His hit songs include "Never Too Much", "Here and Now", "Any Love", "Power of Love/Love Power", "I Can Make It Better" and "For You to Love". Many of his songs were covers of original music by other artists such as "If This World Were Mine" (duet with Cheryl Lynn), "Since I Lost My Baby", "Superstar" and "Always and Forever". Duets such as "The Closer I Get to You" with Beyoncé, "Endless Love" with Mariah Carey and "The Best Things in Life Are Free" with Janet Jackson were all hit songs in his career.
During his career, Vandross sold over 35 million records worldwide, and received eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four different times. He won a total of four Grammy Awards in 2004 including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for a song recorded not long before his death, "Dance with My Father".
Possessing a tenor vocal range, Vandross was commonly referred to as "The Velvet Voice" in reference to his exceptional vocal talent, and was sometimes called "The Best Voice of a Generation". He was also regarded as the "Pavarotti of Pop" by many critics.
In 2008, Vandross was ranked No. 54 on Rolling Stone Magazine's List of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Mariah Carey stated several times in interviews that standing next to Vandross while recording their duet "Endless Love" was intimidating.
By popular vote, Vandross was inducted into The SoulMusic Hall of Fame at SoulMusic.com in December 2012.
I Can Make It Better
Luther Vandross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's time for you to go
No need to explain anything
I know, I know, I know
This is the end of the road
It's the parting of the ways
And there's not much left for us to say
You keep telling me he's no good for you
You said you were gonna change your lock
You told me if he bothers you again, baby
He'll be dancing to the Jailhouse Rock
Put him away, baby
Make him understand
Tell him his game is over
And then when you cry, I'll be your shoulder
Whatever you're going through
I can make it better
No one should be making you feel like you do
I can make it better
Oh baby, baby
Don't be a link in his chain
Tell him you want to be free, you want to love me
Don't let him get in the way
For every one time that he gives you pleasure
Ten times he makes you wanna cry
You spend every night with the toss and the turn, baby
And wonder why in the world, oh why
How in the world can you get any sleep
Every one knows the way that he creeps
It's time for the question baby
What has he done for you lately, no
Whenever you want me to
I can make it better
I just need this one chance to prove it to you
I can make it better
Ooo baby, baby
Don't be a pawn in his game
Go 'head and tell him it's over, tell him to go
Or darling, it's just a shame
Better for you is better for me
Let's fall in love, I'll make you see
Better for you is better for me, baby
Let's fall in love, I'll make you, I'll make you see
Never again will you hear a lie
Never again will you wanna cry
never, oh no, will there be a tear drop in your eye
Stop all this madness in the name of love
Tell him to leave ?cuz enough is enough
Let him go baby, save your love for me
Tell him you've found somebody
Who'll give you the love that you just won't believe
In "I Can Make It Better" by Luther Vandross, the singer addresses a love interest who is in a toxic and unfulfilling relationship. The lyrics express sympathy and assurance, as well as a willingness to take care of the love interest and make things better. The opening lines demonstrate a familiarity with the situation and a lack of need for explanation. The phrase "I know, I know, I know" indicates that the experience is not new and suggests a pattern of behavior. The chorus then establishes the central message of the song: that the singer can help and make things better.
Throughout the song, the singer urges the love interest to leave the toxic relationship and choose him instead. He recognizes that the love interest has been hurt and that the current relationship is not healthy. Vandross describes the pain caused by the love interest's current partner through metaphors such as "every one knows the way that he creeps" and "Ten times he makes you wanna cry." The singer also emphasizes the importance of the love interest's agency, suggesting that he can help but ultimately it is up to her to make the decision to leave.
The bridge of the song includes a plea to end the madness and tell the current partner to leave. The final verse emphasizes the potential for happiness and love with the singer, and encourages the love interest to choose him over the current partner.
Overall, "I Can Make It Better" is a song about recognizing a toxic relationship and offering support and love to the person in need. The lyrics express empathy, encouragement, and determination to help.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, once again my love
It's time for us to part ways.
No need to explain anything
There's not much left to say, I understand.
You keep telling me he's no good for you
You've confided in me about his abusive behavior.
Put him away, baby
I suggest you break up with him.
And then when you cry, I'll be your shoulder
I'll be there for you as a friend.
Whatever you're going through
I know you're in a tough spot.
No one should be making you feel like you do
It's unfair for him to treat you this way.
Don't be a link in his chain
You shouldn't let him control you.
For every one time that he gives you pleasure
The good times are outweighed by the bad.
It's time for the question baby
You need to re-evaluate your relationship.
Whenever you want me to
I'm here for you whenever you need me.
I just need this one chance to prove it to you
I want to show you how much I care about you.
Don't be a pawn in his game
You shouldn't let him control you.
Better for you is better for me
I want what's best for you.
Never again will you hear a lie
I will always be truthful with you.
Stop all this madness in the name of love
You need to end this toxic relationship.
Tell him you've found somebody
Tell him you're moving on.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARCUS MILLER, LUTHER VANDROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Terry Lockett
THE GREATEST VOCALIST EVER....WHAT MORE NEED TO BE SAID...
Lisa Pearson
Never Be Another Like His Beautiful Vocalist Still Listen To The Song 05/2022
Nuno Silva
@Lisa Pearson,I’m here listening…from South Africa,agree 💯 %with you…
June Mcnack
I just love him😊
Bernard Hendricks
This song is one my favorites! Luther was all the way on point! His voice was at his best range! RIP Bernard Hendricks
Garry E. Wright
Luther Vandross is the best R&B singer ever. He was the master of remakes and his voice is so soothing. Listening to this song makes you miss him, This was one of his great song that went unnoticed. His music will forever touch the heart of people.
TheJessiegio
+Garry Wright Oui c'est vrai, Yes it's true even here in Europe we miss him, pure 100/100 soul music what a voice wonderful, merveilleux...
Garry E. Wright
His voice should have been heard around the world. Europe loves Luther Vandross, that awesome!!!
Donald Boston
+Garry Wright I would normally say that it's a stretch to say the greatest ever, But I can't think of a single R&B leader that ever did it like Luther. He is indeed the greatest!
Garry E. Wright
Donald, I agree.