About the song
“If You Think You’re Lonely Now” is a soulful ballad that was first released in 1981 by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bobby Womack. This heartfelt song is part of his album “The Poet,” which showcases Womack’s unique talent for creating emotional and relatable music. Initially, “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” was released as the B-side to his song “Secrets,” but it quickly gained popularity and became the more successful track.
The song’s success is particularly noteworthy, as it was released during a time when R&B music was experiencing a decline in popularity. Despite this, “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” managed to reach the number three spot on the Hot Soul Singles chart for four consecutive weeks. This achievement is a testament to Womack’s enduring talent and the timeless appeal of his music.
In “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” Womack’s soulful voice conveys a sense of longing and vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners. The song’s lyrics speak to the universal human experience of feeling alone and misunderstood, making it a relatable and powerful ballad that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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Lyrics
I wanna dedicate this song to all the lovers tonight
And I expect that might be the whole world
Because everybody needs something or someone to love
When it’s cold outside who are you holding?
You know
If y’all don’t mind I’d like to talk about this woman of mine
She’s always complainin’ ’bout me never bein’ at home
But when I’m there I’m broke
She’s tellin’ me about the things that her girlfriend’s got
What she ain’t got
And she wants me to go out and get ’em for her
But girl, I can’t be in two places at one time
If you think you’re lonely now, huh
Wait until tonight, girl (if you think you’re lonely now)
I’ll be long gone (wait until tonight, girl)
And you’ll never find another man who treat you right (if you think you’re lonely now)
When I ain’t there to rub your back (wait until tonight, girl)
Just remember I made it a known fact
And the skeletons come out of the closet
And chase you all around your room
And the memories sail ’round like a ghost
And dance around to a sad slow tune
If you think you’re lonely now (if you think you’re lonely now)
Oh, wait until tonight, girl (wait until tonight, girl)
I’ll be long gone (if you think you’re lonely now)
And you’ll never find another man who can treat you like me
You think you’re lonely now (wait until tonight, girl)
Wait, wait, wait until tonight, girl
Oh, ain’t it funny how the tables turn
When things aren’t goin’ your way?
But when love walks out and the pain walks in
And settles for a stay, ooh
Lord, help me, I feel like I wanna testify (wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
Girl, wait until tonight (wait until tonight girl)
If you think you’re lonely, lonely, lonely now (if you think you’re lonely now)
Oh, you just wait until tonight, girl (wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
(Wait until tonight, girl)
You see the night’s the time when the needs come out
When your needs come out to breathe
And the jonesing starts and there ain’t no way you can sleep, ooh
If you’re lonely now
(Wait until tonight, girl)
I feel like I wanna testify this evenin’
I’m lonely, ’cause I know I gotta leave you, oh, girl
I just can’t take no more (wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
(Wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
If you think you got problems now, baby, you just wait
Wait (wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
Too far gone
Like you’re runnin’ out (wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
Ooh, hoo, ooh, hoo, babe
(Wait until tonight, girl)
You say you’re a little lonely
But everybody needs somebody to love
(Wait until tonight, girl)
It’s good that you know that you got somebody that’ll stand by your side (if you think you’re lonely now)
That’ll build you up when you’re fallin’ down (wait until tonight, girl)
And you had that someone, baby (if you think you’re lonely now)
‘Cause I’ve done my time (wait until tonight, girl)
And it’s your turn now
If you think you’re lonely now (if you think you’re lonely now)
Wait, wait until tonight (wait until tonight, girl)
(If you think you’re lonely now)
I’m tired, tired of this same old stuck in the hour (wait until tonight, girl)
It’s been too long (if you think you’re lonely now)
You think, you could start all over again, it’s been too long
(Wait until tonight, girl)
You think you could start it just one more time
(If you think you’re lonely now)