You Got to Be the One
The Chi-Lites Lyrics


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If by chance you feel
That you don't need me
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby

And if by chance you find
That you can't love me
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
Well, now, I'd give the world
To keep you happy
And I'd worry, not a day about me

Because I'll get mine
Hey girl, I'll get mine

And if by chance
You feel you love another
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby

And I can't give
The love you need, dear
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby

I would suggest that you be happy
And I'd worry not a day about me

Because I'll get mine
Hey girl, I'll get mine
Every night I dream about you
Hey girl, I'll get mine
Hey girl, I'll get mine

I'll get mine
(You got yours and I'll get mine)
Hey girl, I'll get mine

I'll get mine
(You got yours and I'll get mine)
Hey girl, I'll get mine

I'll get mine




(You got yours and I'll get mine)
Hey girl, I'll get mine

Overall Meaning

The Chi-Lites' song You Got to Be the One is a song about unrequited love. The lyrics convey the singer's dedication to the person he loves, saying that he would do anything to make them happy, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. The singer acknowledges the possibility of the loved one not feeling the same way or falling in love with someone else, but he assures them that he will always love them and wishes for their happiness in either case. He tells them that he dreams about them every night and that he will get his happiness in his own way.


The song has a sad and melancholic tone that emphasizes the pain of being in love with someone who doesn't love you back. The lyrics express the frustration of not being able to control the feelings of the person you love and the inevitable heartbreak that comes with it. However, there is also a sense of hope and determination in the lyrics, as the singer refuses to give up on love altogether and holds onto his own happiness.


Overall, You Got to Be the One is a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the complexities of love and heartbreak.


Line by Line Meaning

If by chance you feel
In case you have a feeling or perception that you don't need me in your life.


That you don't need me
You don't require my support or presence in your life.


Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
An expression of affection, concern, or anxiety towards you.


And if by chance you find
In case you realize or discover that you cannot love me the way I expect.


That you can't love me
You lack the ability or possibility to love me.


Well, now, I'd give the world
I am willing to make great sacrifices or do anything to keep you happy.


To keep you happy
To ensure that you are content and satisfied with our relationship.


And I'd worry, not a day about me
I will not be concerned about my own needs or desires, as long as you're happy.


Because I'll get mine
I will eventually obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.


Hey girl, I'll get mine
A confident affirmation that I will obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.


And if by chance
In case it happens that you realize you love someone else.


You feel you love another
You have developed feelings of love or attraction towards someone else.


And I can't give
If I cannot offer or provide.


The love you need, dear
If I fail to meet your expectations or needs in terms of love and affection.


I would suggest that you be happy
I would advise or recommend that you prioritize your own happiness and needs.


Every night I dream about you
An expression of how often I think about you, and how deeply you occupy my mind.


I'll get mine
I will eventually obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.


(You got yours and I'll get mine)
An exclamation of how everyone deserves or obtains what they deserve or desire in the end.


Hey girl, I'll get mine
A confident affirmation that I will obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.




Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS RANDOLPH BELL, WILLIAM ALEXANDER N HART

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Victor Arrington

My older brother marshall Arrington wrote this song for the chi lite's year's ago. Peace!

John Tate

Yes a lovely song - its great. I heard it in 1975 and never forgot it

ladyreign21

Alfred DeBerry Yes Both writers were paid. No one can get around not paying writers especially when the names are credited in writing on the albums and proper paperwork.👍🏽

ladyreign21

Yes this was written both by Eugene Record and Marshall Arrington💗

Kelly L. King

This IS THE Jam!!! Love the Chi-Lites!

boomerang905

My favorite of all the Recordings. It's a dreamy and soulful combination. ❤

3 More Replies...

DAVID WOLF

Thank you, Marshall Arrington & Eugene Record for this wonderful 1974 dance track which I always speed up live - and thank you for posting this (one of many) Chi-Lites classic single from Toby album - Cheers, DAVEDJ

Candace Smith

Chicago Steppin'! Always loved this one.

Peter Abrr

Candace Smith

Victor Arrington

My older brother wrote this song for the chi lite's, back in the sixty's. I still love this song. Peace!

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