Use Me
Phillips Esther Lyrics
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They keep trying to tell me all you want to do is use me
But my answer yeah to all that use me stuff
Is I wanna spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up
My brother sit me right down and he talked to me
And I'm sure he meant well yeah but when our talk was through
I said brother if you only knew you'd wish that you were in my shoes
You just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up
Oh sometimes yeah it's true you really do abuse me
You get in a crowd of high class people and then you act real rude to me
But oh baby baby baby baby when you love me I can't get enough
I and I wanna spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up
Talking about you using me but it all depends on what you do
It ain't too bad the way you're using me
'Cause I sure am using you to do the things you do
Ah ha to do the things you do
In Esther Phillips’ “Use Me,” the singer is responding to her friends and family who are concerned about her relationship with someone who they believe is only using her. The lyrics suggest that Phillips is aware of the user’s intentions, but enjoys being used as long as it feels good. She even suggests that she is using the user as well, stating “It ain’t too bad the way you're using me / 'Cause I sure am using you to do the things you do.” Despite the concerns of those around her, Phillips appears to be content with the situation as long as she’s getting what she wants.
The song can be interpreted as commentary on power dynamics in relationships, and how someone who is being used can still find pleasure in the situation. It also touches upon the idea of mutual exploitation, with both parties benefiting from the other’s use. The repetitive chorus of “Until you use me up” suggests a desire for the relationship to continue, even if it is based on exploitation.
Overall, “Use Me” is a complex exploration of the nature of relationships and how people can find pleasure in situations that may seem unhealthy from the outside.
Line by Line Meaning
My friends feel it's their appointed duty
My friends feel a responsibility to warn me
They keep trying to tell me all you want to do is use me
They keep insisting that you only want to take advantage of me
But my answer yeah to all that use me stuff
But I have a different response to the idea of being used
Is I wanna spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
I want to tell everyone that being used by you feels really good
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
I'm okay with you using me until there's nothing left
Until you use me up
Until you've completely exhausted me
My brother sit me right down and he talked to me
My brother sat me down to have a serious conversation
He told me that I ought not to let you just walk on me
He warned me not to let you take advantage of me
And I'm sure he meant well yeah but when our talk was through
And I know he had good intentions, but after our talk
I said brother if you only knew you'd wish that you were in my shoes
I replied to my brother that if he knew how it felt, he would want to be in my position
Oh sometimes yeah it's true you really do abuse me
Sometimes it's true that you mistreat me
You get in a crowd of high class people and then you act real rude to me
When we're around wealthy people, you treat me poorly
But oh baby baby baby baby when you love me I can't get enough
But when you show me affection, I can't get enough
I and I wanna spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
I want to tell everyone that being used by you feels really good
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
I'm okay with you using me until there's nothing left
Until you use me up
Until you've completely exhausted me
Talking about you using me but it all depends on what you do
You might be using me, but it depends on how you treat me
It ain't too bad the way you're using me
I don't mind the way you're using me
'Cause I sure am using you to do the things you do
Because I'm using you to do the things you do
Ah ha to do the things you do
Yes, to do the things you do
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bill Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Sofiapewpew
My friends feel it's their appointed duty
They keep trying to tell me all you want to do is use me baby
My answer yeah
to all that use me stuff
I want to spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
Oh you just keep on using me
until you use me up
Until you use me up
My sister
She sat me right down and she talked to me
She told me
I ought not to let you
just walk on me
She meant well
But when our talk was through
I said brother if you only knew you'd wish that you were in my shoes
You just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up
Sometimes
It's true you really do abuse me
You get in a crowd of high class people and then you act real rude to me
But oh baby baby baby baby when you love me
Inlimitated
I can't get enough
I and I want to spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up
Talking about you using me but it all depends on what you do
It ain't too bad the way you're using me
'Cause I sure am using you to do the things you do
Ah ha to do the things you do
@fastra3621
The 'yellow' episode of Kaleidoscope brought me here.
And I'm very grateful.
Amazing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@Webfreq
Oh me too! Had to listen to the original. Love this one. It stands on its own!
@ChipVorhies
I'm a 54 year-old white male just happened to stumble across this lady today and wow what a treat! That is one incredible voice I will definitely be listening to her much more in the future her style of funk is contagious! Thank you for posting.
@leslielees5438
You deserve more than an hello
@ritaree4239
For sure! I'm a 45 black woman 😊🤣 and your right! I heard this from a TV show and had to find out who she was!
@corduroyjack
I love this comment. I stop being surprised when I find belters like this. Check out the shows Bossa Domingo for more.
@jeffroll8759
Came across this on an episode of Kaleidoscope! ❤
@damngoodyear
Me too. We can grove together 😊
@poonamsvideoblogs
Esther Phillips! Unsung Singing Diva, amazing talent that never was given enough spot light.
@leslielees5438
I introduce her to my friends