Take Care of You
Gil Scott Heron & Jamie XX Lyrics

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I know you've been hurt by someone else
I can tell by the way you carry yourself
But if you let me, here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you

I've loved and I lost the same as you
So you see I know just what you've been through
And if you let me, here's what I'll do

I'll take care of you

You won't ever have to worry
You won't ever have to whine
For I'll be there beside you
To dry your weeping eye

So darling tell me that you'll be true
There's no doubt in my mind, I know what I want to do
And then just as sure as one and one is two
I know I'll take care of you

I'll take care of you

I'll take care of you
I'll take care of you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song 'I'll Take Care Of U' by Gill Scott-Heron and Jamie xx are about a person who has been hurt in the past and is struggling to move on from the pain. The singer acknowledges the person's pain and offers to be their support system, promising to take care of them and be there for them through thick and thin. He reassures the person that they won't have to worry or whine anymore as he'll always be by their side, ready to dry their weeping eyes. The lyrics also suggest that the singer has gone through similar life experiences and can empathize with the other person's pain.

Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of empathy, companionship, and support. The lyrics assure the listener that they don't have to go through their pain alone and that there's someone out there who genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get through it.

Line by Line Meaning

I know you've been hurt by someone else
I can sense that you have been emotionally or physically damaged by another person.

I can tell by the way you carry yourself
I can observe from your demeanor that you bear the marks of a hurtful past experience.

But if you let me, here's what I'll do
If you allow me the chance, I will show you the care and attention that you deserve.

I'll take care of you
I will provide for you emotionally, mentally, and physically in any way I can.

I've loved and I lost the same as you
Like you, I too have experienced the pain of a broken heart.

So you see I know just what you've been through
Because of this, I can empathize with you and comprehend the struggles that you have faced.

You won't ever have to worry
You will never have to be concerned about your well-being when you are in my care.

You won't ever have to whine
You will never have to complain about any aspect of your life when I am around to assist you.

For I'll be there beside you
Because I care for you deeply, I will always be right by your side.

To dry your weeping eye
I will comfort you when you are feeling down and dry your tears when you are upset.

So darling tell me that you'll be true
I want to hear from you that you will be honest with me in our relationship.

There's no doubt in my mind, I know what I want to do
I am absolutely certain that I want to care for you and that I am capable of doing so.

And then just as sure as one and one is two
There is no question that my commitment to you will be unwavering, just as basic arithmetic.

I know I'll take care of you
I am confident in my ability and will to provide for your happiness and wellbeing.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BROOK BENTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@V.elociraptor

11y↑22

You've got to be kidding me. Gil Scott-Heron is indescribably incredible. He inspired the original formation of Rap music. He is often referred to as the "Grandfather of rap".

@nobodyasd00r

15w

Amo de mais ❤

@CollinAbroadcast

4y↑64

BANGER!

@manjunathakrlnassks

3y↑2

Dr y

@theereckoning

12y↑4

The "old man" is Gil Scott-Heron. A fucking pioneer, without him there wouldn't be much of the hip hop you hear today. Show the legend some respect.

@annastewart8953

3y↑39

I just can't get over what a perfect reinterpretation this is of Gil's song. Totally different vibe, but the exact same emotion. Masterfully done.

@craftingwithshirley4829

3y↑25

His voice, the guitar hook, the lyrics - I cry when hear it, its perfect! Yes Gil was a major force in music and thank you Jamie xx for honoring him!

@ballsack4321

50w

I dont know who you are Shirley but that's a very beautiful thing you just wrote xxxxx

@keironhiggspoet

27w↑3

"i've loved and i've lost" this line hits so hard. I love this record. timeless.

@e1gas

12y↑14

I like Gill's voice and laughter, and the beat makes this song so relaxing and calm... Great song!

@samforryan468

9y↑258

I'm sure many people discovered Gil-Scott Heron through Jamie XX, but for me it was the other way round. This remix has completely opened me up to Jamie XX's music and with that all the randomers he's sampled in his time. So strange how you can look back to one track like this as something so pivotal in shaping my music taste over the past few years!

@Forestgravy90

+sam forryan what did you think to In Colour?

@samforryan468

9y↑4

Really liked a lot of the tracks individually (especially of course the Idris Muhammad sampling on Loud Places) but not too convinced by how it fits together as a whole if you get me

@Forestgravy90

sam forryan yeah I had that exact same feeling when i first heard it, one evening though I just gave it a full listen through, and (barring There's gonna be good times) I do think it actually works well as one piece. I'm still rooting for C Duncan at the Mercury's though

@samforryan468

dude c duncan might be an even bigger underdog than young fathers were! Though they're a prime example of how winning the mercury prize doesnt necessarily correlate with career success...

