One of the finest of the Stax/Volt soul artists, he was, like Otis Redding, able to tell a story with great sincerity and flawless musicality. His song "You Don't Miss Your Water ('Til Your Well Runs Dry)" is a Memphis masterpiece.
I Forgot To Be Your Lover
William Bell Lyrics
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Well, if I didn't, darling, 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 up to you
Oh, I forgot to be your lover
Have I taken the time to share with you
All the burdens that lovers bare?
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
And 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
The lyrics of William Bell's song I Forgot To Be Your Lover show remorse and regret for neglecting one's partner. The singer delves into the different scenarios where he failed to show love and attention to his significant other. He expresses his remorse for his past mistakes and vows to make up for it by spending the rest of his life making his love feel cherished. The lyrics depict a vulnerable and raw side of the singer, admitting to his shortcomings and taking responsibility for his actions.
The opening lines, "Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, if I didn't, darling, I'm sorry," shows that sometimes people make mistakes, and it does not mean their love is any less. The second verse where the singer asks if he shared the burdens and done the little things to show how much he cares, portrays the importance of going out of one's way to make their partner feel loved and appreciated. The final lines where the singer admits, "Oh, I forgot to be your lover, gonna make it up to you somehow," convey a sense of hope and dedication to fixing the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Did I express my love for you recently?
Well, if I didn't, darling, I'm sorry
I apologize if I haven't said 'I love you' recently.
Did I reach out and hold you in my loving arms
Did I comfort you when you needed me?
Oh, when you needed me?
Did I support you emotionally when you required me?
Now I realize that you need love too
I acknowledge that you desire affection as well.
And I'll spend my life making up to you
I will dedicate my life to make it up to you.
Oh, I forgot to be your lover
I neglected to love you the way you deserved.
And I'm sorry, I'm so sorry
I am repentant for my actions.
Have I taken the time to share with you
Did I take ample time to communicate with you?
All the burdens that lovers bare?
Did I share my troubles with you as lovers do?
And have I done the little simple things to show you
Did I demonstrate my care for you by doing small acts of kindness?
Just how much I care?
Did I exhibit how much I cherish you?
Oh, I've been workin' for you, doin' all I can
I put in effort to make things better for us.
And work all the time didn't make me a man
Merely working hard doesn't define me as a man.
Gonna make it up to you somehow
I will find a way to make amends.
Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, baby
I offer my apologies repeatedly, my love.
I forgot to be your lover
I failed to be the lover that you deserved.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Bell, Booker T. Jones Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind