y↑9

Wonderful track, so underrated and a gift to those that know!

@speedoflite1

15y↑4

An enchanting groove from '72, and, oooh that sax!

@helensamuel-kendall2986

2y↑2

Love his music RIP Mr. Lamont Dozier

@janetrobinson7143

5y↑3

In 1971 when this song first came out I was in love with my boyfriend Michael.Soul music is still even today the most beautiful music in the world.

@minnieshortyestrada6102

8y↑2

Ooh wee this Jam brings back memories in the neiborhood Linda Vista San Diego, Thanks for going down Memory lane.

@agchopfarm914

3y↑4

I can't stop listening to it . over and over. Wow

@choneyb54

4y↑4

ONE OF MY SUPER FAVE OLDIE!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💝

@halogenie1

9y↑12

a tribute to great black soul music and black songwriters nothing can be taken from such talent from grateful noreen faruga who was 15 years old when this classic was released!

@FreeLancerLondon

Noreen Faruga I was sixteen, sitting my o' levels. Great song. Wonderful talent.

@jameswheeler7679

I bought the 45 in maybe 1972 and still after all of these years I'm still crazy about this song I'm LoL 65 now his voice on this song just captures me Baby why can't we be lovers

@GAZZAGESSEX

13y↑2

Ah that sax and great lyrics terrific from 1972 i remember this song as my faourite in 1972 a timeless classic they dont make songs like this today

@user-vf3fg1gl7pMsSandy

5y↑8

Music as it should be..BEAUTIFUL💞

@stephenedwards8917

4y↑11

This is so beautiful brings back good vibes

@61kimmarie

3y↑12

A true masterpiece and perfect love song!! ❤🥰

@MMDCLXVII

11y↑4

This is very seriously contender for the greatest song ever recorded

@tjibbescheper720

5y↑5

Year 1985 i heard this for the first time. Still gives me goosebumps.

@Music-gb3tj

2y↑2

There goes another songwriter, That’s really music and no computer programs, and drum modules. Pure voice no voice overs, This song has real feelings to it. No loops or samples. The world will sadly miss these type of songs written , arranged, and sung by real people not computers.

@msfiggs3030

4y↑9

I'm still in love with this song.

@jjs499

12y↑3

This is Lamont Dozier, writter of all those Motown hits....soooo cool..

@michelebrown5142

2y↑2

I was in elementary school when this came out. First song that sticks in my head when we moved to Philly. 🤗❤️

@valg3230

12y↑13

this may be the best version of the song that I have found on youtube-- you have done a great job of blending the song with historical photos--- what great pictures and of course, what an INCREDIBLE song-- this song both gives me goosebumps AND makes me cry-- what talent -- thanks for posting this

@shirleybuckley8732

9y↑25

so many great memories attached to this beautiful tune happy days

@sheilapalmer224

7y↑6

Shirley Buckley I love this jam

@candymorgan2119

6y↑4

Shirley Buckley To many memories a real goody

@Haze_OneX

15y↑7

Simply magic!

@JB-bc9nm

2y↑1

I've been wanting to play Lamont Dozier's song "Why Can't We Be Lovers" for a couple of days now. I finally stop to play it and I find out that Lamont passed 2 hours ago! We'll never forget you! R.I.P Lamont!😪😓

@tonybates7870

10y↑22

This is a magnificent record. Simple.

@foxysil52

Thank you Paul..for an amazing job bringing back..WAYYYY..Back! Memories, ALL of us fell in love to..I mean.. when the word L.O.V.E.. meant everything, to the Baby Boomers. I have grandsons between 20 and 26 who have appreciated our music.. and BY
BTW..my only Sons name is Paul..😊👍💙❤

@lestermoore9827

2y↑4

One of my all time favorites ❤, growing up. Good times. Real love music 🎶, straight from the heart ❤

@stevedutch711

11y↑6

A superb example of how to write and structure the perfect pop song!

@davidsavell5398

10y↑17

Outstanding song,a classic

@HUMPTYNUGGET

15y↑7

one of my favourite records of all time.

@kemerywright1194

5y↑2

this has such a melancholy overture...while joyful it takes me back to a place in time of a little sadness, fun,..I guess encapsulated in a somewhat safe place. Best can give it...

@patritablackston2064

Wonderfully put Kemery.

@AB-wr8vl

Just introduced to this song, playing in a cafe. Found via YouTube.
Result 😁😁🎼🎼🥰!!!

@sheenalett

12y↑6

Absolute bliss! never heard any song as good as this xx

@joyroberts8266

38w

I always thought that that was Lamont Dozier, by himself!!! Still listening 7/24/23!!! Love you Holland-Dozier-Holland!!!

@JazTrance

2y↑1

Such an incredible writing team, the likes of which we will never see again.

@TheMidcoast1

14y

So Proud to be a Detroiter....I can hear other Motown artist in this song like Michael Henderson, The Four Tops and the background singers so classic Motown out cold... so passonate so clever. Thank You for such wonderful music Lamont Dozier and Holland too. We will never forget you all.

