Formed in New York City in 1970, the Fatback Band was the concept of Bill Curtis, an experienced session drummer, inspired to merge the "fatback" jazz beat of New Orleans into a funk band. In addition to Curtis, the band's initial line-up included guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, trumpet player George Williams, saxophonist Earl Shelton, flautist George Adams, and keyboardist Gerry Thomas. The band specialized in playing "street funk". The group also later included conga player Wayne Woolford, vocalists Jayne and Gerry, Deborah Cooper saxophonist Fred Demerey, guitarist Louis Wright and George Victory.
I Can't Help Myself
Fatback Band Lyrics
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I can't help myself I love you and nobody else
Wanna tell in and out my life you come and go
Leaving just your picture behind
and I kissed it a thousand times
When you snap your finger or wink your eye I come a running to you
I'm tied to your apron strings and there's nothing I can do
Sugar pie honey bunch I'm weaker than a man should be
I can't help myself I'm a fool in love you see
Wanna tell you I don't love you tell you that we're through and I've tried
But every time I see your face I get all choked up inside
When I call your name girl it starts the flame burning in my heart
tearin it all apart no matter how I try my love
I cannot hide 'cause
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I'm weak for you
Can't help myself I love you and nobody else
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch do anything you ask me to
Can't help myself I want you and nobody else
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Can't help myself, no I can't help myself
The Fatback Band's "I Can't Help Myself" is a love song about a man who is deeply in love with a woman and is unable to control his feelings for her. The lyrics describe his infatuation with her and how helpless he feels to resist her charms. The use of endearing terms like "sugar pie honey bunch" throughout the song highlights his affection for her.
The first verse of the song sets the stage for the man's infatuation with the woman. He acknowledges that he cannot help but love her and that there is no one else for him. The second verse speaks to the instability of their relationship, with her coming and going out of his life regularly. Despite this, he is still very much in love with her and keeps her picture with him at all times. The third verse continues to speak of the man's inability to resist the woman's command, always at her beck and call, doing whatever she asks of him.
The chorus repeats the sentiment that the man cannot help himself, despite trying to avoid his love for her. He is weak for her and is incapable of hiding his feelings when he is around her. The repetition of the chorus highlights the depth of the man's affliction towards the woman. Overall, the song is a classic representation of a love story that many people can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
Sugar pie honey bunch you know that I love you
My dear sweet love, you are fully aware of the immense love I have for you.
I can't help myself I love you and nobody else
No matter how hard I try, I cannot resist my feelings for you - I love you and no one else.
Wanna tell in and out my life you come and go
I have the urge to tell you that you weave in and out of my life frequently.
Leaving just your picture behind and I kissed it a thousand times
When you depart, the only item you leave behind is your picture which I cannot help but kiss incessantly.
When you snap your finger or wink your eye I come a running to you
Whenever you display a gesture such as snapping your finger or a wink, I am quick to respond to your beck and call.
I'm tied to your apron strings and there's nothing I can do
I feel like I am bound to you and there is no escape from the strong attraction and attachment I have for you.
Sugar pie honey bunch I'm weaker than a man should be
I confess that my love for you has made me weaker than any man should be.
I can't help myself I'm a fool in love you see
My love for you has made me foolish and unable to control my emotions.
Wanna tell you I don't love you tell you that we're through and I've tried
I have attempted to tell you that I do not love you and that our relationship is over but cannot bring myself to do so.
But every time I see your face I get all choked up inside
Every time I lay eyes on you, my throat tightens up with emotion and I cannot control my feelings.
When I call your name girl it starts the flame burning in my heart tearing it all apart
The mere act of calling out your name reignites the burning passion and love in my heart and tears me apart.
No matter how I try my love I cannot hide 'cause
I have attempted to conceal my feelings but have failed because my love for you is too strong.
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I'm weak for you
My dear, you fully understand that I am feeble when it comes to you and your love.
Can't help myself I love you and nobody else
I cannot control my love for you as it is only you that I am attracted to.
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch do anything you ask me to
My darling, I am willing to do anything you ask of me.
Can't help myself I want you and nobody else
I cannot resist my intense desire for you and no one else holds such attraction for me.
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch you know that I love you
My sweetheart, please understand that I love you deeply and wholly.
You know that I love you
You are fully aware that my love for you is unconditional, real, and true.
Can't help myself, no I can't help myself
No matter how hard I try, I cannot help but feel strongly and passionately for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Jr. Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind