The band, fronted by Mary Davis, was initially famous for the post-disco hit "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" in 1979. In 1982, they joined forces with then-new production team Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who went on to craft a string of R&B hits for the group, including "Just Be Good to Me", "Tell Me If You Still Care", "Feeling", and "Borrowed Love".
The Jam/Lewis produced SOS Band hits are notable for popularizing the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine (and its distinctive cowbell sound) in popular music. The group continues to tour and perform to this day.
In "The Finest" the male singer is no other than Alexander O'Neal.
Borrowed Love
S.O.S. Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now I see that I could never live on borrowed love
It's three-o-one in the morning, another sleepless night
I feel your presence with me and it doesn't feel right
And then it starts flowing through me
From my feet right to my head
Then I scream calling out your name
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
Like a drummer always beating the insides of my soul
Hidden feelings always seeking
The touch they knew so well in the places that matter
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
I can't eat, I can't sleep, thinking about who you're with
Are you happy making me crazy? You were the best I ever had
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
The pain of too much pleasure is all so clear to me
After you go nothing but ache to fill my emptiness
Emptiness, emptiness
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
In the lyrics of S.O.S. Band's song "Borrowed Love," the singer is reflecting on a past relationship and questioning why they thought they could live on borrowed love. They now realize that they could never sustain themselves on love that was not genuine or reciprocated. The singer is unable to sleep and constantly thinks about the person they used to be with, feeling their presence but realizing it doesn't feel right. They feel a physical sensation that starts at their feet and flows through their body, and they call out for the person they once shared a bed with.
The lyrics describe the singer's pain and confusion as they realize that they cannot live off of borrowed love. They compare their emotions to a drummer beating the insides of their soul, and their hidden feelings are seeking the touch they used to know so well. They cannot eat or sleep, constantly wondering who their ex-partner is with and questioning if they are happy without them. They admit that their former partner was the best they ever had, but they still cannot sustain themselves on borrowed love.
Line by Line Meaning
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
Why did I believe that I could sustain myself on a love that isn't truly mine?
Now I see that I could never live on borrowed love
I understand now that relying on borrowed or temporary love is unsustainable.
It's three-o-one in the morning, another sleepless night
I am still awake in the early hours, unable to find rest.
I feel your presence with me and it doesn't feel right
Your lingering presence is uncomfortable for me, as it reminds me of what I've lost.
And then it starts flowing through me
Suddenly, a feeling rises within me.
From my feet right to my head
It spreads through my entire body.
Then I scream calling out your name
My emotions become overwhelming and I cry out your name.
I want you back in my bed, my bed
All I want is to be with you once again, to feel that connection we once had.
Like a drummer always beating the insides of my soul
My heart and soul are constantly pounding, as if a drummer is inside me.
Hidden feelings always seeking
My concealed emotions are always searching for a way to be expressed.
The touch they knew so well in the places that matter
The physical and emotional touch we once shared in intimate places is what my hidden feelings long for.
I can't eat, I can't sleep, thinking about who you're with
I am unable to focus on basic needs like eating and sleeping, as I am consumed by thoughts of who you are with instead of me.
Are you happy making me crazy? You were the best I ever had
I question whether you are content with driving me mad and wonder if you remember how good we were together.
The pain of too much pleasure is all so clear to me
The pain of having too much happiness and love is now apparent, as it has since been taken away.
After you go nothing but ache to fill my emptiness
Once you left, all I am left with is a deep pain to replace the love and fulfillment you took with you.
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
Why did I believe that I could sustain myself on a love that isn't truly mine?
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
Why did I believe that I could sustain myself on a love that isn't truly mine?
What could make me think that I could live on borrowed love?
Why did I believe that I could sustain myself on a love that isn't truly mine?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES HARRIS III, JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, TERRY LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tas D. Amour
Such an UNDERRATED GEM!!!! It's CRIMINAL that this song stayed so under the radar!!! "
Those lyrics, the melody...HER VOICE!!! That BEAT!!! DAMN!!!
Tas D. Amour
@Ray R Absolutely!!!
Ray R
Let's just say the whole Sands of Time Album was slept on.
Sick side Worldwide
Definitely an absolute classic funky and soulful banger
Regina Mendoza
Totally agree
China Hut
Totally agree
Carla Jackson
We had the Best music back in the day.
Brian Pearson
Yep. I agree 👍🏼
Milton Dearmon
80 for sho
China Hut
Definitely