Talkin'bout You
Ray Charles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Whoa early in the morning I want to
Tell you 'bout one thing

Who is my friend (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you now (talkin' 'bout)
Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa baby

Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Who always defend me, (talkin' 'bout)
If I'm right or wrong now (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Oh baby now (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah(talkin' 'bout)

Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah(talkin' 'bout)

Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Oh yeah yeah (talkin' 'bout)

Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the doctor (talkin' 'bout)
On my sick bed (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa baby nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)

Who knows how to love me (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)

Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Oh oh (talkin' 'bout)

Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Who's always there (talkin' 'bout)
Every night and day (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Yeah baby (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you (talkin' 'bout)

Who is the sugar(talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)

Who is the sugar now (talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa (talkin' 'bout)

You know the sugar (talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
When I'm in trouble (talkin' 'bout)
Who sees about me (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)

I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)

Tell my sister (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my brother (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my father (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my mother (talkin' 'bout)

All about you (talkin' 'bout)
You know on Monday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And you know Wednesday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And I know Thursday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And all day Friday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)

And every (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa (talkin' 'bout)

Every day now (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
I know (talkin' 'bout)
And I know (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I (talkin' 'bout)
I know now (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
I said I know, know (talkin' 'bout)




About you (talkin' 'bout)
About you (talkin' 'bout)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ray Charles’ song “Talkin’ ‘Bout You” are about a person who is trying to express their love and gratitude towards someone who has been a steadfast friend and supporter through every phase of their life. The song refers to this person as “nobody but you” and talks about how they are the only one who has always been there, defending the singer even when they were wrong. The song goes on to describe this person as the “salt in my bread” and the “sugar in my tea”- someone who adds flavor and sweetness to the singer’s life. The chorus repeats the phrase “I’m talking about you” to emphasize the importance of this person’s role in the singer’s life.


The song has a slow, bluesy melody that conveys the deep emotion behind the lyrics. Ray Charles’ soulful voice adds a layer of intensity to the song, making it a heartfelt ode to an important person in the singer's life.


This song is a perfect example of the deep emotional connection that Ray Charles’ music is known for. The lyrics are a testimony to the enduring power of friendship and love, and the melody and tune perfectly complement the emotions expressed in the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Whoa early in the morning I want to
Right now, at this moment, I feel compelled to speak to you


Tell you 'bout one thing
I need to talk to you about something important


Who is my friend (talkin' 'bout)
I need to identify someone who I consider a true friend


When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
In times of trouble, when my other friends abandon me


Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
It is only you who stands by me during such tough periods


I do mean you now (talkin' 'bout)
I am specifying that it is you and no one else


Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
Once again, I am emphasizing that you are the only friend who sticks with me through thick and thin


Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
There is no one other than you who fulfills the role of a true friend


Whoa baby
Expressing amazement and wonder at the situation


Who always defend me, (talkin' 'bout)
You are the one who always argues my side regardless of whether I am right or not


If I'm right or wrong now (talkin' 'bout)
You support me in every situation, whether my actions are legitimate or not


Oh baby now (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing affection and admiration for the person


Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
As salt is an essential ingredient in bread, you perform the role of an essential element in my life


In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Referring to bread as a metaphor for the sustenance necessary to live


Oh yeah yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing agreement and excitement


Who is the doctor (talkin' 'bout)
In times of sickness and illness, you play the role of a doctor who takes care of me


On my sick bed (talkin' 'bout)
Referring to a bed as a metaphor for sickness and despair


Whoa baby nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Reiterating that during times of dire need, only you help and support me


I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Once again, emphasizing that you are the only one who helps and supports me


Who knows how to love me (talkin' 'bout)
You have the knowledge and capability to love me in all aspects of life


In my way (talkin' 'bout)
You show love in the way that is best suited for me


Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing that you have the ability to currently love me in this manner


Oh oh (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing excitement, wonder, and enthusiasm


Who's always there (talkin' 'bout)
The person who is always present and helps me shoulder the burdens of life


Every night and day (talkin' 'bout)
Referring to all times of day and night


Yeah baby (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing passion and excitement


I do mean you (talkin' 'bout)
Reiterating that you are the person always there for me


Who is the sugar(talkin' 'bout)
Similar to salt, you fulfill the essential role of giving sweetness and pleasure to my life


In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Referring to tea as a metaphor for life


Who is the sugar now (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing the current situation where you bring joy and pleasure to my life


Whoa (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm


You know the sugar (talkin' 'bout)
Acknowledging and recognizing the person's role as the bringer of joy and happiness in your life


When I'm in trouble (talkin' 'bout)
Referring to difficulties and problems in life


Who sees about me (talkin' 'bout)
You take care of me and help me with my problems and difficulties when I am in trouble


I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Once again, emphasizing that you are the one taking care of me in times of trouble


I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I feel the need to speak about something important


I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing things that are important and need to be spoken about


Tell my sister (talkin' 'bout)
Using close relations to emphasize that this important person must be known and talked about


