"You Need Me" is the eighth track from Mariah Carey's self-titled debut album. It was released on June 12, 1990 through Columbia Records.
Background[]
The song "You Need Me" is a plea from the singer [Carey] to their partner not to leave them. The lyrics suggest that the partner is playing games and making a big mistake by leaving. The singer argues that no one understands the partner like they do and that they will regret leaving when there is no one else to hold their hand or dry their eyes. The chorus repeats the phrase "Don't you know you need me?" and emphasizes the idea that the partner should believe the singer and not act hastily. The bridge implies that the singer and partner have been through a lot together and that the partner will keep coming back. Overall, the song expresses a strong desire to hold onto a relationship and a belief that the partner will ultimately regret leaving.
Critical reception[]
In his review of the song, Chris Nickson states: "A guest slot by Living Color’s guitarist Vernon Reid, blasting an Eddie Van Halen—style solo, opened “You Need Me,” a dance track that gained its impact through a poppish chorus, studio effects on the vocals, and a powerful, concise, middle guitar break."
Trivia[]
- "You Need Me" is Mariah's first attempt at the rock genre.
- Mariah has never performed it live.
- Rhett Lawrence co-wrote this song with Mariah.
- Rhett Lawrence produced this song.
Video[]
You Need Me
You Need Me - Album Version
Mariah Carey - You Need Me (lyrics on screen)
Mariah Carey - You Need Me (lyrics video)
Lyrics[]
Wait a minute before you walk away
Let me finish, I've got a lot to say
Baby, I'm not gonna tolerate
This game that you play
You'll regret it if you desert me this way
When there's nobody to dry your eyes
Suddenly you're gonna realize
[Chorus]
Don't you know you need me?
Don't you see?
Believe me
Before you act so hastily
Baby, remember, you need me
[Verse 2]
Honey, listen
Don't make a big mistake
I'm in your system
You really can't escape, no, no
When there's nobody to hold your hand
Suddenly you're gonna understand
[Chorus]
Don't you know you need me?
Don't you see?
Believe me
Before you act so hastily
Baby, remember, you need me
Don't you know you need me?
Don't you see?
Got to believe me
Before you act so hastily
Baby, remember, you need me
[Bridge]
No one understands you like I do
After everything that we've been through
Baby, you can turn around and leave
But I know that you'll keep coming right back to me
[Chorus]
Don't you know you need me?
Don't you see?
Got to believe me
That before you act so hastily
Baby, remember, you need me
Don't you know you need me?
(You need me, baby, you need me)
Don't you see?
Believe me
Now, before you act so hastily
Baby, remember, you need me
Don't you know you need me?
Don't you see?
Believe me
Baby, remember, you need me
Don't you know you need me?
Don't you see?
See also[]
| Mariah Carey | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Songs | "Vision of Love" · "There's Got to Be a Way" · "I Don't Wanna Cry" · "Someday" · "Vanishing" · "All in Your Mind" · "Alone in Love" · "You Need Me" · "Sent From Up Above" · "Prisoner" · "Love Takes Time" | |||
| Featured artists | N/A | |||
| Tours | N/A | |||