In 1999 Jazz legend Joe Sample collaborated with Lalah on the album The Song Lives On, which became a staple on both Jazz and Smooth R&B radio, as well as topping the Jazz charts. However, it would not be until 2004 that Lalah Hathaway would resurface with her own project. She had her biggest hit single in years with an inspired cover of the late Luther Vandross' Forever, For Always, For Love, topping the Urban AC Chart and reaching Top 40 on Billboards mainstream R&B chart, a feat repeated by Outrun the Sky, Hathaway's first solo album in a decade, which was released late in the year.
If U Ever
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
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Trying hard to make amends
I know it's late and I was wrong
I broke your heart a thousand times
But, now I know I need you in my life, so know
If U ever need me (mmmm), I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
And, if U ever want me (oh, yeah),
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (mmmm)
If U ever need anything (anything)
I will never comprehend why you ever chose to stay
Trying hard to make amends what more can I say
(I apologize for the pain), yeah, that I put you through
I know you gave your love so freely, so you know
If you ever need me I'll come
Running (you know that I'll come runnin')
And if you ever want me,
Say my name and I'll appear (all you have to do)
If you ever miss me, I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
If you ever need anything (if you ever need anything, oh)
If U ever need me (yeah), I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
And, if U ever want me (mmmm),
Say my name and I'll appear (all you have to do is call)
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (and I'll come runnin')
If U ever need anything (oh yeah, anything, yeah)
If U ever need me (if you need me,
If you want me), I'll come running (if you miss me, yeah)
And, if U ever want me (yeah),
Say my name and I'll appear (say my name and I'll be here)
If U ever miss me (hey), I'll come running (right to your side)
If U ever need anything (baby, anything anything)
If U ever need me (if you need me),
I'll come running (you know that I'll come runnin')
And, if U ever want me (fast as I can),
Say my name and I'll appear (that's all you have to do)
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
If U ever need anything (anything)
If U ever need me (if you ever need me), I'll come running (oh, yeah)
And, if U ever want me,
Say my name and I'll appear (say my name and I'll be, yeah)
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (I'll be right there)
If U ever need anything
Lalah Hathaway's "If U Ever" is a melancholic R&B song about regret and the willingness to make amends. The lyrics express a deep longing to be with someone who has been hurt by the singer's actions before. The first verse opens with the declaration "I will never understand why I let you walk away" and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer acknowledges her mistakes and apologizes for causing pain while asking for forgiveness. Despite the pain caused, she still hopes that they can be together again, and the chorus reiterates her willingness to be there for them whenever they need her, saying "If you ever need me I'll come running, and if you ever want me, say my name and I'll appear."
The song is filled with raw emotions that make it relatable to anyone who has been in a similar situation. The second verse continues with the theme of regret and apologizing, as the singer acknowledges that the other person has been hurt before and that it was her fault. She promises to always be there for them and make things right, saying "If you ever need me, say my name and I'll appear."
Overall, "If U Ever" is a powerful statement about the importance of forgiveness and the willingness to make amends. The lyrics are heartfelt and emotional, making it a popular song among fans of R&B and soul music.
Line by Line Meaning
I will never understand why I let you walk away
I am forever confused about why I allowed you to leave
Trying hard to make amends
Putting in effort to reconcile
I know it's late and I was wrong
I am aware of the time that has passed and my mistakes
I broke your heart a thousand times
I hurt you over and over again
But, now I know I need you in my life, so know
I realize how much I need you now
If U ever need me (mmmm), I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
I'll be there immediately if you require my assistance
And, if U ever want me (oh, yeah), Say my name and I'll appear (all you have to do)
Just call out to me and I'll show up if you need me
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (mmmm)
I'll rush to your side if you ever feel my absence
If U ever need anything (anything)
I am here for you, no matter what you require
I will never comprehend why you ever chose to stay
I can't fathom why you decided to remain with me
Trying hard to make amends what more can I say
Doing my best to right the wrongs and leaving little more to be said
(I apologize for the pain), yeah, that I put you through
The pain I caused you deeply affects me and I'm sorry
I know you gave your love so freely, so you know
I am aware of how much you loved me and it means a lot to me
If you ever need me I'll come Running (you know that I'll come runnin')
You can count on me to come runnin' if you ever need me
Say my name and I'll appear (all you have to do)
A simple request is necessary to bring me to you
If you ever miss me, I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
I'll come running to you anytime you find yourself missing me
If you ever need anything (if you ever need anything, oh)
No matter what you need, I am here for you
If U ever need me (yeah), I'll come running (I'll come runnin')
Just let me know if you need me, and I'll be there immediately
And, if U ever want me (mmmm), Say my name and I'll appear (all you have to do is call)
Calling out my name is enough to bring me right to you if you ever desire my company
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (and I'll come runnin')
I won't hesitate to come to you if you ever feel my absence
If U ever need anything (oh yeah, anything, yeah)
Anything you need, I'm here to provide
If U ever need me (if you need me, If you want me), I'll come running (if you miss me, yeah)
Anytime you need me or crave my presence, I'll be there for you, willing and ready
Say my name and I'll appear (say my name and I'll be here)
A quick call of my name is all it takes for me to come to you
If U ever miss me (hey), I'll come running (right to your side)
I will move heaven and earth to come to your side if you ever miss me
If U ever need anything (baby, anything anything)
No matter what it is, I am here to provide for all your needs
If U ever need me (if you ever need me), I'll come running (oh, yeah)
Anytime you find yourself in need of me, I'll be there in a split second
And, if U ever want me, Say my name and I'll appear (say my name and I'll be, yeah)
Just calling my name is enough for me to appear right in front of you if you ever want me
If U ever miss me, I'll come running (I'll be right there)
Do not worry, my dear, when you miss me, just call out to me, and I'll appear
If U ever need anything (anything)
Anything, anything at all, I'll do for you
Writer(s): Delhomme David Alan, Hathaway Eulaulah D
Contributed by Dominic T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.