@patritablackston2064

I'm proud to be a Detroiter too Rae, it must have been something in our water, because Detroit was a beast when it came to having a humongous amount of talent.

@Spartan300740

2y↑3

R.I.P. Lamont , you truly were a giant .

@arthurharris9428

9y↑16

Fantastic song! Brings back so many great memories! Thank you for the post.

@Cas82958

5y↑6

1st class song. A hell of a tune!

@brianhargate1249

6y↑4

Pure Soul..Always sounds fresh...Timeless Perfection!!

@MrTerryb1956

5y↑2

One of the most underrated recordings ever the words a simple but very meaningful , I first heard this being played in Longton Market in 1973, there was a stall that specialised in Northern Soul and classic records one of the best in stoke on trent to purchase your rare records. This track reminds me of my first love [ i gave her the copy and told her i love you ] , we had a brief fling for about 6 months before we went our separate ways, she married a chap you know the type tall dark and handsome leaving me 5ft 5in blonde and blue eyes to face the world alone. Fast forward to 1988, me married three children , we bumped into each other purely by accident in Hanley we went for a coffee and a chat just to chat up on the last 15 years. Turns out her marriage failed and that she still had feelings for me all these years later , she also told me that she wanted to contact me in 1977 , 2 days before i got married and confess her true feelings for me. I was dumbstruck he was a woman who left me for someone whom she though would have given her the world , who instead had left her world in tatters . I said to her am so sorry that it didn't work out for you , i thought that when you left me you would have been one happy women, however am married now with three children who mean the world to me and i have a wonderful wife. We both drank our drinks shook hands and i said to her i will never forget you and your beautiful smile , she started to walk away and said , Terry ive still got the record you gave to me , it will always remind me of you and the short time we shared our lives together ...........................oh if only i hadn't left you maybe things would have been different. With tears in my eyes i walked to my car thinking what might have been.

@krystaljoi07

Thank you for sharing your story. 😔💜

@theoleschoolmusichawk

I cried on this one

@hartfieldbrooksmedia

Rest Easy Lamont Dozier. Beautiful songs.

@jerryday9838

3y↑1

Just heard about our great musical loss, R.I.P. Mr.Dozier, And I thank you
For all those jams HDH forever

@charliebriant

13y↑1

this special song takes me back to the kentish drovers pub on the old kent road london se15. Motown has always been my most collected label when people and young teenagers showed respect towards each other. i am glad i grew up when this lovely music was being played. 52 now and still getting goose bumps when i hear it thank you for a good feeling.

@sausa57

2y↑1

One of My Favorite Songs, Ever!! Still have the 45!! I was 14 ❤️‍🩹

@PaulineCurrie

15y↑6

One of my favourite songs ever. Would love to dance with someone gorgeous while this was playing I hate the awful sloppy songs they play nowadays....but this...... It takes me places.

@spitharoo6750

5y↑5

It reminds me of a sad time in my life but it's so long ago I can't remember what it was!🙄 Still love the song.

@comet2844

12y↑3

So long ago and still so great! Brings me back to my first year in college and my first love. Never forget her or this song.

@simondamsell657

6y↑4

Just Awesome what a song

@Anthony-vm1wb

Absolutely brilliant song, I bought all the Lamont Dozier Albums when he went solo. Have a listen to all his songs on those albums they are fantastic, great lyrics. All Cried Out is one of the best singles out there that hardly anyone has heard, have a listen. 😁

@japola5

2y↑1

Hey everyone, just found out today (8/9/2022) that Lamont Dozier passed away ! Thank You for your beautiful music !!!!!!

@paulford2413

The best Holland Dozier Holland. Respect respect.

@yogiman4293

RIP Lamont Dozier! Songwriter Extraordinaire!

@UBZUKki

10y↑11

Pure gold....

@sheikhzak

7y↑3

Classic.... fond memories...

@donnaleboeuf9930

Still listening 2022!! Love this JAM so much! The BEST!!

@user-bi2oz6ol5f

16w

I remember this song when I was a kid great classic song.😊😊

@geronimorootman5117

Happy bday Mr Dozier... sixth grade. When my sister jammed her new 45. Every fkn day..fkn beautiful at ten years old

@ruthmarshall215

11y↑3

Great song...as a songwriter, I can appreciate the sentimental message. Respectfully, Ruth Marshall

@videoarchiveman

16y↑4

great song . I have the 45 and this extended version is just as great. Thanks for posting this "lost gold".

@speedoflite1

14y↑3

One of my favorite hit singles, the saxophones make it especially good & soulful; the 45 rpm record label says, featuring "LAMONT DOZIER."

@jameslanier3906

2y↑5

Loved these guys and their arrangement!

@narutouzamaki1218

5y↑1

Chris Rivers brought me here🙏Blessing Jah

@peteschofield

15y↑2

post MOTOWN bliss,,theres a minor key feel to this beautiful song,, so appealing,,a sort of melancholy about it,,cant explain it really..great sax and wonderful lyrics,,the almost perfect presentation of soul music..

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