Use Me (Withers)

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"Use Me" is a song written, and recorded on the 1972 album Still Bill by Bill Withers. It is his second biggest hit in the U.S., reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

[edit] Content

The singer complains about the advice of friends, who seem to have made it "their appointed duty" (or, as some transcriptions have it, "Is there a point of duty?") to talk the singer out of a romantic relationship that they see as one-sided, and where the singer is "used". But the singer has no doubt in wanting things to continue as they are, and implies that it is pleasurable enough to be "used" in that fashion that being "used up" completely would be welcome.

The singer goes on to describe telling a relative who urges resistance to being "walked on", that envy for the singer's circumstances would follow from really comprehending them.

The singer admits that some of the lover's behavior is abusive -- for example, snubs when those of higher status, whom the lover apparently seeks to curry favor with, are present -- but "when you love me", the singer "can't get enough".

Finally, the singer admits to being used, but says that that is made up for by "using you to do the things you do."

[edit] Covers

The song is popular with other professional singers, and recordings of it have been released by the following: