That's The Way I Feel About 'Cha
by Bobby Womack
Summary
Bobby Womack’s “That’s The Way I Feel About 'Cha” dives into the complexity of love, mixing vulnerability with a plea for understanding. He talks about the fears that come with love and the strength it takes to open up.
Full Analysis
The song captures the struggle of wanting love while being scared of it. Womack speaks to a woman who seems hesitant due to past hurts. He emphasizes that love shouldn’t be seen as weakness but as a genuine emotion worth embracing. The lyrics reflect the idea that everyone has been through tough times, but that doesn’t mean they should shut themselves off from real connections.
Verse 1
Huh, you know, life is funny when you look at it
Everybody wants love
But everybody's afraid of love
You know, I'm a true believer that
This verse sets the stage for the song’s main idea. Womack starts with an observation about life, pointing out the irony that while everyone desires love, many fear it. He identifies himself as a believer in love, showing he’s optimistic despite the challenges it brings. This creates a relatable atmosphere, making listeners think about their own experiences with love.
Chorus
That's the way I feel about 'cha
(That's the way I feel about 'cha) and if that's being weak, for you, darling, yeah
I don't mind, I don't mind
In the chorus, Womack directly expresses his feelings. He’s clear about his emotions and doesn’t care if they seem weak. By repeating “that’s the way I feel about 'cha,” he emphasizes his strong attachment. It’s a confident declaration, suggesting that true feelings can be vulnerable yet powerful.
Verse 2
And your friend, Annie Mae
Tell you all she see
Have you ever thought she was trying to get close to me? Yeah
Think it over
Here, Womack brings in a sense of suspicion. He mentions a friend who might be giving advice but questions her motives. It shifts the focus slightly, hinting at jealousy or concern about outside influences on their relationship. This adds a layer of complexity, showing how external opinions can cloud personal feelings.
Chorus
That's the way I feel about 'cha
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
That's the way I feel about 'cha
The chorus repeats again, reinforcing his feelings. It’s almost like a mantra for him. He keeps driving home the point that his emotions are strong and real, regardless of what anyone else thinks. The simplicity of the lines captures the essence of love's clarity amidst confusion.
Verse 3
I know you been hurt
And so has many others too
But that's a sacrifice
That life puts you through
Womack acknowledges the woman's pain, showing empathy. He understands that hurt is part of life, and he’s not dismissing her feelings. Instead, he’s suggesting that everyone has struggles. This connection makes his feelings more profound, as he’s not just focused on his own emotions but also on hers.
Chorus
Trust in me, my dear
Have no fear
You don't know but
God might have sent me here
In this chorus, Womack urges her to trust him. He reassures her that there’s a purpose to their connection, suggesting a sense of destiny. It’s a comforting message, aiming to ease her worries and encourage her to open up. It feels like he’s trying to be a safe harbor in her storm of past experiences.
Bridge
Listen
Don't take my love
As a sign of weakness
Check into the situation, girl
Dig a little bit deeper
The bridge is a call to action. Womack wants her to reconsider her view of love. He insists that showing love isn’t weak; it’s brave. By asking her to dig deeper, he’s encouraging her to explore their relationship and not just accept surface-level assumptions. It’s a push for deeper understanding.
Outro
That's the way I feel about 'cha
I wanna testify this here
So if I'm weak for you, and I don't light up
Well, don't you lead me back
In the outro, Womack reaffirms his feelings again. He wants to testify to his love, making it clear that he’s serious. The mention of weakness tied to love adds a bittersweet note, suggesting that love can make you feel vulnerable but that’s part of its beauty. He’s asking her to be careful with his heart, which feels honest and raw.
Closing Thoughts
“That’s The Way I Feel About 'Cha” is a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities. Womack’s smooth delivery and relatable lyrics make it feel personal. He balances vulnerability with strength, reminding us that while love can be scary, it’s also worth pursuing. It’s a timeless message about the need for connection, trust, and understanding.
Full Lyrics
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Everybody wants love
But everybody's afraid of love
You know, I'm a true believer that
If you get anything out of life
You've got to put it with the toils and strife
Now listen, hoo
You're pushing my love
A little bit too far
I don't think you know
I don't think you know how blessed you are
And your friend, Annie Mae
Tell you all she see
Have you ever thought she was trying to get close to me? Yeah
Think it over
Think it over, girl
Think it over
Look
That's the way I feel about 'cha
(That's the way I feel about 'cha) and if that's being weak, for you, darling, yeah
I don't mind, I don't mind
I don't mind, I don't mind
That's the way I feel about 'cha
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
That's the way I feel about 'cha
I know you been hurt
And so has many others too
But that's a sacrifice
That life puts you through
Puts you through, puts you through
Trust in me, my dear
Have no fear
You don't know but
God might have sent me here
Yeah (sent me here)
Think it over
Think it over (think)
You better think it over
Hmm, oh, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
'Cause that's the way I feel about 'cha
That's the way I feel about 'cha
Let me say, yeah, yeah
That's the way I feel about 'cha
Whoa, oh, oh, oh
That's the way I feel about 'cha
I knew, I knew
You know, you know
You know, you know
(That's the way I feel about 'cha) well
That's the way I feel about ya (that's the way I feel about 'cha)
Please, please
Please answer love
If it ever comes knocking at your door (well, I don't care)
'Cause what's out there knocking, baby? (darlin')
The world don't give enough of, don't give enough of
I know you've been hurt
And so has others too
But all you got to do is ask about the changes
That life has put them through
Lord, have mercy
This is just the way it is
Listen
Don't take my love
As a sign of weakness
Check into the situation, girl
Dig a little bit deeper
'Cause that's the way I feel about 'cha
Oh, that's the way
That's the way I feel about 'cha (wahhh)
That's the way I feel about 'cha (hold on)
(That's the way, that's the way) that's the way, that's the way, that's the way I feel about 'cha
That's the way I feel about 'cha
I wanna testify this here (that's the way I feel about 'cha)
So if I'm weak for you, and I don't light up (that's the way I feel about 'cha)
Well, don't you lead me back (that's the way I feel about 'cha)
Let me say it, say it, say it
Say it, say it, say it (well)
That's the way I feel about 'cha