“What You Won’t Do for Love” is a soulful R&B song by American singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell. Released in September 1978 as the lead single from his self-titled debut album, the song was co-written by Caldwell and Alfons Kettner and produced by Ann Holloway. It became Caldwell’s most successful single, reaching number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the Hot Selling Soul Singles chart.
The song narrates a tale of relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication to love, encapsulating the lengths one might go to for a romantic connection.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“What You Won’t Do for Love” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
I guess you wonder where I’ve been
I searched to find a love within
In this opening verse, the narrator reflects on a personal journey to find love. It suggests introspection and a quest for emotional fulfillment, showing that the narrator has been away or distant while seeking this inner love.
[Refrain]
I came back to let you know
Got a thing for you and I can’t let go
The refrain reveals the narrator’s realization and return, driven by an undeniable attachment to the person they love. It underscores a deep emotional connection and an inability to move on from these feelings.
[Verse 2]
My friends wonder what is wrong with me
Well, I’m in a daze from your love, you see
Here, the narrator describes how love has affected them so profoundly that it is noticeable to others. This verse highlights the consuming nature of love, which can leave one feeling dazed and preoccupied.
[Pre-Chorus]
Some people go around the world for love
But they may never find what they dream of
The pre-chorus reflects on the universal quest for love, suggesting that while some people search far and wide, not everyone finds the love they desire. It introduces a bittersweet element to the narrative, acknowledging the elusive nature of true love.
[Chorus]
What you won’t do, do for love
You’ve tried everything, but you don’t give up
In my world, only you
Make me do for love what I would not do
The chorus is the heart of the song, emphasizing the extraordinary efforts one is willing to make for love. It speaks to the resilience and determination inspired by romantic feelings, illustrating how love can drive a person to go beyond their usual limits.
[Verse 3]
My friends wonder what is wrong with me
Well, I’m in a daze from your love, you see
This verse reiterates the narrator’s state of being overwhelmed by love, reinforcing the theme of love’s powerful and sometimes disorienting impact on one’s life.
Deeper Meaning Behind “What You Won’t Do for Love”
Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love” is a soulful exploration of the transformative power of love and the extraordinary lengths one might go to for a romantic connection.
In the song, Caldwell sings about the intense emotions and the lengths he is willing to go to for the person he loves, even if it means stepping outside his comfort zone or doing things he wouldn’t normally consider. This is evident in the chorus, where he repeatedly emphasizes, “What you won’t do, do for love” and “Make me do for love what I would not do”.
The song’s title “What You Won’t Do for Love” suggests that love can compel people to act in ways they never thought possible, pushing their boundaries and altering their usual behavior. This idea is reflected in the lyrics where Caldwell describes being in a daze from love and how it affects his actions and decisions.
Throughout the song, Caldwell narrates his journey of searching for love and the persistence required to attain it, singing, “What you won’t do, do for love/ You’ve tried everything, but you don’t give up.”
In the end, the song speaks to the resilience and determination inspired by romantic feelings, illustrating how love can drive a person to go beyond their usual limits.
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