You Need Love Like I Do
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics

Well, well, well, well
The singer begins the song by expressing a feeling of surprise or anticipation.

Seems like it was only yesterday
The singer recalls a memory from the past, which feels recent and fresh in her mind.

When my mama told me don't fall in love
The singer remembers her mother's advice not to rush into romantic relationships.

With the first guy that comes your way
The singer's mother warned her not to settle for the first man she meets, but to take time to find the right partner.

He was handsome and nice
The singer describes a potential romantic partner who had attractive qualities.

But I took her advice and passed him by
The singer followed her mother's advice and did not pursue a relationship with the man, even though he had some good qualities.

Years have passed and don't look
The singer reflects on the passage of time and how her love life has not improved.

Like love's gonna give me a second try
The singer doubts that she will have another chance at finding love.

Boy the look on your face tells me you understand
The singer observes that the person she is talking with seems to empathize with her situation.

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

Needs a helping hand well, well
The singer believes that both of them need assistance in finding love.

You need love like I do (don't you)
The singer expresses her belief that the other person also needs love, and encourages them to seek it out with her.

Boy I can tell by the way
The singer notices something about the other person's behavior or appearance.

You look when I'm looking at you
The singer perceives a certain expression or emotion in the other person's face when they are making eye contact.

I know it ain't fit and proper
The singer acknowledges that it might seem inappropriate or unconventional for a woman to speak so directly about love to a man.

For a girl to talk this way
The singer recognizes that society may have expectations about how women should behave in romantic relationships.

But I can't cope with this loneliness
The singer reveals her feelings of isolation and desperation for companionship.

Not one more doggone day
The singer emphasizes the urgency of her need and inability to tolerate her loneliness any longer.

Everyday has been an uphill climb
The singer describes her struggle to find love as a difficult and challenging journey.

Keeping my hopes a float
Despite the difficulties, the singer is determined to maintain a positive outlook and continue searching for love.

Judging from your silence boy
The singer notices that the other person has not yet responded to her proposal or expressed their own feelings.

You must be in the same boat
The singer concludes that the other person must also be struggling with loneliness and a lack of love in their life.

Ain't it true now
The singer seeks confirmation from the other person that they share her feelings.

Boy it seems like I'm looking in the mirror
The singer comments on their similarities in experiences and feelings.

When I'm looking at you
The singer sees her own struggles and desires reflected in the other person's expression and behavior.

Come on and tell me boy
The singer asks the other person to open up to her and share their feelings.

Has it ever happened to you
The singer asks if the other person has ever experienced the same kind of loneliness and longing for love that she has.

My love life is just like a sinking boat
The singer uses a metaphor to describe the state of her romantic life, which is deteriorating and heading for disaster.

I can understand a person being without money
The singer suggests that it is understandable for someone to be financially strapped, but it is not acceptable to be without love.

But there sho' ain't no reason
The singer asserts that there is no good excuse for someone to lack love in their life.

For a person to be without love
The singer emphasizes the importance of love in a person's life, and the negative impact of not having it.

Listen to me now
The singer implores the other person to pay attention and take seriously what she is saying.

I'm a girl and you're a guy
The singer acknowledges their gender differences, but emphasizes that they both share a basic human need for love and connection.

So come on let's give love a try
The singer encourages the other person to take a chance on love with her, and try to build a relationship together.

Boy finding true love is a dream
The singer describes finding true love as a desirable but elusive goal or aspiration.

That everyone wants to come true
The singer emphasizes that the desire for love is a universal human experience.

Boy can't you see it's up to us
The singer believes that they are capable of making their dream of love a reality, and that it depends on their own efforts and choices.

To make this dream come true oh
The singer expresses her hope and determination that they can succeed in finding love together.

And it's true and it's true and it's true and it's true
The singer repeats the word 'true' several times, emphasizing the sincerity and authenticity of her feelings and intentions.

Woah, well, well, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
The singer adds some vocal flourishes that express her emotions and the intensity of the moment.