When Your Lover Comes Back
Mary Wells Lyrics


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The night is so clear & there's a moon above
Kiss me so sweetly, & I'm in love
So tell me, tell me, baby (tell me, tell me, baby)
What you gonna do (what you gonna do)
When your lover comes back? (when your lover comes back)
When your lover comes back (when your lover comes back)

It started as a plaything, didn't mean no harm
But now it's not a plaything when you take me in your arms
So tell me, tell me, baby (tell me, tell me, baby)
What you gonna do (what you gonna do)
When your lover comes back? (when your lover comes back)
When your lover comes back (when your lover comes back)

We had a quarrel; you left me so blue
I was just being kind to you; now I need you (I need you)
I need you (I need you) so bad

(repeat verse 2)





(repeat title & fade)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mary Wells's "When Your Lover Comes Back" is about a woman who is in love with a man who is currently away from her. The start of the song indicates that it is a beautiful night with a clear sky and moonlight shining on them. The woman feels a strong connection with her partner and when he kisses her, it makes her fall in love more deeply. However, she is also uncertain about what will happen when he returns.


The verse indicates that their relationship started as a casual plaything, but as time passed, it developed into something more meaningful. The woman is afraid that she will be alone when her lover returns, and she doesn't know what he plans to do. She is concerned that their relationship may not have the same depth as hers, and he might leave her. The chorus repeats the question of what will happen when the lover comes back.


The bridge of the song talks about a quarrel that led her lover to leave her. The woman was kind, but her lover took it the wrong way and left. However, now she feels she needs him. The lyrics of the song portray a sense of insecurity and uncertainty in the relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

The night is so clear & there's a moon above
The atmosphere is perfect for romance, the moonlight sets a scene.


Kiss me so sweetly, & I'm in love
Your affection is irresistible and has made me fall in love.


So tell me, tell me, baby (tell me, tell me, baby)
Repeatedly asking for your opinion and thoughts.


What you gonna do (what you gonna do)
What actions are you planning to take?


When your lover comes back? (when your lover comes back)
How will you react when your previous lover returns?


It started as a plaything, didn't mean no harm
Our relationship began casually and with no intention of causing harm.


But now it's not a plaything when you take me in your arms
But now, I've developed strong feelings for you, and our connection is no longer just a game.


We had a quarrel; you left me so blue
We had a disagreement, and you left me feeling sad and down.


I was just being kind to you; now I need you (I need you)
I was only trying to be nice to you, but now I realize how much I depend on you and need you.


(repeat verse 2)
Reiteration of the second verse


(repeat title & fade)
Repetition of the song's title before fading out.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

james monroe

She was a legend 😉, I love her songs.

Ann Grundy

all her songs still sound great...i played them first time around. . and still do...magic...

Emcee Username

this is music that speaks volumes!

timmy841212

Motown and every other label Mary was with should compose a 2-disc anthology of all of Mary's hits, b-sides and singles including rarities in a "Gold" set. I would buy it with a heartbeat!!!!

ALAIN DEWAELE

great track my friend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yaso162

awesome voice .

MotownMaster

I liked this song as soon as i bought the cd and played it back in 1993, this should have been a single

Mirna Ramirez

Still 2021. I love oldies

leonardo castro

great song, living in my Juaritos Chihuahua Mexico, regards ....

Sergio Martinez

Yo del chuco town brother y tambien de juaritos cana...

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