Williams' life mixed tremendous success with violence and drug addiction. He was a longtime friend of Little Richard, with whom his life and music intertwined from their meeting in 1955 to Williams' passing in 1980.
Give Me Love
Larry Williams Lyrics
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Understanding and peace of mind.
But, if it's not asking too much
Please send me someone to love.
Show all the world how to get along,
Peace will enter when hate is gone.
But, if it's not asking too much,
I lay awake night and ponder world troubles.
My answer is always the same.
That unless men put an end to all of this,
Hate will put the world in a flame, (oh) what a shame.
Just because I'm in misery.
I'm not begging for no sympathy.
But if it's not asking too much,
Just send me someone to love.
Heaven please send to all mankind,
Understanding and peace of mind.
But if it's not asking too much,
Please send me someone to love.
Learn to love me or leave me, either one you wanna do
Learn to love me or leave me, either one you wanna do
Because strange things are happenin'
babe, an' somethin' might happen to you
If you know you don't love me, why don't you let me be?
If you know you don't love me, why don't you let me be?
Because it's better to be without you, then to live on in misery
Hey!
Midnight find me cryin', daylight find me cryin', too
Midnight find me cryin', daylight find me cryin', too
You better change your ways pretty baby
or somethin' might happen to you
The lyrics of Larry Williams's song "Give Me Love" express a plea for understanding, peace, and love. The singer reaches out to heaven, asking for these qualities to be bestowed upon all of mankind. They acknowledge that the world can only find peace and harmony when hate is eliminated. Despite the grand scale of this request, the singer also makes a personal plea, asking for someone to love.
The song conveys a sense of desperation and longing. The singer contemplates the troubles of the world, realizing that hatred can lead to disastrous consequences. They implore heaven to send someone into their life who can offer them love and solace. While acknowledging their own misery, they make it clear that they are not seeking sympathy, but rather a genuine connection with someone.
The second part of the song takes a different turn, with a more confrontational tone. The singer urges the person they are addressing to either learn to love them or leave them. They emphasize that strange and unexpected things can happen if they continue down the current path. There is a sense of warning and vulnerability, as the singer suggests that something tragic might befall the other person if they don't change their ways.
In summary, "Give Me Love" is a heartfelt plea for understanding, peace, and someone to love. It reflects the yearning for a better world and personal fulfillment, while also expressing a sense of urgency and warning in the face of indifference or mistreatment.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven please send to all mankind,
I humbly request that a higher power bestows upon all humanity
Understanding and peace of mind.
The ability to comprehend and empathize, as well as inner tranquility.
But, if it's not asking too much
If I may, without imposing too greatly
Please send me someone to love.
Grant me the companionship and affection of another individual.
Show all the world how to get along,
Illuminate the whole world with the knowledge of living harmoniously.
Peace will enter when hate is gone.
The absence of hatred will pave the way for peace.
I lay awake night and ponder world troubles.
During the wakeful hours of the night, I contemplate the tribulations of the world.
My answer is always the same.
Consistently, my response remains unchanged.
That unless men put an end to all of this,
Unless individuals cease these conflicts and hostilities,
Hate will put the world in a flame, (oh) what a shame.
Hatred will engulf the world in a destructive fire, which is deeply regrettable.
Just because I'm in misery.
Simply due to my own state of suffering.
I'm not begging for no sympathy.
I am not pleading for pity or understanding.
But if it's not asking too much,
However, if it is not an excessive request,
Just send me someone to love.
Kindly send me a person to genuinely care for and cherish.
Learn to love me or leave me, either one you wanna do
Acquire the ability to love me sincerely or choose to depart, as both options are acceptable.
Because strange things are happenin', babe, an' somethin' might happen to you
Since peculiar events are occurring, my dear, and it's possible that an unfortunate event may befall upon you.
If you know you don't love me, why don't you let me be?
If you are aware that you do not harbor affection for me, why don't you allow me to exist independently?
Because it's better to be without you, then to live on in misery
It is preferable to be without your presence than to endure a life of unhappiness.
Midnight find me cryin', daylight find me cryin', too
Grief overwhelms me during the darkest hours of the night and lingers even in the brightness of day.
You better change your ways pretty baby or somethin' might happen to you
It would be advisable for you, my dear, to alter your behavior as an unfortunate consequence may befall upon you.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Percy Mayfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind