In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Hayes became famous as a recording artist in his own right, scoring with critically and commercially successful albums such as Hot Buttered Soul and Black Moses. Hayes is best known today for composing the score to the 1971 blaxploitation film Shaft. That film's "Theme from Shaft" was one of the best-selling singles in Stax Records history, and Hayes became the first African-American to win an Oscar for a non-acting category when "Theme from Shaft" won the 1972 Academy Award for Best Song.
Isaac Hayes may be known to today's youngest generation as the voice of the character "Chef", the ladies' man/school cook, on the animated sitcom South Park from 1997 until his resignation from the show in March 2006. While Hayes' departure was tagged to a controversial South Park episode on Scientology that had supposedly offended him, Hayes rarely declared anything about the departure in first person.
Never Gonna Give You Up
Isaac Hayes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No matter how you treat me
Never gonna give you up
So don't you think of leavin'
Girl, you treat me bad and I know why
Yeah, I've seen you runnin' around with another guy
And you think if you hurt me that I'll go away
So tell him
(Never gonna give you up)
Whisper in his ear
(No matter how you treat me)
(Never gonna give you up)
You tell him that Jerry said he'll never let you go
(So don't you think of leavin')
Hey, don't you understand
What you're doing to the man?
Do you see these tears here in my eyes?
Ain't no use in me lyin' 'cause I really cried
You think you're gonna take me and put me on the shelf
Girl, I'd rather die than see you with somebody else
So throw it out of your mind
(Never gonna give you up)
I'll never leave you
(No matter how you treat me)
Though you grieve me and deceive me, yeah
(Never gonna give you up)
(So don't you think of leavin')
Hey, don't you understand
What you're doing to the man?
My friends all say that I'm your fool
And you're using me like a carpenter uses a tool
And I know their intentions have all been good
Some of them would help me if they could
But I'll
(Never gonna give you up)
Never, never, never, never let you go
(No matter how you treat me)
No matter what you say
(Never gonna give you up)
(So don't you think of leavin')
Baby, don't you understand
That you're killing this man?
(Never gonna give you up)
Never gonna give you up
(No matter how you treat me)
No matter what you do to me, baby now
(Never gonna give you up)
(So don't you think of leavin')
Oh, never leave me
I'll be always standing around the door
(Never gonna give you up)
(No matter how you treat me)
Even though you say that honey
You don't love me
Isaac Hayes’s song “Never Gonna Give You Up” is about a man who is devoted to a woman who treats him poorly. Hayes sings about his determination to not leave her, even though she is cheating on him and hurting him. The chorus repeats the lines “Never gonna give you up” and “No matter how you treat me,” emphasizing his steadfastness. The verses describe the woman’s actions: she is seen with another man and is causing the singer to cry. Despite all of this, Hayes does not want to leave her, believing that his love is strong enough to keep them together. He asks her to tell the other man that he will never let her go, and he refuses to be a “fool” any longer.
This song is a classic example of the soul genre that emerged in the 1960s and 70s. It features a slow, sultry beat with Hayes’s deep, emotional vocals. The lyrics are emotional and raw, reflecting the pain that the singer is feeling. By repeating the chorus, Hayes emphasizes his devotion and loyalty, while also admitting his vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
Never gonna give you up
I will never abandon you
No matter how you treat me
Even if you treat me unkindly
Never gonna give you up
Again, I will never leave you
So don't you think of leavin'
Therefore, please do not contemplate leaving
Girl, you treat me bad and I know why
Woman, you act cruelly with me, and I am aware of the reason for your behavior
Yeah, I've seen you runnin' around with another guy
Yes, I have observed you consorting with a different man
And you think if you hurt me that I'll go away
You believe that if you cause me harm, I will depart from your life
Made it up in my mind that I'm here to stay
However, I have resolved to remain by your side
You tell him that Jerry said he'll never let you go
Please inform him that Jerry affirmed he will never release you
Hey, don't you understand
Do you not comprehend
What you're doing to the man?
How you are tormenting this individual?
Do you see these tears here in my eyes?
Are you able to detect these tears in my eyes?
Ain't no use in me lyin' 'cause I really cried
It is pointless for me to dissemble since I did actually cry
You think you're gonna take me and put me on the shelf
You assume that you can stow me away and ignore me
Girl, I'd rather die than see you with somebody else
However, I would prefer to perish than witness you with another man
Though you grieve me and deceive me, yeah
Even though you cause me sorrow and deceive me
Hey, don't you understand
Hey, do you not understand
What you're doing to the man?
How you are mistreating this individual?
My friends all say that I'm your fool
My buddies claim that you have made me your dupe
And you're using me like a carpenter uses a tool
Moreover, you are exploiting me like a carpenter exploits a tool
And I know their intentions have all been good
I recognize that their motivations have all been pure
Some of them would help me if they could
Several of them would aid me if they were able
Never, never, never, never let you go
I will never, ever permit you to depart
No matter what you say
Regardless of what you utter
Baby, don't you understand
Baby, do you not comprehend
That you're killing this man?
How you are slaying this man?
No matter what you do to me, baby now
Regardless of what actions you take against me, at present
Oh, never leave me
Oh, never depart from my side
I'll be always standing around the door
I will perpetually be waiting by the entrance
Even though you say that honey
Despite you declaring, sweetheart,
You don't love me
That you do not love me
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barry White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joy west
There was a time when I listened to many of his albums everyday - it was touching music that many related to and he could deliver it and make you feel the moment. I will always love Ike and his Soulful music. He was so talented and so cool. He's performing in Heaven now. A beautiful legacy, "his music," was left for us to enjoy and we Never Gonna Give It Up!
Naomig
Issac Hayes was a master arranger. The whole album is fierce!
Naomi H
Issac Hayes had a great soulful voice, and he was a master arranger. His arrangments are usually better than the original songs! Loved him!
LEGSUDESIRE
Exactly A Jerry Butler song and I love both versions but this is so damn strong
Corey Sheppard
Absolutely incredible groove here! And one of Isaac's best vocals. It's been a favorite of mine for many years!
Davina Larouge
A very COOL jam, you go Sir Issac
B Vicente
I had this album when I was in high school. Great album. One of the few albums with great instrumental music. Thanks for posting this!
sandy green
Rest in heaven mom ❤! Me and your grandson is listening to this for you!
Roast Chicken
This is damn underrated. Great track
mr. vain vice
Underrated my ass shit was a hit