I've Been Good To You
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Lyrics


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Look what you've done
You made a fool out of someone
Who thought love was true
And found out that you we're just having fun, oh yeah

Oh, why do you wanna make me blue
After all, I've been good to you
(I've been good to you)
Oh, yes I have

Woah, I recall the time
You needed someone and I made you mine
You needed a friend
So I took you in and treated you so kind, oh yeah

Oh, why do you wanna make me blue
After all, I've been good to you
(I've been good to you)
Oh

I have always been around
And I never, never, never let you down
And now you're telling me that you must go
You know that you're hurting me so

But there come a time
One day, one day, one day, one day, one day you gonna wake up and find
You'll come back to me on your bending knees
And you're gonna be crying

Oh, believe me, what I say is true
After all, Lord I've been good to you
(I've been good to you) oh yes I have
I've been good, I've been good, I've been good (I've been good to you)

Everyday
I've been good, I've been good, I've been good (I've been good to you)

Overall Meaning

In Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' song "I've Been Good To You," the singer addresses a former lover who has taken advantage of their trust and kindness. The opening lines express the singer's frustration with their situation, suggesting that they once believed in the sincerity of the relationship but now feel foolish for falling for false promises. The chorus pleads with the former lover to explain why they would hurt someone who has always done right by them, emphasizing the singer's loyalty and past efforts to maintain the relationship. The second verse continues this theme, highlighting specific moments when the singer felt they were there for the other person, even when they needed help the most. However, the final stanza suggests that the singer has reached a breaking point and can no longer tolerate the other person's disregard for their feelings. Though they acknowledge their own pain, they hold out hope that eventually the other person will realize what they have lost and return to them.


Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the complexity of love and the challenges of maintaining trust in a relationship. The singer's vulnerability and sincerity make it easy for listeners to empathize with their situation, while the catchy melody and soulful accompaniment capture the emotional depth of the lyrics. "I've Been Good To You" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us all of the power of love and the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect.


Line by Line Meaning

Look what you've done
You have caused a negative effect on me


You made a fool out of someone
You made me look foolish


Who thought love was true
I believed our love was genuine


And found out that you were just having fun, oh yeah
But I discovered that you were just playing around


Oh, why do you wanna make me blue
Why do you want to make me sad


After all, I've been good to you
Considering everything, I have treated you well


(I've been good to you)
I have shown you kindness and loyalty


Woah, I recall the time
I remember the moment


You needed someone and I made you mine
You were looking for companionship and I became yours


You needed a friend
You required a confidant


So I took you in and treated you so kind, oh yeah
So I welcomed you with open arms and treated you with tenderness


I have always been around
I have consistently been present


And I never, never, never let you down
And I have never, ever disappointed you


And now you're telling me that you must go
But now you are saying that you must leave


You know that you're hurting me so
You are aware that you are causing me pain


But there come a time
But there will be a moment


One day, one day, one day, one day, one day you gonna wake up and find
Someday you will realize


You'll come back to me on your bending knees
You will return to me, humbled


And you're gonna be crying
And you will be weeping


Oh, believe me, what I say is true
Trust me, what I am saying is accurate


After all, Lord I've been good to you
Given everything that has happened, I have treated you well


(I've been good to you) oh yes I have
I have indeed shown you kindness and loyalty


I've been good, I've been good, I've been good (I've been good to you)
I have consistently been kind and loyal to you, every day




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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