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To Be a LoverBilly Idol

Released: September 22, 1986

Songwriter: Booker T. Jones William Bell

Producer: Keith Forsey

[Verse 1]
Have I told you
Lately that I love you?
If I didn't, darlin'
You see, I'm so sorry
Didn't I reach out
And hold you
In lovin' arms?
Well, if I didn't, oh baby
Well, I'm so sorry

[Chorus]
When I realized that you need love too
Gonna spend my life makin' love to you
Got to be a lover
Have mercy
Forgot to be a lover, babe (Have mercy)
Forgot to be a lover (Have mercy)
Forgot to be a lover
Make it on through to you somehow (Have mercy, baby)
Got to be a lover, babe (Forgot to be a lover)
Woo! Yeah! Woo!

[Verse 2]
Well, did I ask you
Yes, would you come and share
Oh, share
Oh, the burden and the task
That's at love's command?
Didn't I say
All those lovin' special things
That you long to hear?
To show how much I care

[Chorus]
Well, when I realize
That you need love too
I'm gonna spend my life
Makin' love to you
Forgot to be a lover
Have mercy
Well, well I worked all day
As hard as I can
Worked all night, didn't make me a man
(Forgot to be a lover)
Have mercy, ooh
When I realized
That you need love too
Gonna spend my life
Makin' love to you (Forgot to be a lover)
Got to be a lover, babe
Oo, have mercy (Have mercy)
Have mercy, baby (Have mercy, baby)
I'm gonna make it on through
To you somehow
So have mercy (Have mercy, have mercy, baby)

[Verse 3]
Have I told you
Yes, lately that I love you?
If I didn't, oh baby
Yes, I'm so sorry
Ah, but you know I really love you, baby (Love you, baby)
I really love you, baby (Love you, baby)
I really need you, baby (Need you, baby)
I really want you, baby (Want you, baby)

[Chorus]
When I realized
That you need love too
I'm gonna spend my life
Makin' love
Makin' love
Makin' love to you
Well, I worked all day
As hard as I can
Worked all night
It didn't make me a man, babe
(Forgot to be a lover) (Have mercy)
Oo, have mercy, baby (Have mercy)
Have mercy, baby (Have mercy)
Oo, have mercy, baby (Have mercy baby)
Oo, make it on through
Well, when I realized that you need love too
I'm gonna spend my life
Gotta spend my life makin' love to you
Have mercy, baby
Have mercy, baby
I'm gonna love you....

Billy Idol

Billy Idol is an English rock musician, songwriter and actor. Born in Stanmore, Middlesex, Idol first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X. Unlike other British punk rock artists of his era, Idol was inspired by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Idol then embarked on a successful solo career, and was a member of the MTV-driven “Second British Invasion” of the United States. A series of music videos for songs such as “Dancing With Myself”, “White Wedding”, “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face” made him one of the first MTV stars. Idol continues to tour with guitarist Steve Stevens.

Idol’s 1987 release, “Mony Mony” reached #1 on the US top 40 charts; his songs to chart in the top 10 include: White Wedding, Eyes Without a Face, To Be a Lover and Cradle of Love.

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