To Be a Lover
Billy Idol
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Have I told you Lately that I love you If I didn't, darlin' You see, I'm so sorry Didn't I reach out And hold you In these lovin' arms Well, if I didn't, oh baby Well, I'm so sorry When I realized that you need love too Gonna spend my life makin' love to you Got to be a lover Have mercy Forgot to be a lover, babe (have mercy) Forgot to be a lover (have mercy) Forgot to be a lover Make it on through to you somehow (have mercy, baby) Got to be a lover, babe (forgot to be a lover) Woo! Woo! Well, did I ask you Yes would you come and share Oh, share Oh, the burden and the task That's at love's command Didn't I say All those lovin' special things That you long to hear To show how much I care When I realized that you need love too Gonna spend my life makin' love to you Got to be a lover Have mercy Well, well, I worked all day Hard as I can, Worked all night, didn't make me a man (Forgot to be a lover) Have mercy, Oo, When I realized That you need love too Gonna spend my life Makin' love to you (forgot to be a lover) Got to be a lover, babe Oh, mercy (have mercy) Have mercy, baby (have mercy, baby) I'm gonna make it on through To you somehow So have mercy (Have mercy, have mercy, baby) Have I told you Yes, lately that I love you If I didn't, oh baby Yes, I'm so sorry Ah, but you know I really love you, baby. (Love you baby) I really love you baby (Love you baby) I really need you baby (Need you baby) I really want you baby (Want you baby) When I realized That you need love too I'm gonna spend my life Makin' love Makin' love Makin' love to you Well, I worked all day As hard as I can Worked all night It didn't make me a man, babe (Forgot to be a lover) (Have mercy) Oh, have mercy baby (Have mercy) Have mercy baby (Have mercy) Oh, have mercy baby (Have mercy baby) Oh, make it on through Well, when I realized that you need love too I'm gonna spend my life Gotta spend my life makin' love to you (got, got to be a lover, have mercy, forgot to be a lover)
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Written by: BOOKER T. JR. JONES, WILLIAM BELL, BOOKER T. JONES JR.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Background"To Be a Lover" is popularly known as one of Billy Idol's signature songs.
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ReleaseBilly Idol released "To Be a Lover" in 1986 as the lead single from his second studio album, "Whiplash Smile."
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InfluenceThis song is a cover of the soul track "To Be a Lover," originally performed by William Bell in 1968.
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Chart SuccessThe song was Billy Idol's second top-ten hit in the U.S., peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November 1986.
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Music VideoThe music video for "To Be a Lover," directed by David Mallet, showcases Idol's rock-and-roll image and charisma.
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Critical AcclaimCritics have acknowledged the song for its departure from Idol's earlier punk-inspired style. Instead, it showcased his versatility with a more soulful sound.
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SongwritingEven though the original song was written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell, Idol, along with his guitarist Steve Stevens, modified the lyrics and the music to suit Idol's punk-oriented style.
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Live Performances"To Be a Lover" stood out as a fixture in Idol's live performances due to its catchy rhythm and high-energy delivery.
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Continuing LegacyDecades after its release, the song remains a classic and is frequently played on classic rock stations.
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Award RecognitionThe success of this song contributed to "Whiplash Smile" being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1987.
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Rock n Roll StyleBilly Idol's snarling vocal delivery in "To Be a Lover" has been noted as one of his definitive rock 'n' roll trademarks.
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Cultural ImpactIn addition to its success on the charts, "To Be a Lover" also played a significant role in shaping Idol's brash, rebellious brand that continues to define him within the music industry.
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Citation
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"To Be a Lover Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14429027/Billy+Idol/To+Be+a+Lover>.
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