I don’t like you
But I love you
Seems that I’m always
Thinking of you
Oh, oh, oh
You treat me badly
I love you madly
You’ve really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
Baby
I don’t want you
But I need you
Don’t want to kiss you
But I need to
Oh, oh, oh
You do me wrong now
My love is strong now
You’ve really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
Baby
I love you and all I want you to do
Is just hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Tighter
Tighter
I want to leave you
Don’t want to stay here
Don’t want to spend
Another day here
Oh, oh, oh, I want to split now
I just can’t quit now
You’ve really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
Baby
I love you and all I want you to do
Is just hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
Exploring Emotional Conflict in “You Really Got A Hold On Me”
“You Really Got A Hold On Me” by The Beatles captures the complex feelings of loving someone who isn’t always good for you. The lyrics express a push-and-pull tension: the narrator confesses, “I don’t like you, but I love you,” revealing a deep emotional conflict. Despite being treated badly, the singer admits to being captivated, unable to break free from the magnetic pull of love. This struggle between wanting to leave and being unable to let go is relatable and timeless, making the song resonate with anyone who has experienced complicated relationships. The repeated plea to “hold me” highlights a longing for connection, even when reason says otherwise.
Song Credits
Written by Smokey Robinson. Originally released in 1962 by Motown, covered by The Beatles and included on their 1963 album “With the Beatles.”