Oh tell my brother (talkin' 'bout)
Same as the 'tell my sister' line, bringing in more family relations for further emphasis


Oh tell my father (talkin' 'bout)
Same as previous lines, bringing a father into the equation for further emphasis


Oh tell my mother (talkin' 'bout)
Bringing a mother into the equation so as to emphasize the significance of the person in one's life


All about you (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing that the conversation is all about this significant person


You know on Monday (talkin' 'bout)
On Monday, this person will be talked about and emphasized again


I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
Reiterating the importance of speaking about this person


And you know Wednesday (talkin' 'bout)
On Wednesday, the conversation about this person will continue


And I know Thursday (talkin' 'bout)
Thursday will also involve discussions about this person


And all day Friday (talkin' 'bout)
On Friday, countless conversations will drive home the importance of this person


And every (talkin' 'bout)
Referring to every single day, no matter the circumstances


Every day now (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing the frequency of conversations and the importance of this person in daily life


I know (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing confidence that this person will always be there for me


And I know (talkin' 'bout)
Reiterating my confidence in this person's unwavering support


I, I, I, I, I, I, I (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing the artist's personal stake in the conversation


I know now (talkin' 'bout)
Expressing confidence in this person's support both in the present and the future


I said I know, know (talkin' 'bout)
Reiterating the idea that the singer knows this person will always be there for them


About you (talkin' 'bout)
Emphasizing that everything that has been said up to this point is about this significant person




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ray Charles

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@gabrieldocarmodemeloduarte9501

Whoa early in the morning I want to
Tell you 'bout one thing
Who is my friend (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you now (talkin' 'bout)
Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa baby
Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Who always defend me, (talkin' 'bout)
If I'm right or wrong now (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Oh baby now (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah(talkin' 'bout)
Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah(talkin' 'bout)
Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Oh yeah yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the doctor (talkin' 'bout)
On my sick bed (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa baby nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who knows how to love me (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Oh oh (talkin' 'bout)
Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Who's always there (talkin' 'bout)
Every night and day (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Yeah baby (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the sugar(talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the sugar now (talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa (talkin' 'bout)
You know the sugar (talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
When I'm in trouble (talkin' 'bout)
Who sees about me (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
Tell my sister (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my brother (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my father (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my mother (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
You know on Monday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And you know Wednesday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And I know Thursday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And all day Friday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa (talkin' 'bout)
Every day now (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
I know (talkin' 'bout)
And I know (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I (talkin' 'bout)
I know now (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
I said I know, know (talkin' 'bout)
About you (talkin' 'bout)
About you (talkin' 'bout)



All comments from YouTube:

@BillyBogart

That is an awesome drum beat. I was looking for another song with a similar title and found this. I love it.

@Buttsac

The vocals are incredible

@NevadaBoss

"There is only one true genius in this business, and that's Ray Charles."--Frank Sinatra. True dat. Greatest of all the greats...

@mathmusic1490

Ray actually created this song when he was 17 and originally called it "Walkin' and Talkin'".

@gabrieldocarmodemeloduarte9501

Whoa early in the morning I want to
Tell you 'bout one thing
Who is my friend (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you now (talkin' 'bout)
Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa baby
Who is my friend now (talkin' 'bout)
When all friends are gone? (talkin' 'bout)
Who always defend me, (talkin' 'bout)
If I'm right or wrong now (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Oh baby now (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah(talkin' 'bout)
Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah(talkin' 'bout)
Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Oh yeah yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the salt now (talkin' 'bout)
In my bread (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the doctor (talkin' 'bout)
On my sick bed (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa baby nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who knows how to love me (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Oh oh (talkin' 'bout)
Who knows how to love me now (talkin' 'bout)
In my way (talkin' 'bout)
Who's always there (talkin' 'bout)
Every night and day (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Yeah baby (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the sugar(talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
Who is the sugar now (talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa (talkin' 'bout)
You know the sugar (talkin' 'bout)
In my tea (talkin' 'bout)
When I'm in trouble (talkin' 'bout)
Who sees about me (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
Nobody but you (talkin' 'bout)
I do mean you yeah (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
Tell my sister (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my brother (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my father (talkin' 'bout)
Oh tell my mother (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
You know on Monday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And you know Wednesday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And I know Thursday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And all day Friday (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
And every (talkin' 'bout)
Whoa (talkin' 'bout)
Every day now (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
I know (talkin' 'bout)
And I know (talkin' 'bout)
I am gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I (talkin' 'bout)
I know now (talkin' 'bout)
I'm gonna talk about (talkin' 'bout)
All about you (talkin' 'bout)
I said I know, know (talkin' 'bout)
About you (talkin' 'bout)
About you (talkin' 'bout)

@ihbarddx

The Atlantic years really were the best.

@FranciscoSilva-vv3bf

Excelente canción

@srercrcr

Gracias!!

@srercrcr

Made possible by the magic of the digital world.

@bercgueltop2667

Has anyone the piano notes of this great song?

More Comments

More Versions