Born Royal G. Bryant in Huntington, WV, on November 25, 1929, he grew up in Columbus, OH, where he became an important part of the local jazz scene, playing a robust, wailing tenor sax inspired by the likes of Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt. He first worked as a sideman with Tiny Grimes and Stomp Gordon, and began leading his own bands in 1951. In the mid-'50s, Bryant signed with the Dot label and landed a major R&B hit with "All Night Long," a double-time cover of "Night Train." Bryant toured the country, but his association with Dot only lasted for a few sessions (including some where he attempted to introduce vocalist Nancy Wilson), and he soon returned to Columbus, where he was content to play on a strictly local basis.
After around a decade, he returned to recording in 1968 on Groove Holmes' classic "That Healin' Feelin'", and began leading his own sessions again for Prestige, beginning with 1969's Rusty Bryant Returns, an anomaly where he played a Lou Donaldson-inspired, sometimes-electrified alto. His next few albums -- including Night Train Now!, Soul Liberation, Fire Eater, and Wildfire -- successfully updated his sound for the times, and became cult classics among acid jazz aficionados for their strong, funky grooves. Bryant returned for a couple of albums in the early '80s before settling back into his hometown once again. He passed away on March 25, 1991.
If You Really Love Me
Rusty Bryant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
Then I won't have to be
Playing around
You call my name
Oooh so sweet
To make your kiss incomplete
You quickly change your ways
Then you say I'm untrue
What am I supposed to do
Be a fool who sits alone waiting for you
But if you really love me won't you tell me
But if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
Then I won't have to be
Playing around
I see the light of your smile
Calling me all the while
You are saying baby
It's time to go
First the feeling's alright
Then it's gone from sight
So I'm taking out this time to say
Oh if you really love me won't you tell me
Oh if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
Then I won't have to be
Playing around no
Playing around no
Hey yeah
Goofin' around no
Oh baby
Playing around no
Let me know how you feel baby
Hey oh baby
Playing around no
The lyrics to Rusty Bryant's song "If You Really Love Me" convey a sense of frustration and confusion with a partner who may not be entirely honest or forthcoming with their feelings. The repetition of the refrain, "If you really love me won't you tell me," highlights the singer's desperation for honesty and clarity in their relationship. The verses describe a situation where the partner is hot and cold, sending mixed signals and accusing the singer of being untrue. The singer is tired of feeling like a fool, waiting around for someone who can't make up their mind.
The song reflects a common theme in love songs - the yearning for honesty and genuine emotions in a relationship. It captures the frustration that can arise when someone you love is not entirely transparent or consistent in their communication. The repeated refrain of "If you really love me won't you tell me" emphasizes the importance of authenticity in any kind of relationship.
Overall, "If You Really Love Me" is a heartfelt plea for honesty and clarity in a romantic relationship. It captures the frustration and confusion that can arise when one person is not completely honest about their feelings, and expresses the desire for open communication and a deeper emotional connection.
Line by Line Meaning
And if you really love me won't you tell me
If you truly have affection for me, please express it to me directly
Then I won't have to be Playing around
If you tell me that you love me, I won't have to search for affection elsewhere
You call my name Oooh so sweet To make your kiss incomplete
You use flattery to get my attention, but don't follow through on your promises
When your mood is clear You quickly change your ways Then you say I'm untrue What am I supposed to do
You behave inconsistently and then accuse me of wrongdoing when I am confused by your actions
Be a fool who sits alone waiting for you
I shouldn't wait around for you to show me affection while you play games with my emotions
I see the light of your smile Calling me all the while You are saying baby It's time to go First the feeling's alright Then it's gone from sight So I'm taking out this time to say
I am drawn to your charm and when you suggest we spend time together, but then you quickly lose interest
Goofin' around no Oh baby Let me know how you feel baby Hey oh baby Playing around no
I want you to be honest with me about your feelings so that I don't feel the need to look for affection elsewhere
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SYREETA WRIGHT, STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind