The Man I Love
Gladys Knight Lyrics

Well, well, well, well
The singer is starting the song with a repetitive phrase to create an informal and conversational tone.

Seems like it was only yesterday
The singer is reminiscing about her past and how her mother gave her advice about love.

When my mama told me don't fall in love
The singer's mother advised her against falling in love with the first guy she meets.

With the first guy that comes your way
The singer's mother told her not to rush into a relationship just because the first guy showed interest in her.

He was handsome and nice
The guy who showed interest in the singer was attractive and friendly.

But I took her advice and passed him by
The singer followed her mother's advice and did not pursue a relationship with the first guy she met.

Years have passed and don't look
The singer is indicating that a significant amount of time has elapsed since then.

Like love's gonna give me a second try
The singer implies she has not found true love yet and is not hopeful about it happening.

Boy the look on your face tells me you understand
The singer is sensing from the boy's expression that he can relate to her situation.

Could it be your love life's like mine
The singer is wondering if the boy is also struggling to find love.

Needs a helping hand well, well
The singer suggests that both of them need help in their quest for love.

You need love like I do (don't you)
The singer is now directly asking the boy if he also needs love.

Boy I can tell by the way
The singer is confident she can discern from the boy's mannerisms.

You look when I'm looking at you
The singer is convinced that the boy has romantic intentions towards her.

I know it ain't fit and proper
The singer is acknowledging that their conversation may not be socially acceptable.

For a girl to talk this way
The singer admits that it may be unconventional for a girl to openly express her desire for love.

But I can't cope with this loneliness
The singer confesses that she is struggling emotionally due to her loneliness.

Not one more doggone day
The singer is expressing a sense of urgency to address her loneliness and find love.

Everyday has been an uphill climb
The singer conveys how difficult it has been for her to find love.

Keeping my hopes a float
The singer is trying to remain optimistic despite facing setbacks in her love life.

Judging from your silence boy
The singer observes the boy's lack of response to her confession and assumes he also struggles with love.

You must be in the same boat
The singer believes that the boy can relate to her situation and share her feelings of loneliness.

Ain't it true now
The singer is asking if the boy agrees with her observation.

Boy I'm gonna tell you something
The singer is about to share a personal experience with the boy.

And believe me it ain't no joke
The singer is emphasizing the seriousness of her upcoming statement.

My love life is just like a sinking boat
The singer likens her love life to a sinking boat, implying that it is in a state of peril.

I can understand a person being without money
The singer recognizes that someone can live without money but suggests that love is an essential human need.

But there sho' ain't no reason
The singer thinks that there is no justification for not having love.

For a person to be without love
The singer believes that love is a fundamental component of human happiness and fulfillment.

Listen to me now
The singer is emphasizing her message to the boy.

I'm a girl and you're a guy
The singer is pointing out their respective genders to highlight the romantic potential between them.

So come on let's give love a try
The singer is proposing that they pursue a romantic relationship.

Tell me lil' boy
The singer is encouraging the boy to express his feelings towards her.

Boy finding true love is a dream
The singer is highlighting how many people dream of finding true love.

That everyone wants to come true
The singer asserts that finding true love is a universal human desire.

Boy can't you see it's up to us
The singer places the responsibility of fulfilling their dream of finding love onto both of them.

To make this dream come true oh
The singer is urging the boy to join her in realizing their shared desire for love.

And it's true and it's true and it's true and it's true
The singer is affirming the truth of her statements and beliefs.

Woah, well, well, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

You need love like I do (don't you)
The singer reiterates the message of the song and addresses the boy directly.

Boy it seems like I'm looking in the mirror
The singer sees similarities between herself and the boy in their struggles to find love.

When I'm looking at you
The singer feels a connection to the boy when she looks at him.

You need love like I do (don't you)
The singer repeats her message, emphasizing its importance to both of them.