@Lolasrice

8y↑1

+sam forryan my grandpa introduced me to Gil. As a kid I remember going over my grandparents house, and hearing his strong beautiful voice and I just remember falling in love with his music.I'm just now knowing about Jamie XX but I knew the one drake and Rihanna was a tribute to Gil-Scott Heron song

7 More Replies...

@leafnlore2712

3y↑19

Gil Scott-Heron is a legend. I will always remember buying his album on vinyl From South Africa to South Carolina, 1975. A huge influence on my life! Respect!

@Mathough3

12y↑36

Did you all realise Gil Scott-Heron passed the sixty when he released this song? He is an essential segment of music history, he partly paved the way for hip hop and other genres.

@robillustrates6949

5y↑23

Jamie XX is a genius in the modern music scene undeniably, so talented.

@FunkyDenz

13y↑4

RIP Gil, a true music hero and inspiration. Thank you for the music.

@juanito2628

12y↑3

This song is just so peaceful but yet uplifting! Thank you Gil Scott Heron and Jamie xx for making this beautiful song. And thank you Drake and Rihanna for making this song fresh again and for the views you guys are going to give.

@mrdudebroman

13y↑22

This is the type of music that haunts my evenings. I literally wake up in cold sweats at night,wrestles, anxious and longing, never wanting the dawn to come. Tormented by the past, resenting the future.

@alanjasil613

3y↑3

Lo dije hace diez años, y lo sigo diciendo hoy
Descanse en paz usted “Gil Scott-Heron”🙏🏻🕊
Ambas versiones de “I’ll Take Care of U” y “Take Care” me gustan. (13/Diciembre/2020)

@thesavest

12y↑4

I dont know Gil but I still have respect for his song. There's nothing wrong with using another person's work to express yourself as well. This, and Drake's versions are both outstanding

@dilijasi

12y↑5

Highly addictive track, can't get enough of it.

@juanito2628

12y

I am 14 years old so I never knew who Gil Scott Herron was, until I heard Drake & Rihanna cover his song "I'll Take Care of You". Let me tell you a few things, 1st of the original song is really deep. Gil is very poetic and I could just feel this song while listening to it. 2nd Drake's version of the song isn't just some rip off, its about his affair with Rihanna in 2009 and this song is like a summary of what happen. Very deep as well. If Drake had never covered this beautiful song, millions o

@JayLBizness

13y↑3

Cannot wait for this album!! Is there nothing Jamie xx can't do!? Musical genius

@Giygaszor

12y↑24

One of the best modern house tunes I've ever heard

@august0304

12y

Gil Scott Heron deserves way more respect than the comments posted have shown. Way more.

@lanakael

12y

Don't see how anyone can hate this song--his voice is gravelly heaven, the beat is tight, the lyrics are wonderful, and the guitar is sick as hell! I love Drake, don't get me wrong Lawd! do I love that boy, but his version came nowhere *near* this. This song has that old-school groove that all-too-unfortunately is dying out too quickly, mixed with a flavor that's fresh and new. I've got it on repeat play right now!

@mini234323

13y↑4

Simplemente perfecta! una mágica melodía para mis oídos! bien jamie xx!

@Rayne4mdaLv

12y↑29

I love when well-known names sample songs. I usually always love what they sampled from more<3 If it wasn't for Drake and Rihanna, I wouldn't be listening to this masterpiece right here.

@amez97

13y↑4

The beat that kicks in at 2:34 is fantastic.

@aniscocka2934

3y↑272

Funny how this guy released this and I didn't hear it. Then Drake gets a Grammy from this song and everyone loves it. I wonder about the gems that are there unheard because they are not getting the recognition that they deserve

@cheddarbob6932

3y↑15

thats what makes looking for music fun. tbh for a remix like this, it’s actually really popular. only reason why it didn’t blow up on the level of drakes song is because the labels actually marketed and sent drakes song to pop radios. also, the singing on here isn’t for everyone despite how beautiful it is.

