About the song
“I’d Love You To Want Me”, a song that evokes a certain nostalgia, a yearning for connection, wrapped in a warm melody. Released in 1972, it became the signature tune for the American singer-songwriter Lobo. But “I’d Love You To Want Me” is more than just a hit single; it’s a cultural touchstone, a song that has transcended generations and continues to resonate with listeners today.
Born Roland Kent LaVoie, Lobo’s artistic journey began in the folk scene of the 1960s. By the early 70s, he had transitioned to a more pop-oriented sound, and it’s within this context that “I’d Love You To Want Me” emerged. The song was the lead single from his album Of a Simple Man, and it propelled Lobo to superstardom.
The beauty of “I’d Love You To Want Me” lies in its simplicity. The instrumentation is clean and uncluttered, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar strumming alongside a warm piano melody. A touch of strings adds a touch of elegance, while the steady drumbeat keeps the song grounded. But the true star of the show is Lobo’s voice. Warm and inviting, it conveys a vulnerability and sincerity that perfectly captures the emotional core of the lyrics.
Those lyrics themselves are a masterpiece in emotional honesty. “I’d Love You To Want Me” isn’t a grand declaration of love; it’s a hesitant plea, a whispered desire for reciprocation. The lines “I don’t need the world to love me / All I need is for you to see / How I feel about you baby” perfectly encapsulate the vulnerability of unrequited affection. There’s a hint of self-doubt, a question of whether the feelings are mutual. Yet, there’s also a quiet strength, a determination to lay one’s heart bare.
The song’s success wasn’t limited to the United States. “I’d Love You To Want Me” topped the charts in several European countries, solidifying Lobo’s status as an international star. Interestingly, the song also transcended genre. While it has a pop sensibility, the underlying folk roots resonated with a wider audience. “I’d Love You To Want Me” found a home on both Top 40 radio and adult contemporary stations, a testament to its universal appeal.
“I’d Love You To Want Me” is more than just a song from the 1970s. It’s a timeless classic, a testament to the power of vulnerability and the enduring hope for connection. It’s a song that reminds us that even the simplest expressions of love can have a profound impact. So, the next time you hear those opening chords, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of Lobo and the enduring power of this iconic song.
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Lyrics
“I’d Love You To Want Me”
I bout fell out my chair
And when you moved your mouth to speak
I felt the blood go to my feet.
Now it took time for me to know
what you tried so not to show
Now something in my soul just cries
I see the want in your blue eyes.
Baby, I’d love you to want me
The way that I want you
The way that it should be
Baby, you’d love me to want you
The way that I want to
If you’d only let it be.
You told yourself years ago
You’d never let your feeling show
The obligation that you made
For the title that they gave.