To Be A Lover [Live/Storytellers]
Billy Idol · VH1 Storytellers [2002]
Lately that I love you
If I din't, darlin',
You see, I'm so sorry
Didn't I reach out
And hold you
In these lovin' arms
Well, if I didn't, oh baby.
Well, I'm so sorry
When I realized that you need love too,
Gonna spend my life makin' love to you.
Got to be a lover.
Have mercy.
Forgot to be a lover, babe. (Have mercy)
Forgot to be a lover. (Have mercy)
Forgot to be a lover.
Make it on through to you somehow. (Have mercy, baby)
Got to be a lover, babe. (Forgot to be a lover)
Woo! Woo!
Well, did I ask you,
Yes, would you come and share,
Oh, share,
Oh, the burden and the task
That's at love's command
Didn't I say
All those lovin' special things
That you long to hear
To show how much I care
Well, when I realize
That you need love too,
Gonna spend my life
Makin' love to you
Forgot to be a lover,
Have mercy
Well, well I worked all day
Hard as I can
Worked all night, didn't make me a man.
(Forgot to be a lover)
Have mercy, Oo,
When I realized
That you need love too,
Gonna spend my life
Makin' love to you. (Forgot to be a lover)
Got to be a lover, babe.
Oo, mercy. (Have mercy)
Have mercy, baby. (Have mercy, baby)
I'm gonna make it on through
To you somehow,
So have mercy. (Have mercy, have mercy, baby)
Have I told you,
Yes, lately that I love you
If I didn't, oh baby,
Yes, I'm so sorry.
Ah, but you know I really love you, baby.(Love you baby)
I really love you baby (Love you baby)
I really need you baby (Need you baby)
I really want you baby (Want you baby)
When I realized,
That you need love too,
I'm gonna spend my life
Makin' love,
Makin' love,
Makin' love to you
Well, I worked all day
As hard as I can,
Worked all night,
It didn't make me a man, babe.
(Forgot to be a lover) (Have mercy)
Oo, have mercy baby (Have mercy)
Have mercy baby (Have mercy)
Oo, have mercy baby (Have mercy baby)
Oo, make it through.
Well, when I realized that you need love too,
I'm gonna spend my life,
Gotta spend my life makin' love to you
To Be A Lover [Live/Storytellers]
Billy Idol's performance of "To Be A Lover" on the VH1 Storytellers series captures the raw energy that defined his transition from punk icon to rock staple. Originally appearing on his 1984 album Rebel Yell, the track showcases his signature blend of new wave aggression and hard rock grit. In this intimate live setting, Idol strips away the stadium production to focus on the song's driving rhythm and emotional intensity. The recording highlights his ability to reinterpret material from his most commercially successful era, offering a fresh perspective on a classic track. This version stands as a testament to his enduring vocal power and stage presence, bridging the gap between his early punk roots and his later mainstream success without relying on the bombast of his arena tours.