Born in Providence, RI, Jeffrey Osborne was the youngest of 12 children and was constantly bombarded with music as he was growing up. He had five brothers and six sisters, some of whom went on to have music careers. His father, Clarence "Legs" Osborne, was a popular trumpeter who played with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington, and died when Jeffrey was only 13. His mother, Wanita, is ancestored by a Pequot Indian sachem. His oldest brother, Clay Osborne, is a singer and pianist, and Billy, another brother, is a songwriter and producer in Los Angeles. But Osborne's father had the greatest influence on his musical career; Clarence "Legs" Osborne turned down many top band offers during his career to be with his family. It was only after receiving his mother's encouragement that Jeffrey left for Los Angeles to play with L.T.D. At the age of 15, he sat in with the O'Jays when the drummer was too tired to play, and went on to play with them for two weeks. It was at a Providence nightclub that fate brought him together with the band Love Men Ltd. in 1969.
Osborne's solo career has brought him five gold and platinum albums, including Stay With Me Tonight, Aymuk, and Only Human. He also recorded an album of duets with popular singer James Ingram, and scored an international hit with "On the Wings of Love" in 1982. Osborne's touring and recording continue to keep him busy much of the time, but he also devotes some of his time to charity work.
Only Human
Jeffrey Osborne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make no mistake about it
Cause little things
Certainly mean so much to me
Maybe I should tell you
That I have my faults
And there are no guarantees
Oh Babay can't you see
I'm only human
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human babe
I'll be so carefull not to ever hurt you
Emotional thats what I am Feelings run deep inside me
I trust my heart and usually It never lets me down
But every now and then, I guess, I lose my way
Like people often do
And that just goes to prove
I'm only human
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human
Hey babe
I'll be so very carefull not to ever hurt you baby
You know I love you Its easy to see
That I do
And I'll always be the best I can
But girl I'm just a man
So darling please be patient If we both beleive
We will make changes as we go
Oh, I just want you to know
I'm only human
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human uh ohh
I'll be so very carefull with you baby
I'm only human baby
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human oh baby
I'm just a man baby
And I'll be the very best I can Baby
The lyrics to Jeffrey Osborne's song "Only Human" offer a vulnerable portrayal of a person acknowledging their limitations and humanity. Osborne admits that he is sensitive and emotional, highlighting that even little things can impact him deeply. He recognizes that he isn't perfect and that there are no guarantees in life. He pleads with his partner to understand that he is only human and can't be asked for too much too fast. He promises to be careful with their feelings and never hurt them.
Osborne's lyrics convey an important message about the importance of accepting our own vulnerabilities and limitations. As humans, we all have faults and make mistakes, but it's crucial to recognize them and be honest about them. Through this honesty and vulnerability, we can build stronger and more meaningful relationships with those we care about.
Line by Line Meaning
Sensitive that's what I am
I am a person who is easily affected by little things
Make no mistake about it
I am serious about this
Cause little things
Small details carry great significance
Certainly mean so much to me
They matter a lot to me
Maybe I should tell you
Perhaps I need to confess
That I have my faults
I am not perfect
And there are no guarantees
I cannot promise it will end up perfect
Oh Baby can't you see
Don't you understand this?
I'm only human
I am fallible
Don't ask me for too much too fast
Please be patient with me
I'll be so careful not to ever hurt you
I will take great care to avoid hurting you
Emotional that's what I am
My feelings are intense
Feelings run deep inside me
My emotions are powerful
I trust my heart and usually it never lets me down
I usually rely on my instincts and they don't fail me
But every now and then, I guess, I lose my way
Occasionally, I stray from my intuition
Like people often do
As other people do
And that just goes to prove
It shows
Hey babe
Addressing a loved one
You know I love you
You understand that I care for you
It's easy to see
It's obvious
And I'll always be the best I can
I will do my best
But girl I'm just a man
But I am just a human being
So darling please be patient
I humbly ask for your understanding
If we both believe
If we trust and have faith
We will make changes as we go
We will adjust as we move forward
Oh, I just want you to know
I want you to understand
I'm only human
I am not a perfect being
I'll be so very careful with you baby
I will take extreme care with you
I'm just a man baby
I am just a human being, dear
And I'll be the very best I can Baby
And I will do my utmost
Writer(s): Barry Eastmond, Jeffrey L. Osborne, Jeffrey Osborne Copyright: Music Sales Corporation O.B.O. March 9 Music, Almo Music Corp.
Contributed by Connor B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Dee-Bell46
Sensitive thats what I am
Make no mistake about it
Cause little things
Certainly mean so much to me
Maybe I should tell you
That I have my faults
And there are no guarantees
Oh Babay can't you see
I'm only human
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human babe
I'll be so carefull not to ever hurt you
Emotional thats what I am Feelings run deep inside me
I trust my heart and usually It never lets me down
But every now and then, I guess, I lose my way
Like people often do
And that just goes to prove
I'm only human
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human
Hey babe
I'll be so very carefull not to ever hurt you baby
You know I love you Its easy to see
That I do
And I'll always be the best I can
But girl I'm just a man
So darling please be patient If we both beleive
We will make changes as we go
Oh, I just want you to know
I'm only human
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human uh ohh
I'll be so very carefull with you baby
I'm only human baby
Don't ask me for too much too fast
I'm only human oh baby
I'm just a man baby
And I'll be the very best I can Baby
@SonicX6400
Very few can deliver a song like Jeffrey Osborne. He makes it looks so easy.
@diamondyoongi8496
2021 you still listening.me too
@tertiusmckee784
🙌🏽
@alishacooper8289
He felt every word he sang😊
@islandgirl3656
This was my wedding song. My husband died three years later. This song means so much to me!!!❤️❤️❤️
@janeicecoleman2836
Awe I’m sorry for your lost
@charlestinegill7596
I am sorry to hear that 😢
@charlestinegill7596
Condolences and prayers
@mizzhall200
So sorry to hear this God bless..
@katrinagovan2871
My deepest condolences to you. I love this song so much. Too how bout him and Jennifer Kennedy. The last time I made love.