About the song
Bill Withers, a name synonymous with soulful ballads and heartfelt lyrics, surprised many with his 1972 track “Use Me.” This seemingly straightforward song, often overlooked amidst his more iconic works, reveals a playful and provocative side of the artist.
At its core, “Use Me” is a tongue-in-cheek response to the feedback Withers received from women—that he was “too nice.” This observation, while perhaps surprising for someone known for his gentle demeanor, sparked a creative fire within him. Instead of retreating into self-doubt, Withers decided to turn the tables, embracing a more assertive and even flirtatious persona.
The song’s infectious groove, driven by a repetitive bassline and intricate percussion, sets the stage for Withers’ playful exploration of newfound confidence. He sings with a hint of swagger, daring listeners to underestimate him. The lyrics, filled with innuendos and double entendres, suggest a man who is no longer content to be a passive observer.
While “Use Me” may seem like a departure from Withers’ usual themes, it’s actually a testament to his versatility as an artist. He proves that even the most soulful singer can have a sense of humor and a penchant for playful provocation. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, reminding us that sometimes, the most unexpected songs can leave the biggest impression.
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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