Meaning of "You, Me and He" by Mtume

"You, Me and He" explores the theme of infidelity and the consequential emotional turmoil it causes. The lyrics depict a complex love triangle, where the narrator is torn between their spouse and their lover. The use of pronouns "you" and "me" directly addresses the spouse, indicating a shared history and commitment, while the third person, "he," represents the lover who has now become a significant part of the narrator's life. The song suggests that the narrator was initially oblivious to the possibility of being unfaithful, as they admit to being blind and never thinking that such a situation could happen to them. However, the realization dawned on them when their spouse called out the other person's name during a moment of intimacy, indicating the depth of the emotional betrayal.

The lyrics also express a sense of tension and lying, as the narrator refers to the relationship as living a lie "by and by." This suggests that both the narrator and their spouse are aware of the infidelity but are choosing to ignore it or avoid acknowledging it explicitly. The repeated line "Can we give it a try" signifies the desire and perhaps desperation to salvage the relationship, despite the pain and deception. The narrator yearns for a resolution to the situation, questioning what they should do and seeking guidance on how to navigate the complexities of the love triangle.

Overall, the lyrics convey a profound sense of emotional conflict, highlighting the turmoil experienced by all parties involved in the affair. It illuminates the internal struggle faced by the narrator, caught between two conflicting relationships and the desire to find a way out of the pain they are experiencing.