Released: July 10, 1969

Songwriter: Ronald Miller Orlando Murden

Producer: Smokey Robinson

[Intro]
(Goodbye, old friend)
Goodbye, love
(This is the end of the man I used to be)
Mmm
(This is a change in me)

[Verse 1]
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long
Hey, for once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me
And somehow, I know I'll be strong
For once, I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Ooh, that someone warm like you
Would make my dreams come true

[Verse 2]
For once in my life, I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it's hurt me before (Not like it's hurt before)
For once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore
For once, I can say this is mine, you can't take it
Long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

[Bridge]
(For once in my life, ooh) Mmm
For once in my life, ooh
(For once in my life, ooh)
(For once in my life) Ooh

[Verse 2]
For once in my life, I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before (Not like it's hurt before)
Ooh, for once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore
Ooh, for once, I can say this is mine, you can't take it
Long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

[Outro]
(For once in my life, ooh) Mmm, needs me
(For once in my life, ooh) Oh, for once in my life
(For once in my life, ooh) Someone who needs me
(For once in my life, ooh) Mmm, ooh
(For once in my life, ooh) Someone who needs