Meaning of "She Once Belonged To Me" by Allen Toussaint

These lyrics tell a story of a deep connection the narrator once had with a woman who meant so much to him, even though their time together was short-lived. The repetition of "Don't you talk about the lady, she once belonged to me" underscores a possessiveness and protectiveness over the memories and impact this woman had on the narrator's life. The references to her bearing his child and the pain of her leaving highlight the intensity of the emotions involved. Ultimately, it seems like the narrator is grappling with the pain of losing someone he deeply cared for and trying to protect her memory from being spoken about disparagingly.