Music Video

When I Can't Do Better — Mary J. Blige Lyrics

Soundtrack: The Color Purple

When I Can't Do Better Song Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Don't hold your love over my head
Please don't use it against me
Don't be that way tonight
Don't be that way tonight
Don't touch me with self-righteous hands
Promise you won't judge me
Don't walk away tonight

[Chorus]
Embrace me
Save me from myself
Don't you hate me
When I can't do better
Feel me
Heal me if you dare
It would kill me
To lose you forever, mm

[Post-Chorus]
When it gets dark and it just don't come easy
'Cause it's too hard and we're too far gone
Stay with me now, oh
Pray for mе now
When I mean good
But the strеngth just ain't there to do good
Tell me we good
Talk to me now, when I can't do better

[Verse 2]
If I give you power to carry me
Don't you use that power just to bury me
It's been a long night
f**k it, it's been a long life, mm
But the truth is, what I do with it is my biz 'til I'm through with it
And it's my bed so I lay in it 'cause I'm cool with it

[Chorus]
So embrace me
Save me from myself
Don't you hate me
When I can't do better
Feel me
Heal me if you dare
It would kill me
To lose you forever, mm
And I need you to know

[Post-Chorus]
When it gets dark and it just don't come easy
'Cause it's too hard and we're too far gone
Stay with me now, oh-oh (With me now)
Pray for me now
When I mean good
But the strength just ain't there to be good
Tell me, we good?
Talk to me now, when I can't do better
[Outro]
When I can't do better
Ooh, baby, love me through it
We can do it, we can get through it
Oh, hey, hey, yeah
So embrace me, baby
Hold me, baby
When I can't do better
Ooh
Ooh-ooh

Track Listing

›Huckleberry Pie

Halle & Phylicia Pearl Mpasi

›Mysterious Ways

Tamela Mann

›She Be Mine

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi

›Keep It Movin'

Halle, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi

Corey Hawkins

Danielle Brooks

Fantasia

Fantasia

Taraji P. Henson

Fantasia & Taraji P. Henson

›Agoo

The Color Purple Ensemble

›Hell No! (Reprise)

Fantasia

›Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)

Taraji P. Henson

›Miss Celie's Pants

Fantasia

›I'm Here

Fantasia

›Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'

Taraji P. Henson

Fantasia

Fantasia

USHER, H.E.R.

Keyshia Cole

Alicia Keys

Jorja Smith

›Keep Pushin' (Missy Elliott Remix)

Halle

›When I Can't Do Better

Mary J. Blige

›There Will Come a Day

Celeste

›Any Worse (Squeak's Song)

H.E.R.

›Hell No! (Reprise) (Missy Elliott Remix)

Fantasia

›You See Me

Coco Jones

›Workin' (Timbaland Remix)

Corey Hawkins

›Mysterious Ways (Mörda Remix)

Tamela Mann

›All I Need

Jennifer Hudson

›Hell No! (Timbaland Remix)

Danielle Brooks

JANE HANDCOCK

October London

Darkchild, Konstance

V. Bozeman

›Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'

Mary Mary

February, 05th 2024

"When I Can’t Do Better" by Mary J. Blige delves into the complexities and vylnerabilities of a relationship, particularly during times of personal struggle and imperfection. The song reflects a plea for understanding, support, and non-judgment from a partner when facing one's own limitations.

In the first verse, the singer addresses her partner, asking not to have their love uded as a weapon or a means of control. She seeks a space free of judgment and condemnation, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in moments of weakness or failure. The request not to be touched with "self-righteous hands" and the plea against judgment underscore a desire for genuine support, devoid of any moral superiority.

The chorus is a raw and heartfelt request for emotional support. Blige asks her partner to embrace and save her from her own internal struggles, highlighting the internal conflict she feels about her imperfections. The line "Don’t you hate me / When I can’t do better" is particularly poignant, expressing the fear of losing love due to personal shortcomings.

The post-chorus expands on this theme of struggle, acknowledging the difficulties inherent in life and relationships. It speaks to the universal experience of wanting to do good but not always having the strength to do so. In these moments, the singer seeks reassurance and comfort from her partner.

In the second verse, Blige reflects on the responsibility that comes with giving someone the power to support you, cautioning against the potential misuse of this power. The lyrics "It’s been a long life" suggest a history of challenges and the acceptance of her journey, including her imperfections.

Overall, "When I Can’t Do Better" is a soulful exploration of the need for grace and understanding within a relationship. It's about acknowledging one's flaws and seeking a partner who will offer support and love, even in the face of these challenges. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt imperfect in a relationship and yearned for unconditional love and acceptance.

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