Lover Man
Jimi Hendrix
The Elusive Dance of Love and Escape in 'Lover Man'
Jimi Hendrix's 'Lover Man' is a vibrant and dynamic song that captures the essence of a passionate yet complicated love affair. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is deeply in love but finds himself in a precarious situation. The repeated lines 'Here he comes, baby, here comes your lover man' suggest a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the protagonist is both eagerly anticipated and anxiously awaited. This duality sets the stage for a narrative that is as thrilling as it is fraught with tension.
The imagery of 'runnin' shoes' and the need to 'leap out as fast as I can' adds a layer of urgency and escape to the song. It implies that the protagonist is not just a lover but also someone who must constantly be on the move, perhaps to avoid confrontation or to maintain the secrecy of the affair. This sense of urgency is further emphasized by the line 'See your man coming, I've got no time to lose,' indicating that the protagonist is aware of the risks involved but is willing to take them for the sake of love.
Hendrix's desire to 'love you longer than even' and 'stronger, stronger' speaks to a deep, almost desperate longing. Yet, this longing is tempered by the reality of the situation, as indicated by the final line, 'If that's your man, baby, over yonder.' This line brings the listener back to the reality that this love, as intense as it may be, is complicated by the presence of another man. The song, therefore, becomes a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the lengths one will go to for a fleeting moment of passion.