Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
To Love A Woman
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know what she does but she drives me wild
If only she could let me be the man I want to be
Well she can leave me helpless as a child
I don't know how it is but she has the power
She can make me laugh when I want to cry (oh yeah)
She tells me that I'm in control but I know it's just a lie
And I don't mind oh
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today
She can keep your heart guessing but she's yours if she stays
And that's what it feels like
To love a woman
To love a woman
When you're looking in her eyes you can see forever (forever)
You're captured by the beauty of her soul (oh yeah)
You know you're never gonna find a woman like this again
So don't let go oh (don't let go)
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today
She can keep your heart guessing but she's yours if she stays
And that's what it feels like
To love a woman
To love a woman
Oh she can make your day
Oh she can take it away (take it all way)
And oh whether it's wrong or right
You know it in the end you'd do it all again
To love a woman
Just to love a woman (uh huh)
Oh you know (yes I know, yes I know)
She loves you tomorrow like she loves you today (well she love you)
She can keep your heart guessing but she's yours if she stays (she's yours if she stays)
And that's what it feels like (I'm gonna say it)
And that's what it feels like (what it feels like oh)
And that's what it feels like
To love a woman (mm hmm)
To love a woman (oh oh)
Yes to love a woman
In Lionel Richie's "To Love a Woman," he expresses the intense emotions he experiences when he is around this woman. He admits that he doesn't know what it is that drives him crazy about her. She can leave him feeling helpless and vulnerable, but at the same time, she has the power to make him laugh when he wants to cry. He acknowledges that she can keep his heart guessing, but if she stays, she's his. Despite the uncertainty of their future together, he knows that loving her is worth all the risk and heartache.
The song is essentially about the roller coaster of emotions that come with loving a woman. Richie expresses the passion and intensity of loving someone so deeply, even if it comes with the risk of heartbreak. The lyrics also touch on the idea that this woman is unique and irreplaceable, emphasizing the value of finding someone special.
Overall, "To Love a Woman" is a powerful love song that appeals to anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of passion and heartache.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what it is but she drives me crazy
I can't explain why, but this woman has a powerful effect on me
I don't know what she does but she drives me wild
Whatever she's doing, it's making me feel intense passion and desire
If only she could let me be the man I want to be
I wish she would give me the freedom to express myself and be the person I aspire to be
Well she can leave me helpless as a child
Despite my wishes, this woman has the ability to make me feel vulnerable and powerless
I don't know how it is but she has the power
There's something about her that gives her an irresistible hold on me
She can make me laugh when I want to cry (oh yeah)
Even in difficult times, this woman has the ability to bring joy and laughter to my life
She tells me that I'm in control but I know it's just a lie
While she might say I'm in charge, I know deep down that this woman holds all the cards
And I don't mind oh
Despite all her power and influence over me, I'm still willing to be with her
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today
I wonder if her love for me is ever-changing or if it will remain as strong as it is now
She can keep your heart guessing but she's yours if she stays
Although she might be unpredictable, if she remains by my side, she is mine to cherish
And that's what it feels like
to love a woman
to love a woman
All these mixed emotions and feelings are what it truly means to love a woman
When you're looking in her eyes you can see forever (forever)
Just by staring into her eyes, I can imagine a future with her that goes on forever
You're captured by the beauty of her soul (oh yeah)
Her inner beauty is just as captivating as her physical appearance
You know you're never gonna find a woman like this again
This woman is one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable in my life
So don't let go oh (don't let go)
I must hold on tight to this woman and never let her go
Oh she can make your day
Oh she can take it away (take it all way)
Her actions can bring joy or pain to my day, and both are equally possible
And oh whether it's wrong or right
You know it in the end you'd do it all again
to love a woman
Even if this love is controversial or unadvisable, I know I'll do anything to experience it again
Just to love a woman (uh huh)
Oh you know (yes I know, yes I know)
There's nothing quite like the feeling of loving a woman, and I know it all too well
She loves you tomorrow like she loves you today (well she love you)
She's yours if she stays (she's yours if she stays)
And that's what it feels like (I'm gonna say it)
And that's what it feels like (what it feels like oh)
And that's what it feels like
to love a woman (mm hmm)
to love a woman (oh oh)
Yes to love a woman
Despite all the complexities and uncertainties of love, in the end, loving a woman is an indescribable feeling that is worth it all
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Enrique Miguel Preysler Iglesias, Lionel B Richie, Paul Barry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind