If You Really Love Me
Sergio Mendes and Brasil '77 Lyrics

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And if you really love me won't you tell me
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

When your mood is clear
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sergio Mendes and the New Brazil '77's song Love Me Tomorrow express the singer's frustration and confusion over their partner's mixed signals. The singer is pleading for their partner to tell them if they truly love them or not, because without that reassurance, the singer feels like they have to constantly "play around" and seek validation from other people. Despite the partner's sweet words and smiles, their actions quickly change and they accuse the singer of being unfaithful. The singer is stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and waiting for their partner to make a clear decision about their relationship.

This song touches on the common struggle of trying to navigate a relationship without clear communication and honesty. The singer is tired of having to guess their partner's true intentions and desires, and is begging for a straightforward answer. At the same time, the singer is also acknowledging their own role in this situation - by "playing around," they are also contributing to the instability of the relationship. Ultimately, the song is a plea for honesty and authenticity, both from the singer and their partner.

Line by Line Meaning

And if you really love me won't you tell me
The singer is asking their partner to express their feelings to them if they truly love them.

Then I won't have to be Playing around
If the partner expresses their love, the singer won't have to play around or look elsewhere for affection.

You call my name Oooh so sweet
The partner addresses the singer in an affectionate manner.

To make your kiss incomplete
The partner doesn't give the singer the full amount of love and affection they need.

When your mood is clear You quickly change your ways
The partner changes their behavior suddenly and often, making it difficult for the singer to keep up.

Then you say I'm untrue What am I supposed to do
The partner accuses the singer of being unfaithful, but the singer doesn't know what to do to prove their innocence.

Be a fool who sits alone waiting for you
The partner's behavior makes the singer feel foolish for waiting around for them.

I see the light of your smile Calling me all the while
The partner appears happy and affectionate towards the singer, but only temporarily.

You are saying baby It's time to go
The partner is ready to leave the situation and move on from the relationship.

First the feeling's alright Then it's gone from sight
At first, everything seems fine between the partners, but the love and affection quickly fades away.

So I'm taking out this time to say
The singer is using this moment to express their feelings and communicate with their partner.

Playing around no
The singer won't have to look elsewhere for affection if their partner expresses their love.

Goofin' around no
The partner's behavior and changing moods are making it difficult for the singer to take the relationship seriously.

Let me know how you feel baby
The singer is asking their partner to be honest about their feelings towards them.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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