You want me to leave, you want me to stay
You ask me to come back, then you turn and walk away
You wanna be lovers, then you wanna be friends
I’m losin’ my patience, you’re nearin’ the end
One of these days you’re gonna reach out and find
The one that you count on has left you behind
Don’t wanna be no mother, you know I’m no saint
Oh my, my baby, before it’s too late
Treat me right, treat me right, open your eyes, maybe you’ll see the light
Do you think I’m a fool, well you’d better think twice
I’ve had enough, baby, it’s time you realize
That you can’t have it both ways, that’s no way to live
You’ve done all the takin’, it’s your turn to give
One of these days you’re gonna reach out and find
The one that you count on has left you behind
Don’t wanna be no mother, you know I’m no saint
Oh my, my baby, before it’s too late
Treat me right, treat me right
Open your eyes, maybe you’ll see the light, oh, treat me right
You want me to leave, you want me to stay
You ask me to come back, you turn and walk away
You wanna be lovers, then you wanna be friends
I’m losin’ my patience, you’re nearin’ the end
Treat me right, treat me right
Open your eyes, maybe you’ll see the light, oh, treat me right
Treat me right, treat me right
Treat me right, treat me right
Unraveling Relationship Tensions in “Treat You Right”
“Treat You Right” by Bob Marley delves into the frustration and uncertainty that often arise in relationships marked by indecision and inconsistency. The lyrics express the emotional turmoil of someone who is caught between conflicting signals—being asked to stay, then pushed away, and faced with a partner who can’t decide between love and friendship. Marley’s words capture the weariness that comes from feeling unappreciated and underscore a plea for genuine respect and clarity. The recurring call to “treat me right” becomes both a demand for fairness and an ultimatum, suggesting that patience has its limits. Ultimately, the song stands as a testament to the need for mutual understanding and honest communication in any relationship.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry