I Must Have That Man
Craving Love's Heat: Unraveling the Desires in Valaida Snow's 'I Must Have That Man'
Lyrics
Don't want my mammy
Expressing a lack of desire for maternal influence or guidance.
I don't need a friend
Rejecting the need for a friend or companionship.
My heart is broken, it won't ever mend
Acknowledging a broken heart that seems irreparable.
I ain't much carin'
Indicating a lack of concern for the consequences.
Just where I will end
Uncertain about the future or destination.
I must have that man
Expressing a strong desire for a particular man.
I'm like an oven
Comparing oneself to an oven in need of warmth or passion.
That's cryin' for heat
Describing the intense yearning for affection.
He treats me awful
Highlighting mistreatment or neglect in the relationship.
Each time we meet
Conveying the emotional toll of each encounter with the man.
It's just unlawful
Describing the perceived unlawfulness of the man's behavior.
How that boy can cheat
Expressing astonishment at the man's deceptive actions.
But I must have that man
Reiterating the strong, irresistible desire for the man.
He's hot as Hades
Describing the man as passionately intense.
A lady's not safe in his arms when she's kissed
Warning that being in the man's arms is not safe when he's passionate.
But I'm afraid that when he's cooled off
Expressing fear of being rejected or excluded when the man cools off.
And maybe I'm ruled off his list
Suggesting a potential consequence of being overlooked or forgotten.
I'll never be missed
Speculating on the possibility of being unimportant or unnoticed.
I need that person much worse 'n just bad
Stating a strong need for the person in question, beyond mere desire.
I'm half alive 'n he's drivin' me mad
Describing the overwhelming impact the man has on the speaker's well-being.
He's only human if he's to be had
Acknowledging the man's human nature and the speaker's desire to possess him.
I must have that man
Reaffirming the irresistible need for the man.
I must have that man
Repeating the strong, unyielding desire for the man.
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