About the song
“Use Me,” a timeless classic by Bill Withers, encapsulates a blend of soulful groove and poignant lyricism that defined the early 1970s music scene. Released in 1972 as part of his album “Still Bill,” the song quickly ascended the charts, becoming Withers’ second-biggest hit in the United States, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing a prominent place on the soul chart as well.
At its core, “Use Me” is distinguished by its infectious bassline and intricate percussion, setting a dynamic backdrop for Withers’ smooth vocals and candid storytelling. The song’s narrative delves into Withers’ personal reflections on relationships, sparked by feedback from women who found him “too nice.” His response was to playfully adopt a more assertive persona, challenging conventional expectations with a mix of playfulness and swagger.
Reflecting on the song’s creation, Withers recounted its genesis during his time working in a noisy factory, where the surroundings and interactions with colleagues inspired the track’s rebellious spirit. This authenticity resonated widely, earning “Use Me” critical acclaim and solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone of the era.
Beyond its initial success, “Use Me” has endured as a testament to Withers’ artistry, garnering covers by a diverse array of artists spanning genres from Fiona Apple to UGK, showcasing its enduring relevance and musical adaptability. Each rendition pays homage to the original’s magnetic charm and emotional depth, reaffirming its place in the pantheon of influential songs that transcend generations.
Critically acclaimed for its candid exploration of desire and dynamics in relationships, “Use Me” remains a cornerstone of Withers’ legacy, praised by music historians like Robert Christgau for its nuanced portrayal of cross-class attraction and its rare insight into the complexities of human connection.
In conclusion, “Use Me” not only stands as a testament to Bill Withers’ musical prowess but also continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, its infectious rhythm and candid lyrics ensuring its place as a perennial favorite in the annals of soul and popular music.
Video
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