About the song
Bill Withers, a name synonymous with soulful ballads and heartfelt lyrics, crafted a masterpiece in 1972 that continues to resonate with audiences today. His song, “Use Me”, is a timeless anthem that explores themes of selflessness, love, and the desire to be of service to others.
Withers’ distinctive voice, characterized by its warmth and sincerity, perfectly complements the song’s emotional depth. The opening lines, “If you need me, I’ll be there for you / If you need me, I’ll be true,” immediately set the tone for a heartfelt declaration of devotion. The singer’s willingness to give of himself unconditionally is a testament to his genuine love and compassion.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Withers’ vocals to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar provides a soothing backdrop, while the subtle percussion adds a touch of rhythm. The absence of elaborate instrumentation further emphasizes the intimate nature of the lyrics.
“Use Me” is more than just a love song; it’s a reflection on the human desire to be needed and valued. Withers’ lyrics convey a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from serving others. The line, “I’ll be a friend, a lover, a teacher,” highlights the singer’s willingness to adapt to different roles to meet the needs of those he cares about.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes and Withers’ heartfelt delivery. It’s a reminder that true love is about giving, not receiving. “Use Me” continues to inspire listeners of all ages with its message of selflessness and the power of human connection.
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Lyrics
My friends
Feel it’s their appointed duty
They keep tryin’ to tell me
All you want to do is use me
Ah-huh, but my answer (Ah-huh)
Yeah to all that use me stuff
I, I, I, I
Yes, I wanna spread the news
That if it feels this good gettin’ used
Oh, you just keep on usin’ me
Until you use me up
Until you use me up
My brother
Sit me right down and he talked to me
He told me
That I ought not to let you just walk on me
And I’m sure he meant well
Yeah, but when our talk was through
I, I, I said brother if you only knew
You’d wish that you were in my shoes
You just keep on usin’ me
Until you use me up
Until you use me up
Ah-huh, sometimes
It’s true you really do abuse me
Ah, you get me crowd of high class people
And then you act real rude to me
Ah-huh, but oh, baby, baby, baby, baby
When you love me I can’t get enough
Ah-huh and I wanna spread the news
That it feels this good gettin’ used
Oh, you just keep on usin’ me
Until you use me up
Ah, until you use me up
Talkin’ ’bout you usin’ people
It all depends on what you do
It ain’t too bad the way you’re usin’ me
‘Cause I sure am usin’ you to do the things that you do
Ah-huh, to do the things that you do