The Meaning Behind The Song: Who Is He (And What Is He To You) by Bill Withers
Have you ever listened to a song and wondered about the deeper meaning behind it? “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” by Bill Withers is a soulful classic that has left fans guessing about its meaning for decades. In this article, we will explore the possible interpretations and analyze the lyrics that have made this song a timeless hit.
The Background of the Song
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” was included in Bill Withers’ 1972 album “Still Bill.” The song was written by Withers himself, and it quickly became a hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song’s slow soulful rhythm and Withers’ soulful voice contributed to its popularity.
The song’s popularity continued to grow, and it was later covered by numerous artists, including Meshell Ndegeocello and Gladys Knight.
The Lyrics of the Song
The lyrics of “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” are straightforward, but they evoke a considerable amount of emotions. The song tells the story of a woman who is in a relationship with a man that may be cheating on her. Throughout the song, Withers asks the woman questions like “Who is he, and what is he to you?” and “Is he someone you’ve been seeing on the side?”. The lyrics suggest that the woman is hiding something from Withers.
The Interpretations of the Song
The song’s straightforward lyrics have left fans guessing about its meaning. Here are some possible interpretations:
1. The song is about infidelity: One of the most popular interpretations of the song is that it’s about a woman who’s cheating on her partner. The lyrics suggest that the woman may be seeing someone else on the side, and she’s trying to keep it a secret.
2. The song is about suspicion: Another interpretation of the song is that it’s about Withers’ suspicion that the woman he’s singing about may be hiding something from him. The song’s lyrics suggest that Withers is not accusing the woman of cheating but is asking her questions to find out what’s going on.
3. The song is about self-reflection: One could interpret the song as a tale of self-reflection. The woman in question may be reflecting on her choices, evaluating whether she is happy in her current situation, and what she wants her life to look like moving forward.
FAQs
What inspired Bill Withers to write “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)”?
While the exact inspiration for the song is unclear, what is known is that most of Withers’ music reflects his experiences and observations of life. Bill was well-known for writing songs that represented the issues that he saw in society and in the lives of everyday people. The song “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” may have been inspired by Withers’ own experiences or by things he had witnessed.
What message was Withers trying to convey in the song?
The message of the song is somewhat ambiguous, but it may have been meant as a reminder that we should question the things and people that matter in our lives. The song may also be a warning to people who are engaging in dishonest behavior.
What is the significance of the song’s title?
The title of the song, “Who Is He (And What Is He To You),” is deliberately vague. The title leaves room for interpretation and speculation, encouraging listeners to create their theories about the song’s meaning.
Why do you think the song has remained popular over the years?
The song’s popularity is probably due to its timeless themes, soulful melody, and beautiful lyrics. The song’s ambiguous meaning has also played a part in its popularity, allowing listeners to create their interpretation of the song.
What has the critical reception towards the song been?
The song has received critical acclaim over the years, with many critics hailing it as one of Withers’ best compositions. The song is often included on lists of the greatest R&B songs of all time.
What is the song’s legacy?
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” has left an indelible mark on the music industry. The song has been covered by several artists, and its influence can be seen in contemporary R&B and soul music.
What other songs are similar to “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)”?
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” has inspired several songs that deal with similar themes. Some of these include “The Other Woman” by Nina Simone and “Creep” by TLC.
Did Bill Withers write any other songs that are similar to “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)”?
Withers’ catalog is full of songs that deal with similar themes, including “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Use Me.” Withers was known for writing music that tackled social issues and everyday life, and many of his songs are timeless classics.
What is Withers’ legacy?
Bill Withers is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time. Withers’ music has influenced generations of artists and continues to inspire musicians today. Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
What was the impact of “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” on the R&B and Soul music genres?
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” played a significant role in shaping contemporary R&B and soul music. The song’s soulful melody and Withers’ unique vocal style inspired many artists that followed in his footsteps.
What is Withers’ personal opinion on the song?
Withers has not offered any personal opinion regarding the song. However, in an interview, he stated that he wrote songs that were inspired by the experiences of everyday people.
What was the most memorable cover of “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)”?
There have been several memorable covers of “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” over the years. One of the most memorable covers is Gladys Knight’s version, which was released in 1974.
How has the song been used in popular culture?
The song has been used in several movies, TV shows, and commercials. Some notable examples include the movies “Jackie Brown” and “American Beauty,” as well as the TV series “Scandal” and “Breaking Bad.”
Conclusion
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” is one of Bill Withers’ most enduring songs, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and betrayal have resonated with listeners for almost five decades, and its soulful melody and beautiful lyrics make it a true masterpiece of R&B and soul music.
