Oh No
Lionel Richie; The Commodores Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm goin' crazy knowin' he will be your lover tonight
And when he comes I'll let you go
I'll just pretend as you walk out the door
Oh no, I can't sleep
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
I need you to need me
When I close my eyes I see your face
I'm just not sure how much my heart can erase
Oh no, I can't think
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
Oh, honey
Oh, sugar
Oh no, I can't sleep anymore, baby
Oh no, I can't think anymore, baby
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
Lionel Richie’s song “Oh No” describes the agony and pain someone goes through when loving someone who doesn’t reciprocate the same feelings back. The singer in the song is deeply in love with his partner but knows that affection isn’t mutual; instead, he knows that she will soon be with her lover, and he will have to let her go. The lyrics’ tone is melancholic, and Lionel Richie reflects feelings of unrequited love, jealousy, and heartbreak.
The lyrics reveal that the singer feels jealous when he thinks about his lover being intimate with someone else. He is aware that his feelings may not be returned, but he can't control his emotions. He wishes his lover would feel the same for him, but she doesn't. The lines "I'm going crazy with love over you" and "I'm just not sure how much my heart can erase" suggest that the singer is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his love is not being reciprocated.
The song is beautifully written and sung and resonates with many who have experienced unrequited love. The lyrics are relatable, potent, and sincere, making the song a classic. Lionel Richie's smooth and soothing voice conveys the anguish, pain, and sadness of the song's message, making it a timeless piece.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you to want me
I desire your affection and craving towards me.
I'm goin' crazy knowin' he will be your lover tonight
The thought of you being intimate with someone else is driving me insane.
And when he comes I'll let you go
When he arrives, I will release my hold on you.
I'll just pretend as you walk out the door
I'll pretend that I am okay as you leave.
Oh no, I can't sleep
Insomnia engulfs me as I lay awake in bed.
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
I'm losing my mind with an intense love for you.
I need you to need me
I crave for you to desire my presence and being in your life.
I wanna hold you but you're holdin' someone else in your arms
I desire to hold you, but it's hurtful to see you embracing someone else.
When I close my eyes I see your face
Your image is so vivid in my mind, that even with closed eyes, I can see you clearly.
I'm just not sure how much my heart can erase
I'm unsure of how much I can forget and let go.
Oh no, I can't think
My thoughts are all over the place, and I can't seem to focus on anything.
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
The intensity of my love for you makes me feel like I'm losing my sanity.
Oh, honey
Affectionate addressing of the person in question.
Oh, sugar
Another term of endearment towards the person in question.
Oh no, I can't sleep anymore, baby
My insomnia has increased to a point where it's unbearable.
Oh no, I can't think anymore, baby
My thoughts are so consumed by you that it's affecting my ability to think clearly.
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
The intensity of my love for you is causing me to lose my sanity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bliggadonncutz7036
I love how music can take u right back to a certain time and place.
@kitfrew9983
It sure does x
@ricktheitalianrebel6687
Great tune from last American Whore...I Mean Virgin.
@lynnedwards8673
I agree. Music just has a way of making you relive moments of time that are long gone but still takes us back. I couldn't imagine a world without music ❤️🎶
@twowordsmadeinamerica
High school party back in the 80s... and the girl you like is there... and you are both flirting with each other! I wanna go back!
@jocelynjones8324
His music is timeless it will never get old .His lyrics are clean and classic
@davidgreg6989
Indeed Lionel Richie is a great and talented artist who's song never goes out of style, he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days, So where are you originally from? I am David originally from Spain but currently living in Texas and you?
@giannimolluso5846
,100% Agree with you. I've been listening to him since I'm a kid. Age 55 now and still listen
@richellelacy3834
Yes,you nailed it❤
@beking4
This song is so well produced: the strings, the piano, the percussion, the subtlety. The Lionel. Hey! Love it, Commodores.