Can't Help Myself
Sly & The Family Stone|Slave|James Brown|Dazz Band|Teddy Pendergrass|Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why now
Why so early
Why you getting down on me
You know you're a
Beautiful person
But just now
You bother me
You reaching out for me
Just when I got
All this money
And you
Footloose and fancy free
I love you like a broth
I'll help you find you feet
But don't take advantage honey
Your feet ain't under me
Why so tall
So young
So handsome
You get the best of me
In your eyes
I see a reflection
You the beauty I'm the beast
You got yourself a lover
Can't take for a ride
But you know I love you honey
I cannot lie
You want some money
Kiss and cuddle too
Take it all now baby
It's always been for you
I can't lie to myself
The lyrics in "Can't Help Myself" seem to be describing a complicated relationship between two people. The singer seems conflicted about their feelings for the other person. They acknowledge that the other person is beautiful and they love them, but at the same time, they feel bothered by them. The singer has achieved wealth and success, while the other person is still carefree and independent, which seems to put a strain on their relationship. Despite this, the singer still loves the other person and is willing to help them, but wants to make sure they are not taken advantage of.
The lyrics also touch on themes of jealousy and insecurity, as the singer describes the other person as being tall, young, and handsome, which brings out the singer's own feelings of inadequacy. The line "You got yourself a lover, can't take it for a ride" suggests that the other person may have other romantic interests, which adds to the singer's insecurity.
Line by Line Meaning
Why here
Why are you here in my life?
Why now
Why have you come to me at this moment?
Why so early
Why did you arrive so soon?
Why you getting down on me
Why are you criticizing me?
You know you're a
You are aware that you are
Beautiful person
An attractive personality
But just now
But currently
You bother me
You are irritating me
It's so coincidental
It's a surprising coincidence
You reaching out for me
You are trying to connect with me
Just when I got
Right after I obtained
All this money
A significant amount of money
And you
But you
Footloose and fancy free
Carefree and without commitments
I love you like a broth
I care about you deeply
I'll help you find you feet
I will assist you in finding success
But don't take advantage honey
But don't exploit my kindness
Your feet ain't under me
You don't control me
Why so tall
Why are you so tall?
So young
So youthful
So handsome
So good-looking
You get the best of me
You bring out the best in me
In your eyes
As per your perspective
I see a reflection
I see a portrayal of myself
You the beauty I'm the beast
You are the attractive one and I am not
You got yourself a lover
You have a romantic partner
Can't take for a ride
Can't be fooled or tricked
But you know I love you honey
But you are aware that I care for you
I cannot lie
I can't deceive myself
You want some money
You desire some funds
Kiss and cuddle too
Physical affection such as kissing and cuddling
Take it all now baby
Take everything that I have to offer now
It's always been for you
All of this has always been for you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOAN ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gilval808
Unbelievable this song is 50 years old. 1973-2023. Thank you Sly for letting every music artist be themselves.
@muschikatze
👍👍👏👏🖖🇩🇪🖖
@funkrocker8011
Eric Benet did a cover of this song
@pjsretrogamesmusicandwrass5795
Timeless
@jenniferrootham4425
I truly appreciate & have much gratitude for the musicians who chose to release cover versions of this truly iconic song 🎶!! However, my forever favorite version will always be the original one 💃❤️
@jhoninocentes378
Hallelujah
@buicklincoln
One of THE best bass lines ever recorded in music history.
@wymellwilliams1543
Larry Graham the best baby
@ChrisBasdeo
@@wymellwilliams1543 Larry Graham had already left the band, believe it or not that's actually Sly playing the bass
@reainealgraham7139
That was Rusty Allen on the bass guitar on this track. Larry Graham was gone from the group .