Classic "Old School", R & B/Soul/Funk… Read Full Bio ↴(Incorrect tag for Commodores)
Classic "Old School", R & B/Soul/Funk Fusion Pioneers featured Lionel Richie prior to his breakout solo career in the early 1980's.
Oh No
The Commodores Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm goin' crazy knowin' he will be your lover tonight
And when he comes I'll let you go
I'll just pretend as you walk out the door
Oh no, I can't sleep
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
I need you to need me
When I close my eyes I see your face
I'm just not sure how much my heart can erase
Oh no, I can't think
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
Oh, honey
Oh, sugar
Oh no, I can't sleep anymore, baby
Oh no, I can't think anymore, baby
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
The Commodores' hit song "Oh No" is a tale of unrequited love and heartache. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is desperately in love with someone who is already taken. The singer is tormented by the thought of his love interest being with someone else and is unable to sleep or think straight. The chorus repeats the refrain "Oh no, I can't sleep, oh no, I'm going crazy with love over you," underscoring the intensity of his emotions.
The verses communicate the singer's desire for his love interest to reciprocate his feelings. He wants her to want him and need him instead of being with someone else. However, he understands that he cannot force her to be with him and is resigned to the fact that he may have to let her go. The lyrics are emotional and raw, conveying the depth of the singer's love and pain.
Overall, "Oh No" is a catchy and moving track that captures the universal experience of unrequited love. The song has resonated with audiences for decades and remains a staple of The Commodores' discography.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you to want me
I desire your love and affection
I'm goin' crazy knowin' he will be your lover tonight
I am overwhelmed with emotion, knowing that you will be with another person tonight
And when he comes I'll let you go
I will release you to be with your chosen partner
I'll just pretend as you walk out the door
I will act like I am not affected by your departure
Oh no, I can't sleep
I am unable to rest due to my intense feelings for you
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
My love for you is consuming me and driving me to madness
I need you to need me
I require your dependency on me
I wanna hold you but you're holdin' someone else in your arms
I long to embrace you, but you are in the arms of another
When I close my eyes I see your face
Your face is imprinted in my mind, even when I try to forget you
I'm just not sure how much my heart can erase
I am uncertain about my ability to remove you from my heart
Oh, honey
An expression of endearment for the beloved
Oh, sugar
A term of affection for the beloved
Oh no, I can't sleep anymore, baby
I am unable to fall asleep due to my love for you, my dear
Oh no, I can't think anymore, baby
My thoughts are overrun with thoughts of you, my dear
Oh no, I'm goin' crazy with love over you
My overwhelming love for you is driving me to madness
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind