In 1963, while in tenth grade, McNamara formed a rock and roll group with a few school mates; they christened their band Robin and the Hoods, performing locally in the New England area with McNamara as the lead vocalist. In the late 1960s, McNamara relocated to New York City, where he became a cast member of the Broadway musical Hair, playing the lead role of Claude from 1969 through 1971. In 1969, he was introduced to composer / record producer Jeff Barry, who signed him to his Steed record label. Together with McNamara's then songwriting partner Jim Cretecos, they wrote a song called "Lay a Little Lovin' On Me" which McNamara took to #11 on Billboard's Hot 100 survey in the summer of 1970. Lack of further chart success, left McNamara dubbed a one-hit wonder.
Lay a Little Lovin' on Me
Robin McNamara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't you see?
Can't you see how much I need some more love, baby?
Can't you see?
Oh now, can't you see?
Ever since we kissed that night
Ever since I held you tight
So put your lips on mine
Leave them there 'til the morning time
Lord don't leave me by myself
Lay, lay a little lovin' on me
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
A-honey, doggone it, I depend upon it
So lay a little lovin' on me
Let me hear you now
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
You gotta feel it, babe, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
A-honey, doggone it, I depend upon it
So lay a little lovin' on me
Everyday is not enough of you, babe
I'm sayin' everyday
I need the day and every nighttime too, babe
Everyday
Oh everyday
Don't you know what I've got inside
A love that's been denied
A love that's growing day by day
You're such a pretty child
You're about to drive me wild
Come on, babe, now what you say?
Hey, lay a little lovin' on me
Lay a little lovin' on me
A-honey, doggone it, I depend upon it
So lay a little lovin' on me
Let me hear you now
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
You're gonna want me, baby, yeah alright
Honey, doggone it, I depend upon it
So lay a little lovin' on me
Oh, oh
Honey, I want you
Baby, I need you
I love you (i love you)
Oh baby
Lay a little lovin' on me, oh yeah
Honey, doggone it, I depend upon it
So lay a little lovin' on me
Let me hear you now
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
You're gonna want me, baby, yeah
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
(Honey, doggone it, I depend upon it) alright
(So lay a little lovin' on me)
Just the girls singing
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
That's right (lay a little lovin' on me)
You gotta feel it now (honey, doggone it, I depend upon it)
Ah yeah (so lay a little lovin' on me)
Everybody now
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
C'mon (lay a little lovin' on me)
Sing along now (honey, doggone it, I depend upon it)
(So lay a little lovin' on me)
Everybody do it to me now (lay a little lovin' on me)
That's right
The lyrics of Robin McNamara's "Lay A Little Lovin On Me" express a deep yearning for love and affection. The singer pleads with his lover to give him more love, asking her to lay a little love on him. He reminisces about the time they first kissed and how he felt complete holding her tight. He tells her that no one else can replace her and begs her not to leave him alone. The singer's desperation is palpable as he declares his love and dependency upon it.
The lyrics convey the message that love is essential to one's well-being, that it is something that cannot be denied or ignored. The singer is desperate for his lover's love as he needs it to survive. The way the lyrics are structured helps to impart the message, the constant repetition of "lay a little lovin on me" emphasizes the singer's desperation, as he needs his lover's love to survive.
Overall, the lyrics of "Lay A Little Lovin On Me" is a beautifully written ode to the power of love and how it can transform one's life. It shows how love can be the answer to everything if the right person gives it.
Interesting facts about the song:
Line by Line Meaning
Can't you see that I am all for your love now, now
I want you to realize that I am completely devoted to you and your love at this moment.
Can't you see?
Do you understand my feelings and desires?
Can't you see how much I need some more love, baby?
I require your affection and attention to feel satisfied.
Oh now, can't you see?
Please acknowledge my feelings, and let's work things out together.
Ever since we kissed that night
My feelings for you have grown since we first kissed.
Ever since I held you tight
I've been crazy about you since the moment I embraced you.
I just don't want nobody else
I don't want anybody else but you, and I feel like I'll never love anyone else the same way.
So put your lips on mine
Kiss me passionately and lovingly.
Leave them there 'til the morning time
Continue kissing me until the morning arrives; don't stop showing me affection.
Lord don't leave me by myself
Please don't abandon me; I need your love and companionship.
Lay, lay a little lovin' on me
Give me some of your love and attention.
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
Please show me affection.
A-honey, doggone it, I depend upon it
I rely on your love and attention to feel fulfilled.
So lay a little lovin' on me
Please show me affection and attention.
Let me hear you now
Speak up and express your feelings to me.
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
I want you to give me a little bit of love.
You gotta feel it, babe, yeah, yeah, yeah
You need to recognize our deep emotional connection and feel the same way I do.
