When You Love Somebody
james leela Lyrics

What is a woman
Leela is questioning what actions a woman should take in a certain situation

To do with a man
The situation involves a man and it is unclear what the woman should do about it

Who treats her unkindly
This man is treating the woman with disrespect or cruelty

When she's down, all she can
When the woman is feeling low or vulnerable, the treatment from this man is particularly difficult to handle

I cried so many nights
Leela has spent numerous nights crying as a result of this situation

How we fuss and fight
There is conflict and arguing in this relationship

The make ups and the break ups
Despite the arguments, there have been times where Leela and this man have made up and reconciled, and other times when they have broken up

I loved you and only you
Regardless of the issues in the relationship, Leela has strong feelings of love for this man and him alone

The things you do
The man's actions, whether positive or negative, are a significant factor in Leela's love for him

When you love somebody
Leela is highlighting the unique nature of the emotions felt when in love with someone

I gave you my lovin'
Leela has shown her love and devotion to this man through her actions towards him

With no questions asked
Leela did not ask for anything in return for her love and affection

Tears on my pillow
Leela has cried herself to sleep numerous times, likely as a result of the mistreatment from this man

From all your disrespect
The man has not shown Leela the respect she deserves, which has resulted in her emotional distress

I didn't care about your past
Leela was willing to look past any negative experiences in the man's past and focus on their future together

I only wanted to make us last
Despite the difficulties in the relationship, Leela was committed to making things work and having a lasting love with this man

And oooohhh
Leela is expressing passion or strong emotion through this vocalization

Who knows what tomorrow may bring me
Leela is uncertain about what tomorrow will bring and whether the situation with this man will improve or worsen

All I know is it is what it is
Leela accepts that the situation is what it is, and is focused on dealing with it as it currently stands

And why, do I look for crucial???
It is unclear what 'crucial' means in this context, but Leela seems to be questioning why she should look for something important or essential

When I don't have to question you
Despite the troubles in the relationship, Leela trusts the man and does not question his intentions or motives

Y'all hear me
Leela is addressing her listeners directly

All in the name of love
All of the actions and emotions described in this song are driven by Leela's love for this man

(Oh you make me wanna)
Leela seems to be expressing a longing or desire for the man through this vocalization

Love love love
This repetition of the word 'love' emphasizes how central the concept is to this song and to Leela's emotions

(Y'all hear me when I sing it to you love somebody, love somebody, love somebody)
Leela is encouraging her listeners to feel the same passion and intensity of emotion that she is expressing in this song