Make No Mistake, He's Mine
Barbra Streisand
Possessive Love and Jealousy in 'Make No Mistake, He's Mine'
Barbra Streisand's song 'Make No Mistake, He's Mine' delves into the intense emotions of possessiveness and jealousy within a romantic relationship. The lyrics are a direct address to another woman, warning her to stay away from the singer's partner. The repeated refrain 'He's mine, he's mine, he's mine' underscores the singer's determination to assert her claim over her lover, emphasizing her fear of losing him to someone else. This possessiveness is a central theme, reflecting the vulnerability and insecurity that often accompany deep emotional attachment.
The song also explores the dynamics of trust and control. The singer's insistence that the other woman should not call, dance with, or even dream about her partner reveals a deep-seated anxiety about infidelity and betrayal. The lines 'I don't wanna hear from my friends / You were out on the town / There in his arms' highlight the singer's dread of public humiliation and the potential gossip that could arise from her partner's perceived disloyalty. This fear of social judgment adds another layer to the song's emotional complexity.
Moreover, the song captures the loneliness and isolation that can come from such possessive love. The singer's admission that she doesn't want to close her eyes because she fears where her partner might go each night speaks to a profound sense of insecurity. This vulnerability is further emphasized by the repeated assertion that 'He only knows how I feel / I only know what he's like / When he needs me,' suggesting that the relationship is built on a fragile foundation of need rather than mutual understanding and respect. Through its poignant lyrics, 'Make No Mistake, He's Mine' offers a raw and honest portrayal of the darker side of love and the emotional turmoil it can bring.