The group was founded as The Roosters by Chattanooga, Tennessee natives Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, and Arthur Brooks, who moved to Chicago, Illinois and added Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield to their lineup to become Jerry Butler & the Impressions. By 1962, Butler and the Brookses had departed, and after switching to ABC-Paramount Records, Mayfield, Gooden, and new Impression Fred Cash collectively became a top-selling soul act. Mayfield left the group for a solo career in 1970; Leroy Hutson, Ralph Johnson, Reggie Torian, and Nate Evans were among the replacements who joined Gooden and Cash before the group's demise in 1983.
Inductees into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Impressions are best known for their 1960s string of hits, many of which were heavily influenced by gospel music and served as inspirational anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
Personnel:
Jerry Butler (1958 - 1960)
Curtis Mayfield (1958 - 1970)
Sam Gooden (1958 - 1983)
Arthur Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Richard Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Fred Cash (1960 - 1983)
Leroy Hutson (1970 - 1973)
Ralph Johnson (1973 - 1976)
Nate Evans (1976 - 1979)
Reggie Torian (1973 - 1983)
Discography
Albums
1963: The Impressions
1964: Keep on Pushing
1964: The Never Ending Impressions
1965: One by One
1965: People Get Ready
1966: Ridin' High
1967: The Fabulous Impressions
1968: We're a Winner
1968: This Is My Country
1969: The Young Mods' Forgotten Story
1969: The Versatile Impressions
1969: Amen
1970: Check out Your Mind!
1972: Times Have Changed
1973: Preacher Man
1974: Finally Got Myself Together
1974: Three the Hard Way
1975: First Impressions
1975: Sooner or Later
1976: It's About Time
1976: Originals
1976: Loving Power
1979: Come to My Party
1981: Fan the Fire
Since I Lost The One I Love
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the one who loves you
Little girl again you are blue
Another fellow has gone and left you
I see you've come back to me your best friend
To tell another tragic story again
And one more time you ought to realize
That I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you, love me
I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you
I must confess, you're not to be blamed
For being caught in those boys vicious games
This time I won't let you go back
Never again, my dear, in fact
I'm going to stop the blueness in you
Also confess what my heart wants me to
That I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you, love me
I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you
Just once more you look in my eyes
And one more time you ought to realize
That I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you, love me
I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you
I'm the one who loves you
...
The Impressions’ “I’m the One Who Loves You” is a classic soul ballad full of unrequited love and longing. The song is addressed to a woman who has just been left by another man, whom she confides in as her best friend. Curtis Mayfield, the lead singer of the group, sings that he has been there for her all this time and is the one who truly loves her. He acknowledges that it’s not her fault that she has been caught up in a game played by men and promises to not let her go back to that sad state again. The song is a plea from Mayfield to the woman to realize his affection for her and choose him instead of the other men in her life.
The lyrics of the song perfectly capture the pain and desperation of someone who loves someone else but cannot express their feelings. The repetition of the titular line 'I'm the one who loves you' puts a fine point on Curtis Mayfield's argument. The tempo of the song stays constant throughout, with a slow, gentle beat that underscores Mayfield's sincerity. The musicality of the song is melodious and calming, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the one who loves you
Reinforcement of the central message of the song, which is that the singer's love is true and unwavering.
Little girl again you are blue
The singer addresses the subject of the song as 'little girl,' implying that they have known each other for some time. They also comment on the subject's sad state of mind.
Another fellow has gone and left you
The singer empathizes with the subject and recognizes that they have been hurt and abandoned by someone else.
I see you've come back to me your best friend
The artist notes that the subject has returned to them for support, recognizing their close relationship.
To tell another tragic story again
The artist understands that the subject is about to recount another tale of woe, emphasizing their pattern of attracting heartbreak.
And once more you look in my eyes
The singer acknowledges that the subject is seeking comfort and possibly validation from them.
And one more time you ought to realize
The singer implores the subject to recognize the depth of their love and devotion.
I must confess, you're not to be blamed
The artist absolves the subject of any blame for their romantic misfortunes.
For being caught in those boys vicious games
The artist recognizes that the subject has been caught up in the games and machinations of other men.
This time I won't let you go back
The artist promises to intervene and protect the subject from further pain.
Never again, my dear, in fact
The singer emphasizes the finality of this decision and their love for the subject, using a term of endearment.
I'm going to stop the blueness in you
The artist is determined to heal the subject's sadness and restore their happiness.
Also confess what my heart wants me to
The singer reveals their own true feelings and desires.
Just once more you look in my eyes
The singer reiterates the subject's need for reassurance and connection.
And one more time you ought to realize
The singer reinforces the idea that the subject needs to acknowledge their love and accept their protection.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@h8jf1
When you walk through the gates of heaven, this song will be playing. It should have been played. Curtis Mayfield, a pure joy, with perhaps the most-underrated Impressions songs. Nice posting!!
@alexandrechantal9524
i dont know if i am normal but i am 27 year old and that tune his a rare beauty
@Cas82958
I love this little song. Curtis' spirit shines in it
@henryblackmon4496
What a great song. Mayfield was second to none.
@swamp5050
No matter how much time has passed I still remember every word!
@tonydialsr7190
Thank you for this marvelous recording . I enjoyed Curtis SAM AND FRED ,THE IMPRESSIONS .
@michaelross8462
The best in the historical messages in his music like no other
@wrh195330161
Curtis Mayfield, a fine musician and a wonderful human being.
@dywaneharris7465
Never Too Much Love
@blakley42
Hey, thanks so much for posting this song--I always loved the impressions and this song in particular--the flip side (talkin' bout my baby) was the hit, as memory serves, but this song was smooth, and forever will be.