Meaning of "To Love Somebody" by Roberta Flack

"To Love Somebody" by Roberta Flack delves into the emotional turmoil of loving someone who does not reciprocate those feelings. The lyrics portray a desperate plea for that person's love and attention, emphasizing the significance of their presence in the singer's life. The repeated refrain "You don't know what it's like to love somebody" underscores the frustration and agony of unrequited love, highlighting the disconnect between the depth of the singer's emotions and the other person's lack of understanding or reciprocation. Through lines like "I live and breathe just for you" and "I ain't got you, if I don't have you," the desperation and dependency on the object of affection are palpable. The imagery of blindness symbolizes the inability to see the singer's love and the pain of being unseen and unloved. Overall, the song captures the intensity, heartache, and longing that accompany loving someone who may never love you back.