@kabeastisme4486

2y↑2

Nigga it’s Jamie fox

@Rizzy_K

2y↑20

I’m sorry but the vocals are horrendous

@Andy-km1xp

2y↑21

@Rizzy K Listen to Gil’s earlier music. He’s very influential. Put some respect

@lagod63

2y↑2

Cause he polished this up + he’s drake and Rihanna sung this part

10 More Replies...

@Licona1219

13y↑2

Jamie xx never disappoints! Love this remix! :D

@richardmbowman

5y↑7

Gil Scott Heron is one of America's greatest poets, living or dead......

@isaacmartinez6904

4y↑4

I really love the work of Gil Scott-Heron.

@nichobert

12y↑1

Jamie XX made a great beat. it really doesn't matter whose vocals he pasted on top, he managed to make 2 good songs out of it.

@karolol86

13y↑1

Kocham to!!! LOVE IT!!!

@definitepartymaterial

9y↑81

4 years later and i still don't think I've heard a song i like more than this

@riyad81200

5y↑2

definite party material Yo man ! How you doing ?

@cath2006uk

1y↑1

12 lol

@definitepartymaterial

1y↑1

@Catherine yes Catherine come onnnn

@imheren0w

12y↑4

this version got that swagga, that natural swagga that can never be duplicated. kudos to jamie xx for both versions

@baynsy11

12y↑3

Quality song loved it the first time I heard it and still love it till this day.

@frs909

12y↑3

I'd rather be hearing this 10 times on the radio each day.

@danathor99

13y↑2

RIP Gil, one of the greatest of all time!

@OVOXOJMH

12y

I'm a big fan of both this version and Drakes, but i think what everyones forgetting is the one guy who produced both versions, Jamie XX, without him neither track would have been possible for you all to enjoy!

@Untouchabletaj

12y

Legend, so fortunate to be able to see him perform before he passed, RIP Gill Scott Heron

@Charlotteintheworld

12y

I love Gil Scott-Heron in this. So trippy, so artful. Very experimental. Rocks my socks.

@calebw3353

8y↑1

I love both renditions

@blingking501

6y↑224

The lyrics are more believable with his voice, like hes been through it all.

@rickdent3999

5y↑5

YES thanK you

@karinasotova1766

Only 18 👇👇👇
804423.loveisreal.ru

@chibuye92

Yeah, this version makes me want to cry, you can hear the pain in his voice.

@paddyskate

13y↑1

I never heard of him before today and this album is amazing, turns out I saw him when i was in NY on holiday last summer!

@marktosh3739

2y↑1

This is unexpectedly cool.

Long may his music live !

@AngryOscillator

11y

What I want to know is... when is Jamie gonna do a solo album?! Everything he touches is gold. This song is immaculate.

@Toxin08

12y

I like both versions. I was a fan of this song before drake sampled it, but I feel him and Rihanna did it more justice. This version is classic jamie xx but Drake and Rihanna add a whole different vibe to the song that just completes it.

@because_the_internet

12y

Self destruction often accompanies genius and this is the case with brother Gil. By the time of this recording, his voice had deteriorated greatly. Largely due to his history of substance abuse. His earlier work shows a very capable singing voice and all his work shows his ability to capture heartache and hope through his lyrical constant. RIP.

@crankyyoldman

12y↑3

Man this version has so much more feel to it

@McDalena

13y↑2

Jamie xx - You are great ! Respectful greetings from Polish. Amazing music!

@marieland07

12y↑2

love this song no words can explain <3

@krpqrp1017

25w

love both versions, but this got more soul

@missysummertime

12y

Love this guys voice!

@Padmakshya

12y↑2

His voice makes my heart flutter

@greenchris12

12y↑7

I love the background riff that starts at 0:44. Sounds like Explosions in the Sky.

@DubstepStepper

13y

guitar riff excellent !! jamie xx never fails

@XenoSeid

32w

Amazing album.

@pmariah

12y↑1

They really did not ruin it. In Drake's interview he said he looked up to Gil Scott-Heron and said he was inspired. He was just trying to show his appreciation and also modernize it a little. Also, they're version is very nice too. Even the video. Both are great.

@takeover08

12y↑2

Whoever produced the track for Drake did a GREAT job mixing this in. They didn't let Gil down.

@treeandjack

12y

I like Drake's version, but Nothing beats an original...dirty, gritty...raw.......love it!

@siulmaii

8y↑267

Not to many people know this but Gil passed a couple months after Jamie XX made this remix album. So sad, RIP Gil Scott Heron

@radanju3

damn I didn't even know that

@tomrikker4215

5y↑2

Bottom line is drake would most likely not be rapping if it weren’t for people like Gil Scott. When I hear this song, I’m always overwhelmed by the fact a great artist, writer, and genuine person like Gil has not gotten near the recognition of the people who came after.

