Used to Be My Girl
O'Jays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The girl's got plenty good lovin'
Ask me how I know,
And I'll tell you so,
She used to be my girl
I respect her
When she was mine,
Ah, she wanted more than I could give
But as long as I live,
She'll be my girl
She used to be my girl
She used to be my girl
She had a charmin' personality
The girl was so right for me
She's my girl
And if I had the chance
I'd toke her back
As a matter of fact
Right away, like today
Not only good lookin'
The girl was so smart
Ya can't beat her cookin'
Ah, ask me how I know,
And I'll tell you so
She used to be my girl
Deep down inside I still love her
I place no one above her
She's warm and sensitive
For as long as I live
She'll be my girl
And if I had the chance
I'd toke her back
As a matter of fact
right away, like today
Oh, well
Oh, good lovin'
The girl's got plenty good lovin'
Ask me how I know,
And I'll tell you so
She used to be my girl, my girl
She used to be my girl, my girl
She used to be my girl, my girl
She used to be my girl, my girl
She used to be my girl, my girl
She used to be my girl, my girl
She used to be my girl, girl, girl
She used to be my girl, my girl
Deep down inside, I love her
I place no one above her
She was mine, all mine
She was mine
She used to be my girl
She used to be my girl
She used to be my girl
She used to be my girl
She used to be my girl
"Used To Be My Girl" by O'Jays is a love song that talks about how the singer used to date this girl who had great qualities, including good looks, charm, and cooking skills. The singer acknowledges that he took her for granted when she was his girl, and he was not able to give her what she wanted. However, he still loves her and would take her back if he had the chance. The repetition of the phrase "she used to be my girl" throughout the song emphasizes the nostalgia and regret that the singer feels.
The lyrics also convey how the girl has moved on from their past relationship and is no longer his girl. This is evidenced by phrases such as "she wanted more than I could give" and "not only good lookin', the girl was so smart." The singer respects her for this and acknowledges that she is not his possession anymore. Still, he cherishes the time they shared and the connection they had.
Overall, the song's themes revolve around lost love and regret, with a touch of optimism about the possibility of reconciliation. The lyrics are simple and straightforward but convey the emotions well. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody create a mood of bittersweet nostalgia that makes the listener want to dance and sing along.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, good loving,
The singer is praising the girl for being a good lover.
The girl's got plenty good lovin'
The singer is emphasizing the girl's capability and skill in the realm of sexual intimacy.
Ask me how I know,
The singer is suggesting that they have had personal experience with the girl's abilities.
And I'll tell you so,
The artist is confident in their answer and willing to share their experience.
She used to be my girl
The girl in question was once in a romantic relationship with the artist.
I respect her
The singer has a high opinion of the girl.
When she was mine,
The singer and the girl were once in a romantic relationship.
I used to neglect her
The artist admits to not treating the girl well in their past relationship.
Ah, she wanted more than I could give
The girl desired more from the relationship than the artist was able to provide.
But as long as I live,
The artist's love for the girl continues, despite their current status.
She'll be my girl
The singer considers the girl to still belong to them in some way.
She had a charmin' personality
The girl was charming and attractive in terms of her personality.
The girl was so right for me
The singer believed that the girl was a good match for them.
And if I had the chance,
The singer wishes for the opportunity to rekindle their past relationship with the girl.
I'd toke her back
The singer wants to take the girl back, or resume their romantic relationship.
Not only good lookin'
The girl possessed more than just physical beauty.
The girl was so smart
The girl was intelligent.
Ya can't beat her cookin'
The girl was skilled in the culinary arts.
Deep down inside I still love her
The singer's love for the girl has persisted despite the passage of time.
I place no one above her
The girl holds a special, irreplaceable place in the artist's heart.
She's warm and sensitive
The girl is a kind, caring person with a compassionate nature.
Right away, like today
The artist wishes to reunite with the girl promptly.
Oh, well
The singer is expressing mild indifference.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNETH GAMBLE, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@emoss8927
My then boyfriend used to sing this to me when we broke up in HS. We have now been married 39 yrs!❤ Whenever I hear the O'Jays, The Whispers, Delfonics and Black Ivory I am transported back in time. Nothing like the old school love songs!
@rjo3737
I'm 70, white, British - and the 70s was the THE best era of soul by far!
@terricook638
When singers could ACTUALLY SING!
Love the O'JAYS
@gloriasteagall1339
Grown folks music 😊
@illacook3636
Every time I hear this song, I shed tears. This was one of my fathers favorite song's and every time I hear,it feels like he's sitting right next to me. I miss you, Daddy. Thank you for not leaving me.
@dex.cameron1855
"She wanted more than I can give, but as long as I live, she'll be my girl"....
@juanitabunch3444
I’m old school still listening to the O”Jays right now all the time
@userofname1
Sometimes, I think the groups like this and the Temptations, Spinners, etc are gone. They were my favorites.
@leonhill6769
Here in 2023!!!😘
@WishClement-py6do
Singing with emotion n love ! We're is now! Miss it