If You Really Love Me

Stevie Wonder

About If You Really Love Me

"If You Really Love Me" is a song written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright. Wonder recorded the song and released his version as a single from his 1971 album Where I'm Coming From. The single peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 (number 8), Billboard′s R&B chart (number 4), and Billboard′s Easy Listening chart (number 10). The song was one of the last to feature Motown's background band The Funk Brothers. After its release, Wonder left the Hitsville USA studios to record in New York City, playing most of the instruments himself. Wonder played Moog bass synthesizer, drums, and piano on "If You Really Love Me", while Wright is featured in the background singing. 


Year:
1977
2:53
27 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
Then I won't have to be
Playing around

You call my name
Ooh so sweet
To make your kiss incomplete
When your mood is clear
You quickly change your ways
Then you say I'm untrue
What am I supposed to do
Be a fool who sits alone waiting for you

And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me (yeah)
Then I won't have to be
Playing around

I see the light of your smile
Calling me all the while
You are saying baby
It's time to go
First the feeling's alright
Then it's gone from sight
So I'm taking out this time to say

And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me
And if you really love me won't you tell me, baby tell me
Then I won't have to be
Playing around
Playing around 

Hey yeah
Goofing around no
Oh baby
Playing around no
Let me know how you feel baby
Hey oh baby
Playing around no

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris (born May 13, 1950 as Stevland Hardaway Judkins), known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of eleven, and continues to perform and record for Motown to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist History
Stevie Wonder has been a prodigious talent since a young age, signing his first record deal at 11 years old. He's been a hit producer and singer for over 50 years.
Song Release
"If You Really Love Me" was released in 1971 as part of Stevie Wonder's album, "Where I'm Coming From."
Album Background
"Where I'm Coming From" was the last album Stevie Wonder made before he turned 21 and renegotiated his contract with Motown to give himself full creative control over his music. This album was the first hint of the direction he wanted to go in.
Chart Performance
"If You Really Love Me" performed well on the charts, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B chart. It was his ninth number one on the R&B chart.
Song Composition
The song was co-written by Stevie Wonder and his then-wife, Syreeta Wright. Wright also provided backing vocals on the track.
Musical Style
"If You Really Love Me" is known for its jazz-inflected melody and complex harmonies, indicative of the more sophisticated style Wonder would become known for over the 1970s.
Song Theme
The song is about the doubts and insecurities that can be present in a romantic relationship, echoing the marital problems that Wonder and Wright were going through at the time.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "If You Really Love Me" throughout the years, in a testament to its timeless appeal. Versions by brass-rock band Lighthouse and smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz both charted in their respective genres.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised the song for its mature songwriting and production, unusual structure, and emotive performance by Wonder.
Song Legacy
"If You Really Love Me" is often cited as a turning point in Wonder's career, with the singer stepping out of the Motown 'hit factory' model and starting to assert his own artistic vision.

Discuss the If You Really Love Me Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "If You Really Love Me Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14400483/Stevie+Wonder/If+You+Really+Love+Me>.

    Missing lyrics by Stevie Wonder?

    Know any other songs by Stevie Wonder? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    If You Really Love Me

    1.4M
    9,410     347

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #8


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which member of the pop boy band One Direction left the group?
    A Liam
    B Niall
    C Zayn
    D Harry

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Stevie Wonder tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!