Give me one reason to stay here
And I'll turn right back around
Give me one reason to stay here
And I'll turn right back around
Said I don't want to leave you lonely
You got to make me change my mind

Baby, I got your number
Oh, and I know that you got mine
But you know that I called you
I called too many times
You can call me baby, you can call me anytime
But you got to call me

Give me one reason to stay here
And I'll turn right back around
(You can see me turning)
Give me one reason to stay here
And I'll turn right back around
(You can see me turning)
Said I don't want to leave you lonely
You got to make me change my mind

I don't want no one to squeeze me
They might take away my life
I don't want no one to squeeze me
They might take away my life
I just want someone to hold me
Oh, and rock me through the night

This youthful heart can love you
Yes, and give you what you need
I said, this youthful heart can love you
Oh, and give you what you need
But I'm too old to go chasing you around
Wasting my precious energy

Give me one reason to stay here
Yes, and I'll turn right back around
(You can see me turning)
Give me one reason to stay here
Oh, and I'll turn right back around
(You can see me turning)
Said I don't want to leave you lonely
You got to make me change my mind

Baby, just give me one reason
Oh, give me just one reason why
Baby, just give me one reason
Oh, give me just one reason why I should stay
Said, I told you that I loved you
And there ain't no more to say


Lyrics submitted by anna118k

Give Me One Reason Lyrics as written by Tracy L Chapman

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Give Me One Reason song meanings
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23 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment

    I've heard this song plenty of times before, and I always thought it was okay. It plays in the store I work at sometimes, and I always thought it was okay. Until recently.

    About a week ago I basically poured my heart out to this one girl, something I had never done before. She basically acted like I hadn't said anything. I asked her what I do from here, because I didn't know. She said she still wanted to be friends. I didn't believe her. I told her there was a difference between a friend and an acquaintance. Basically, I put the ball in her court as to whether or not she actually wants to be my friend.

    A couple days ago at work, it was really slow, so it was quiet. I was listening to the music they play, and this song came on. I bought it that night, and have been listening to it almost nonstop ever since. It's sad one way of thinking about it, but at the same time I feel like it's making me stronger, making me able to walk away.

    Short Version: Really good song.

    ffzmanon April 10, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    So far everyone has been wrong and identifying with the girl..... Read the last couple of lines. This song is about the girl being too immature to realize that the only thing they need to have for an awesome relationship to exist is love. She's telling him to do all these things that have nothing to do with love and and the end he wins the argument by saying 'I told you that I loved you and there ain't no more to say.'

    omygoton March 19, 2008   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    'I told you that I loved you and there aint no more to say', that's still the girl. I agree with almost everybody. She's told him she loves him and is tired of repeating it without him reciprocating. If he can't show her that he wants/needs her in his life then she's leaving...although she'd rather not.

    proudtobeon August 09, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I just recently heard this song. I was intoxicated by tracy's groove and tone. This song is kind of playful on the edge of reason. She's saying i'm gonna leave but if you can give me one good reason to stay i willl. She sings it wonderfully with soul and delight. I am addicted to this song.

    talk_about_iton February 26, 2007   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation

    She said once at a concert that she left this song on someones answering machine. So I guess its a song about trying to court someone thats being hesitant and I guess she's tired of chasing that person in circles so she decides to kind of give them an ultimatum hoping that it'll catalize the persons decision on whether or not to pursue a relationship with her.

    themockingbirdssongon June 21, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I just added this song-- I'm surprised that it wasn't already here-- Given that it's one of her most famous.

    When this song first came out, I couldn't stand it! But then I heard it again about two years ago or so.. and I absolutely loved it! I don't know what happened. lol

    anna118kon March 09, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song reminds me of this one guy who had me totally whipped...and after awhile he took my presence for granite, so after so many lonely nights of crying and calling and calling i grew stronger and i told him...look babe if you can prove to me that you want me and need me, i'll stay but if not ima bizounce...which relates to "....Give me one reason to stay here - and I'll turn right back around Because I don't want leave you lonely But you got to make me change my mind..."

    BLAZINDYMEon April 16, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    ima bizounce? lol

    manyamoreon June 13, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this is the song that i first heard by her. my music teacher played it one time i class when i was in 3rd grade. i bought the CD and love it...

    halfaliveon July 19, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's great. I love it. but before i see her photo, i think the singer is a man.

    liuyangyangon September 18, 2002   Link

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