Everyday is not enough of you, babe
I desire to be with you more often than just once a day.
I'm sayin' everyday
I want to emphasize that I need you every single day.
I need the day and every nighttime too, babe
My desire for your presence and affection doesn't end at daytime, but extends into the night as well.
Oh everyday
I can't stress enough how important you are to me every day.
Don't you know what I've got inside
Do you understand the depth of my love for you that I hold within myself?
A love that's been denied
I've been denying my feelings for you, but they've been present for a long time.
A love that's growing day by day
My love for you is more prominent with every passing day.
You're such a pretty child
You're an attractive and desirable partner.
You're about to drive me wild
You're making my emotions uncontrollable due to your irresistible nature.
Come on, babe, now what you say?
Let's take this relationship further; are you willing to commit to me?
Hey, lay a little lovin' on me
Show me some of your love and affection.
Everyday
I need you every single day.
Oh, oh
A spontaneous expression of emotion.
Honey, I want you
I am earnestly desiring your love and companionship.
Baby, I need you
I require your presence and affection to feel fulfilled.
I love you (i love you)
I have a deep and undeniable feeling of love for you, and I want you to know that.
Oh baby
A term of endearment to show affection.
Lay a little lovin' on me, oh yeah
Please show me a small amount of love and affection, it would make me happy.
Let me hear you now
Speak up and tell me your feelings.
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
I want you to show me some love.
You're gonna want me, baby, yeah
I'm convinced that, if you give me a chance, you'll become more attached to me.
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
Please give some affection to me.
(Honey, doggone it, I depend upon it) alright
I need your love and attention, and there's really no getting around that fact.
(So lay a little lovin' on me)
Give me a small amount of love and affection, please.
Just the girls singing
Women are going to take over the song from this point forward.
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
This line is being repeated to make sure everyone hears the message.
That's right (lay a little lovin' on me)
Yes, that's correct, I want you to give me some love and affection.
You gotta feel it now (honey, doggone it, I depend upon it)
You need to understand our deep emotional connection, and how much I depend on your love.
Ah yeah (so lay a little lovin' on me)
Yes, I'm asking for some affection, please.
Everybody now
Let's all sing this part of the song together.
(Lay a little lovin' on me)
Please show me some love and affection.
C'mon (lay a little lovin' on me)
Encouragement for everyone to participate and show some love.
Sing along now (honey, doggone it, I depend upon it)
Please join in on the song and understand why I need your love and attention.
(So lay a little lovin' on me)
Give me a small amount of love and affection, please.
Everybody do it to me now (lay a little lovin' on me)
Everyone please show me some love and affection right this moment.
That's right
Yes, that's correct; show me some affection.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Cretecos, Jeff Barry, Jim Cretecos, Robin Mc Namara
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oldhippie192
My future wife and I used to tear up the floor at skateland 52 years ago to that song. Good memories.
@terrygarcia897
We use to hitch hike and drink Boones farm at the skating rink. Them days are gone forever. And we lived it. Stay well and groovy my friend. Tx.
@ginahaley3866
Robin & I were neighbors in Florida in the mid 80s to early 90's. We had cookouts and parties. He was a lot of fun, very energetic and loved to sing. I don't know what made me think of him today. I'm saddened to learn he's passed away. RIP
@JayRoth-sb3nh
Thank u Gina, didn't know that. Tks again. Good luck to you.
@alaingravel
McNamara died on October 21, 2021, at the age of 74
@mavisweekooty6149
R.I.P. you rock in the 70's. My high school years
@sevans840
I was just reading the MS Feed & saw this obit note. I have not thought of Robin McNamara since the summer of 1970 when this Golden Oldie was in the Top 20. This is the 1st time I have ever seen him. What a funky get up! I recall listening to the legendary DJs "Superjock" Larry "Old Uncle Lar" Lujack & Li'l Tommy Edwards, John "Records" Landecker, & Bob Sirott on WLS-AM 890 in Chicago & hearing this song play all summer long. What a groove! AM radio! Ha! Thanks Robin & RIP.
@mr.blackhawk142
@ S Evans, thanx! I loved this song back then too (in Vancouver), but I wasn't sure if 'Robin' was male or female??? There was no videos back then, just radio air play. After watching this video I'm still NOT sure! L0L Probably a big reason I SKIPPED the 70s! I NEVER liked the effeminate 'styles' of the 70s. I kept my hair short, bc I'm a MAN, and I want to look like a man. WEIRD eh?
@ruslannunez4449
Couldn't agree more WLS & WCFL ruled the airwaves in Chicago and yes it was a glorious summer.
@ava5552091
So sad to hear about Robin ‘s passing …….. RIP , love this song .