What You Won't Do For Love

Bobby Caldwell's smooth and soulful track 'What You Won't Do For Love' is a timeless ode to the lengths one will go for love. Released in 1978, the song has become a classic in the R&B genre, showcasing Caldwell's silky vocals and a melody that blends elements of jazz, soul, and pop. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of being so enamored with someone that it leads to actions and feelings that are beyond what one might normally consider reasonable.

The song begins with the narrator reflecting on his journey to find love and the profound impact it has had on him. He admits to being in a daze, so deeply affected by love that it's noticeable to his friends. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the extraordinary things one might do when gripped by love. The chorus, 'What you won't do, do for love,' suggests that there are no limits to the narrator's devotion, highlighting the idea that love can drive a person to go to great lengths, even to the point of doing things they never thought they would.

Caldwell's lyrics also touch on the idea that love is a unique and personal journey, as he sings about people traveling the world in search of it, yet sometimes never finding what they're looking for. This emphasizes the rarity and value of the love he has found. The repetition of the line 'Makes me do for love what I would not do' serves as a powerful affirmation of his commitment and the transformative power of love. The song resonates with listeners because it captures the essence of love's ability to push boundaries and redefine one's sense of possibility.