slave
Womack Womack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He gave it all he had - for just one woman
He will sacrifice for you, just to make your dreams come true - only for you
Cold love, he died for you
Overworked in sweat for you
He fell sick, broke in two
Chains of love to misery
Everyday for you he craved
But you never came to save
CHORUS
He was your slave - He was your slave
Love took him to his grave
For you he slaved
Material gain was not his thing
But he worked three jobs just to bring,
you three diamond rings
But, for it wasn't enough
He turned crook, and life turned rough
From bad to worse
Oh, then they hauled him off to jail
Locked him away in a lonely cell
Without his love, he did his time
Died there with you in his mind
Repeat chorus
His woman's dialogue
And if I had to do, all over again
I'd take him in my arms, and love him like a friend
Since he's been gone, for his love I crave
I ain't too proud to say, for this love I'll slave
I tried... (he tried)... We tried
The love died
I ain't too proud to say, for his love I'll slave
Since he's been gone, for his love I crave
The lyrics to Womack & Womack's song "Slave" paint a picture of a man who was deeply in love and willing to do anything for his partner. The opening lines, "He loved you - oh yes, he needed you," emphasize the intensity and genuine affection this man had for his significant other. He gave his all, sacrificing himself to fulfill his partner's dreams, illustrating the lengths he would go to for her happiness.
However, despite all his efforts and sacrifices, the love he received in return was cold and selfish. He worked tirelessly, overworked and broke himself apart, all in the hope that his partner would appreciate and set him free from the chains of a love that only brought misery. But she never came to his rescue, leaving him trapped in a one-sided and oppressive relationship.
The chorus reflects the tragic outcome of this unequal love. The man became a metaphorical slave, sacrificing his own well-being, and eventually his life, for someone who didn't truly appreciate or reciprocate his love. The lyrics suggest that love was what led him to his grave, while also highlighting the power dynamics and inequality within their relationship.
The final verse introduces the woman's perspective, showing remorse and regret for not appreciating the man's love while he was alive. She acknowledges that if given the chance, she would love him like a friend and appreciates the depth of his love. The repetition of "I ain't too proud to say, for his love I'll slave" shows that she now understands the value and significance of his love, even though it is too late.
Overall, "Slave" is a poignant and evocative song that explores themes of unequal love, sacrifice, and the regret that can come when love is not cherished.
Line by Line Meaning
He loved you - oh yes, he needed you
He had deep affection for you and relied on you
He gave it all he had - for just one woman
He put forth his maximum effort and resources for your sake
He will sacrifice for you, just to make your dreams come true - only for you
He was willing to give up things and endure hardships to fulfill your desires and aspirations exclusively
Cold love, he died for you
Despite your lack of warmth and affection, he gave his life for you
Overworked in sweat for you
He toiled tirelessly and perspired excessively for you
He fell sick, broke in two
The physical and emotional strain caused him to become ill and mentally shattered
You held the keys to set him free, Chains of love to misery
You had the power to liberate him from the confines of a love that brought suffering
Everyday for you he craved
Each day, he deeply desired your presence and affection
But you never came to save
Yet, you never came to rescue him from his plight
He was your slave - He was your slave
He was completely devoted and subservient to you
Love took him to his grave
His love for you brought him to his death
For you he slaved
He tirelessly labored for your sake
Material gain was not his thing
Accumulating wealth was not his main priority
But he worked three jobs just to bring, you three diamond rings
Nevertheless, he worked multiple jobs solely to provide you with three precious diamond rings
But, for it wasn't enough
However, it did not satisfy or meet your expectations
He turned crook, and life turned rough
Desperate, he resorted to illegal activities which made his life even more difficult
From bad to worse
His situation deteriorated further
Oh, then they hauled him off to jail
Eventually, he was arrested and taken to prison
Locked him away in a lonely cell
He was confined in a solitary cell, isolated from the outside world
Without his love, he did his time
During his sentence, he endured without the love and support he once had
Died there with you in his mind
In that environment, his thoughts remained consumed by you until his death
His woman's dialogue
The words of the artist (the woman in the story)
And if I had to do, all over again
If given the opportunity, to start anew
I'd take him in my arms, and love him like a friend
I would embrace him and show affection like a true companion
Since he's been gone, for his love I crave
Ever since he departed, I yearn for his love
I ain't too proud to say, for this love I'll slave
I am not ashamed to admit that I would work tirelessly for this love
I tried... (he tried)... We tried
Both of us attempted to make things work
The love died
Unfortunately, the love between us ceased to exist
Since he's been gone, for his love I crave
Ever since he departed, I yearn for his love
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KAI HAHTO, KEIJO KRISTIAN NIINIMAA, MIKA PETRI AALTO, TONI MIKAEL PIHLAJA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind