Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Love's Ember: Unveiling Hidden Flames in Johnnie Taylor's Melody
Lyrics
Why do people whisper when they see me passing by?
Questioning why people whisper when the singer passes by.
It can't be because I'm clean, baby
Denying that cleanliness is the reason for whispers.
Sunday it's the only day I wear a shirt and tie
Describing the singer's habit of dressing up on Sundays with a shirt and tie.
I hear the word fool, fool but they won't tell me why
Hearing the word "fool" but not understanding why.
Maybe you know what they're talking about
Asking if the listener understands the gossip about the singer.
Because where there's smoke there's fire
Stating the phrase "where there's smoke, there's fire," suggesting hidden issues or rumors.
I worked eight hard hours, baby, you know that
Highlighting the singer's hard work for eight hours and bringing home the earnings.
And after that I bring it all home, I leave you're looking pretty, baby
Expressing frustration that after working hard, the partner still has time to do wrong things.
With plenty time to do wrong, oh yeah
Implies the temptation or opportunity to engage in wrongful actions.
You take all day to go shopping, tell me what did you buy?
Questioning the partner's activities during the day, particularly the shopping habits.
I only get five minutes of loving, baby
Expressing dissatisfaction with receiving limited affection despite hard work.
You know what, where there is smoke there is fire
Reiterating the theme that rumors or issues arise where there is smoke.
I called this morning to tell you, to tell you, to tell you I love you
Communicating an attempt to express love over the phone but facing difficulties.
And the phone rang twenty five times
Noting the phone ringing many times without a response, possibly indicating neglect.
I know you're gonna [Incomprehensible] baby
Encountering difficulty understanding the partner's excuse about hanging clothes.
But you say you was hanging clothes on the line
Skepticism about the partner's explanation for the prolonged absence.
Listen once your cup was running over but now there's just a drought
Describing a decline in affection or attention, using the metaphor of a cup running over.
My love is still strong, baby when did your love stop?
Asserting the singer's enduring love and questioning when the partner's love diminished.
Where there's smoke there's fire
Repeating the phrase "where there's smoke, there's fire" to emphasize suspicions.
Too many excuses mean you told a lie, oh yes, you do now, baby
Suggesting that too many excuses indicate dishonesty or betrayal.
I don't believe you love me like you used to love me, oh no
Expressing doubt about the partner's current level of love compared to the past.
Because I can see the smoke and the old folks told me
Observing signs of trouble or deceit, using the metaphor of smoke.
There's fire where there's smoke, I believe
Believing in the truth of the saying that where there's smoke, there's fire.
I know, I know, baby, where there's smoke there's fire
Affirming the conviction that problems exist where there is smoke.
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