In 1988, Downing finally made his solo debut, releasing the self-titled Will Downing. The album featured a new version of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." The track did not fair well on the R&B charts but it managed to reach #4 on the Dance charts. In the United Kingdom, "A Love Supreme" managed to reach #14 on the singles charts.
Downing has released many albums throughout his career, always on the brink of stardom but never quite making it. In 1989 he released Come Together As One and in '91, Dream Fulfilled. The latter featured the single "I Try" which reached #13 on the R&B charts, Downing's best performance to date.
1993 saw Downing's fourth album release with Love's the Place to Be. In 1995, he released Moods and in 1997, Invitation Only. Continuing his steady stream of releases, 1998 saw Pleasures of the Night, 2000 offered All the Man You Need and in 2002, Sensual Journey.
With so many albums under his belt, Downing never slows down, releasing Emotions in 2003, Christmas, Love and You in 2004 and Soul Symphony in 2005.
While Will Downing has never been a massive celebrity in the United States, he has seen reasonable success in the United Kingdom.
Don't Talk To Me Like That
Will Downing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stone silent, I'd wait to hear your secrets and understand
Why your words cut so deep, only you can, ohh, talk to me
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
This soldier retreats perhaps to fight another day
Swords broken, blows taken, uprise me for seeking, yeah
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me
I yield to you emotionally, yes baby
Raise my shield to you, it's your victory
Swords broken, words taken, I'm shattered, so think again
Your words are your weapons, I'm rendered defenseless, yeah
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
Don'tcha, don'tcha, don'tcha, don'tcha
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't you talk to me like that
The lyrics of Will Downing's song "Don't Talk to Me Like That" appear to be about the struggles of communication in a relationship. The opening lines talk about how the singer wishes they could be a statue when their partner is around, indicating that their words cut deep and they don't know how to react. The chorus repeats the phrase "Don't you talk to me like that," which could be seen as the singer setting a boundary for how they want to be treated.
The second verse goes on to say that the singer is retreating for now, but suggests that they may come back to fight another day. The line "Swords broken, blows taken" implies that the singer has already taken a lot of verbal abuse from their partner. They seem to be trying to protect themselves emotionally, with lines like "Raise my shield to you, it's your victory," but it's not clear whether this is a temporary measure or if they're planning to leave the relationship altogether.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who is being verbally abused and struggling to find their voice in the relationship. The repeated refrain of "Don't you talk to me like that" suggests that the singer is setting a boundary for themselves, but it's not clear whether their partner is capable of respecting it.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I could be like a statue when you're over here
I wish to be still and silent when you're near, observing your actions and understanding your motives.
Stone silent, I'd wait to hear your secrets and understand
I'd remain quiet and listen for your confessions to comprehend your reasons.
Why your words cut so deep, only you can, ohh, talk to me
I want to know the cause of how deeply your words affect me, and only you can explain that to me.
Don't you talk to me like that
Don't speak to me in a derogatory or disrespectful manner.
So clearly I say that I have no strategic reason
I admit that I have no tactical purpose in this situation.
This soldier retreats perhaps to fight another day
I withdraw from the situation, maybe to address it later.
Swords broken, blows taken, uprise me for seeking, yeah
I've suffered losses and beatings, but I still stand tall and seek a resolution.
I yield to you emotionally, yes baby
I surrender my feelings to you, my dear.
Raise my shield to you, it's your victory
I submit to your power and give you the victory over me.
Swords broken, words taken, I'm shattered, so think again
My weapons are unusable, and your words have caused severe damage, so you should reconsider your approach.
Your words are your weapons, I'm rendered defenseless, yeah
Your words have become your weapons, and I am unable to defend myself against them.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRENDA GORDON RUSSELL, MARK STEPHEN CAWLEY, VINCENT VINX DE JON PARRETTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johntaylorjr4344
One of the prettiest songs on this album.
@thomas.blackmon1
Don't dare talk to me like that!!! what a classic.
@mizpahboy7513
Multi-talented, multi-directional and arguably the most underrated and under appreciated male vocalist of our time.
@MsShell1125
Truly a real singer. He sounds just like this in person. ❤️
@davidkendig5868
He is truly thes best that is left in the Jazz sceen
@tootiebootie7341
I love this song ❤❤❤❤❤ 2024 and I Still Light My Candles
@ritaharris2778
Such an amazing singer. Love love Will Downing’s voice. Sounds like velvet. The jazzy runs, the sexy baritone, the clarity and tone just beautiful.
@ericreed2738
Big fan of this old fashioned groomed and ready balladeer. Has sung some great songs and collaborated with some of the very best. Much respect to one of the greatest showman in my humble opinion.
@karenettmcfrazieraskew9805
This song is so mellow..
Will Downing has a sexy baritone voice that demands attention and he gets it. Bravo..
@maliawiggins6901
Still listening in 2023. Good mf music