I wanted to take my time like a drag on a cigarette
Hit me up with your [?], let me see what happens next
If I play real good, and act real nice
Maybe you’ll give me just a little respect
I’m hoping you’ll blow my mind
‘Cause I don’t want another thing to regret
Give me the real thing
Pretty full amazing, oh oh oh
It’s such a cool thing
Hey, don’t you wanna be a part of the good times?
Yeah
Real love
Don’t you wanna feel love?
Real love
Talking about that real love
Real love, now
Everybody feel love
Real love, don’t you wanna feel love?
Now
Real love
Real love
I just wanted to make you smile
But then you locked me outside of the car
You were driving around, backing up
Running over scarred pieces of your broken heart
Give me the real thing
Pretty full amazing, oh oh oh
It’s such a cool thing
Hey, don’t you wanna be a part of the good times?
Yeah
Real love
Don’t you wanna feel love?
Real love
Talking about that real love
Real love, now
Everybody feel love
Real love, don’t you wanna feel love?
Now
Giving it up for someone (Giving it up, giving it up, giving it up)
Giving it up to someone (Giving it up, giving it up, giving it up)
Giving it up (Giving it up, giving it up, giving it up)
Real love
Don’t you wanna feel love?
Real love
Talking about that real love
Real love, now
Everybody feel love
Real love, don’t you wanna feel love?
Now
Searching for Sincerity
In “Real Love,” Natasha Bedingfield explores the universal longing for genuine connection and emotional honesty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of vulnerability, with the narrator expressing a desire to move beyond superficial interactions and experience something truly meaningful. Bedingfield’s words suggest a yearning for respect and authenticity, as she pleads for the “real thing” and questions whether her partner is willing to embrace the “good times” that real love brings. The repetition of “real love” throughout the song emphasizes her insistence on a love that is not only felt but also shared by everyone.
Facing Heartbreak and Hope
The narrative also touches on the pain of rejection and the scars left by past relationships. Despite moments of hurt—symbolized by being left outside the car—there is an underlying hope that true love is possible. The chorus encourages listeners to open themselves up, “giving it up for someone,” and to embrace the vulnerability that comes with seeking a deep, authentic bond.
Song Credits
Artist: Natasha Bedingfield
Songwriters: Natasha Bedingfield, Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton
Release Year: 2010
Label: Phonogenic Records