The song seems to be about the singer's desire for a lover rather than just a friend. In the first verse, Sam Smith sings that everyone is looking for somebody to take home, and he's no exception. He then goes on to say that he's a "blessing of a body to love on." The chorus emphasizes that he's not at the party to make friends but to find a lover.
The line in the intro by RuPaul and Jessie Reyez about loving oneself before loving somebody else may suggest that the need for a lover is linked to the need for self-love. The post-chorus repetition of "I need a lover" could also represent a need for love and intimacy.
The takeaway from the song could be that while it's natural to desire a romantic partner, it's important to also have a sense of self-love and worth. It may also emphasize the importance of being honest with oneself and others about what one wants and needs in a relationship.
Lyrics:
If you can't love yourself
How in the hell you gon' love somebody else?
Can I get a amen in here?
You gotta, you gotta ask me
Yeah, I'm goin' to the party
But I'm not goin' to make friends
I need a lover
[Verse 1: Sam Smith]
Everybody's looking for somebody
For somebody to take home
I'm not the exception
I'm a blessing of a body to love on
[Pre-Chorus: Sam Smith]
If you want it bad tonight (Ooh, ooh)
Come by me and drop a line (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Put your aura into mine (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Don't be scared if you like it
I could fill you up with life (Ooh, ooh)
I could ease your appetite (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Know you've never been this high (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Don't be scared if you like it
[Chorus: Sam Smith & Jessie Reyez]
'Cause I'm not here to make friends
No, I'm not here to make friends (Yeah)
'Cause I'm not here to make friends
I need a lover (I need a lover)
I need a lover (I need a lover)
[Verse 2: Sam Smith]
I'm just being honest, baby
I just need a partner when the lights come on
(When the lights come on) Yeah, yeah
Thirty almost got me and I'm so over love songs, yeah
[Pre-Chorus: Sam Smith]
So if you want it bad tonight (Ooh, ooh)
Come by me and drop a line (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Though you've never been this high (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
Don't be scared if you like it
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[Chorus: Sam Smith & Jessie Reyez]
'Cause I'm not here to make friends
No, I'm not here to make friends (Yeah)
'Cause I'm not here to make friends
I need a lover (I need a lover)
I need a lover (I need a lover)
[Post-Chorus: Sam Smith & Jessie Reyez, Jessie Reyez]
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a lover (I need a lover)
I need a lover (I need a lover)
[Verse 3: Sam Smith]
Everybody's looking for somebody
For somebody to take home
I'm not the exception
I'm a blessing of a body to love on
[Chorus: Jessie Reyez & Sam Smith]
'Cause I'm not here to make friends
No, I'm not here to make friends
'Cause I'm not here to make friends
I need a lover (I need a lover)
I need a lover (I need a lover)
[Post-Chorus: Sam Smith & Jessie Reyez, Jessie Reyez]
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a lover, I need a lover
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
I need a lover (I need a lover)
I need a lover (I need a lover)
