The Meaning Behind The Song: Just To Be Loved by Al Jarreau
Title: Just To Be Loved
Artist: Al Jarreau
Writer/Composer: Al Jarreau, Greg Mathieson & Bill Champlin
Album: Tomorrow Today (1999)
Release Date: 1999
Genre: R&B
Producer: Paul Brown
Al Jarreau’s iconic song, “Just To Be Loved,” holds a special place in the hearts of many listeners. With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song resonates with emotions of loneliness, love, and transformation. Released in 1999 as part of Jarreau’s album “Tomorrow Today,” the song showcases his incredible vocal range and ability to capture the essence of human emotions.
The lyrics of “Just To Be Loved” tell a story of personal growth and the transformation that comes with finding love. Jarreau sings, “I was down to the bone, I was lonely only yesterday. Didn’t know I was throwing my chances away. Then you came along, just long enough to see, far beyond the fool that I have come to be.” These lines portray a sense of emptiness and despair that many can relate to at some point in their lives.
Throughout the song, Jarreau expresses gratitude for the love that has entered his life, reflecting on the positive impact it has had on him. The chorus resonates with feelings of fulfillment, as he sings, “Just to be loved by you, it’s like having all my sweetest dreams coming true. You showed me something I’ve never seen, you made me something I have never been before.” These lines showcase the transformative power of love and how it can change a person’s perspective and outlook on life.
As the verses unfold, Jarreau reflects on his previous reluctance to open up and share his feelings. He admits, “I was always the one who would never give anything away. If all your feeling is cool, there’s not much to say.” These lines shed light on the fear and hesitancy that can hold people back from experiencing love fully. However, with the arrival of love, Jarreau realizes the importance of vulnerability and caring for another person.
The bridge of the song emphasizes the significance of cherishing love and recognizing its lasting impact. Jarreau sings, “Cherish love when you use it, it’s never gone they say. When you have it, it’s only love, only love.” These lines remind us to value and appreciate the love we receive, as it holds the power to transform our lives and bring us a sense of fulfillment.
Personally, “Just To Be Loved” has been an anthem of self-discovery and reflection. The raw emotion and vulnerability in Al Jarreau’s voice resonated with me deeply, as I navigated my own journey of personal growth and finding love. The song allowed me to reflect on my past experiences, both positive and negative, and appreciate the transformative power of love.
Listening to this song became an act of catharsis for me. It served as a reminder to open my heart and let love in, even in moments of fear or doubt. The lyrics, “You showed me something I’ve never seen, you made me something I have never been before,” became a mantra that reminded me of the beauty and growth that can come from allowing oneself to be loved.
Al Jarreau’s “Just To Be Loved” is a testament to the power of love and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. It encourages us to embrace vulnerability and reflect on the importance of cherishing the love we receive. Through its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song continues to resonate with listeners and serve as a reminder of the beauty and strength found in love.