@dani4u526

12y

His voice wants me to get a glass of water & some throat lozenges .. But I love this song . It has a very original heart felt feeling .. I also love Drake & Rihanna's version ..

@nevanmoses7208

3y↑1

I came on looking for this version after hearing on satellite radio. I love it!

@Sebastian-Tickleberry

12y

Such a chill out tune! love it! :D

@zabocahontas

6y↑2

I LOVE THIS SONG 😍

@CombustionGlassworks

9y↑4

Tears everytime, Such a beautiful tune.

@oxIJMxo

12y

Love it. RIP Gil.

@NB4L

12y

i don't care who brought me here, we can all agree this is a great song

@gulledbeatle

11y

i love both versions, in fact, i love all the versions of i'll take care of you

@TheOvie

13y

can't stop listening this song, it's like you are in car driving down the high way and just dissolve in this song...

@bradleyhunt17

12y

i personally love both versions.

@fouyer

6y↑3

How can someone dislike this?

@Mrchocoman1411

13y

this song is sooooo addictive i've had it on repeat for 30mins now!! haha such a sick tunee!!!!!!!!!!!! soooo chilled x

@boriroi

11y↑2

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Jamie xx = Underrated

@popmay1930

11y

the melody in this is.... just too good, this original is just about the

@QnzkiddGrimeyy

12y

Savageeeeeeeeee! I listen to Gil Scott Heron & dude is amazing. Drake did a great job imo & I can't wait for his album.

@AtlUpload

12y

He didn't butcher it, Gil Scott Heron covered it, then Jamie XX Remixed it, then Drake covered the remix with original verses. If anyone butchered it, it was Gil! He took the original song and made his own version, then it was remixed and covered again. I still like all versions of this song, and nobody did it badly.

@ScabbyCrab

6y↑4

I fucking love this dude's voice, didn't expect so many people to dislike it.

@whatdadogdoin6082

5y↑1

They just can't accept that Drake pretty much stole this song from Jamie and never gave any credit.

@Godzilla-lb8lh

@What Da Dog Doin? 3 years late but this comment is extremely retarded

@nfmduarte

13y

Grande som!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

@jessissleepy

12y

Man, I have to say this is my favorite version/remake/remix/whatever. I can listen to this for HOURS

@celularesparaguay2423

Yesterday i heared this version on the supermarket for first time and instantly i falled in love with this version

@Djsnaps1987

13y

This tune will be epic played out live

@JM1992

love this version so much

@TG0896

12y↑30

I like both versions. This has more meaning to it tbh.

@elatab11

12y

pure genius. thats an understatement.

@water4sure

13y

It's great to see Jamie xx have such an appreciation for a brilliant and very underrated musician such as 'Gil Scott Heron"!! It's jussuch a shame that more musicians from your generation aren't as smart as clever as you!!

@SkinnyGeneTigerBlood

11y

Drake knows good music when he hears it. An honorable tribute to a great artist from another artist who wishes to be that great.

@LogWood

13y

Could well be album of the year if this and 'NY Is Killing Me' are anything to go by.

@tones_tony

12y

cant think of many songs with better production, just perfect really

@kiaminaya5731

3y↑7

I do like Drake's version but only because they took care to put in the same emotion Gil did but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a masterpiece of Gil's creation. That beat is sick af. So good Drake didn't see fit to change it, just cut it a bit and sing over it.

@newnewdeal

13y

they are both genius!

@66Impala427

12y

I love this version so much better! His voice is Ah-Maze-Ing!

@joueravectoi

11y

both versions are very good but also very different, I wouldn't dare to compare them, though nobody copied anyone here !

@laika288

12y

I can't believe we lost Gil this year. I had only just found him as well. Love these last two releases.

@daveygg1971

11y

Just sublime;) awesome production

@willhoward4208

4y↑52

"I've loved and I've lost" then the way it hangs... I just got pulled inside out

@-----ALi

epic spine chillin moment indeed

@Toya1Boya

12y

Love it

@obi1tube

13y

RIP... what a legacy left behind... condolences to his family:(

@marcelapires1223

2y↑1

Can't believe this is a song written by Brook Benton and originally recorded by Bobby Bland in 1959. The first time I heard was Drake and Rihanna singing. In my opinion, Rihanna brought something special with her voice but my favourite version is this with Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie XX because they did such a great job here.