I Forgot to Be Your Lover
The Revelations Lyrics


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Have I told you lately that I love you?
Well, if I didn't, darlin', I'm sorry
Did I reach out and hold you in my loving arms
Oh, when you needed me?

Now I realize that you need love too
And I'll spend my life making love to you
Oh, I forgot to be your lover
And I'm sorry, I'm so sorry

Have I taken the time to share with you
All the burden that love will fare?
And have I done the little simple things to show you
Just how much I care?

Oh, I've been workin' for you doin' all I can
To work all the time didn't make me a man

Oh, I forgot to be your lover
And I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you somehow, baby

I forgot to be your lover
Gonna make it up to you somehow




Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, baby
I forgot to be your lover

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Revelations' song "I Forgot to Be Your Lover" are an apology from a man who realizes he hasn't been fully present in his relationship. He acknowledges that he may have missed opportunities to show his love and support to his partner, and that he hasn't always been attentive to her needs. He vows to make up for it by committing himself to her and making love to her for the rest of his life. He laments that he has been so focused on working and providing for her that he lost sight of what was truly important in their relationship.


The song speaks to the common struggle of balancing work and personal life, and the importance of not neglecting the ones we love in pursuit of success. It serves as a reminder that love requires effort and attention, and that it's never too late to make things right.


Additionally, the song's smooth soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with audiences over the years, leading to several cover versions by artists such as Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and The Black Keys.


Line by Line Meaning

Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I recently reminded you of my love for you?


Well, if I didn't, darlin', I'm sorry
If I haven't reminded you, I apologize, my dear.


Did I reach out and hold you in my loving arms
Have I shown affection to you by embracing you?


Oh, when you needed me?
Especially when you were in need of my love?


Now I realize that you need love too
I've come to understand that you also require love


And I'll spend my life making love to you
I promise to devote my life to fulfilling this need


Oh, I forgot to be your lover
I forgot my responsibility of loving you


And I'm sorry, I'm so sorry
I regret and apologize for my failure.


Have I taken the time to share with you
Have I shared with you enough of my life and love?


All the burden that love will fare?
Including the hardships that accompany love?


And have I done the little simple things to show you
Have I shown affection through small acts of kindness?


Just how much I care?
So you understand my level of care and devotion?


Oh, I've been workin' for you doin' all I can
I have been working hard to provide for you in every way


To work all the time didn't make me a man
However, I realize that simply being a hard worker doesn't make me a good partner


Oh, I forgot to be your lover
Again, I neglected my duty of being your lover


And I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you somehow, baby
Once again, I apologize and promise to make it up to you.


I forgot to be your lover
A repetition of my past failure as a partner.


Gonna make it up to you somehow
I'll find a way to make things right with you


Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, baby
I express regret and apologize for my failure


I forgot to be your lover
One more time, I failed to show my love as a partner




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOOKER T. JR. JONES, WILLIAM BELL, BOOKER T. JONES JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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