Eddie Kendricks – Can IEddie Kendricks – Can I

Eddie Kendricks – Can I: A Soulful Exploration of Love’s Uncertainties

In the tapestry of American soul music, Eddie Kendricks stands out as a voice of both power and vulnerability. Among his solo gems, “Can I” occupies a special place, offering a soulfully introspective look at the complexities of love and its yearning for reciprocation.

Background

Released in 1971 on Motown Records, “Can I” marked a significant turning point for Kendricks.

It was the lead single from his debut solo album, “All By Myself,” and served as a declaration of artistic independence.

The song deviated from the more upbeat sounds of the Temptations, venturing into a bluesier, more introspective territory that perfectly complemented Kendricks’ soulful delivery.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Can I have a talk with you? (Hmm, yeah)
Can I make a dream come true?
And can, whoa, can I be in love with you? (Here’s why I need to know)
‘Cause I would if I could (Let your mind relax, lay your head on my heart)

Can I set your soul on fire? Oh, baby
And can I, can I, can I, can I be your one desire?
Ooh (Can I), can I, can I be in love with you?
I would if I could (Whoa-oh)

Maybe you are lonely and just haven’t realized
That I’m lonely too and will bring happiness to you
Yes, I would
Can I (Can I), can I (Can I), can I (Can I), can I (Can I)
Can I (Can I), can I (Can I)

See me
Feel me
Touch me
Woo, baby

(Alright)
Yeah
(Alright)
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah

See me
Feel me
Touch me
Woo, ooh, baby

Yeah
Girl, it’s you that sends my a whole world a-spinin’
(You better make a till)
That’s why I’m steadily givin’, yeah , yeah

Oh, baby (Can I)

Ooh, oh, baby
Baby, yeah
Mmm-hmm
Hoo-ooh, ooh, ooh, baby

Oh, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh
Oh, yeah
Yeah (Can I)
Ooh, ooh
(Baby)

(Lay your head on my heart)
(Just let me talk to ya) Yeah, hmm
(For once in my life, tomorrow came today)
(So don’t, please don’t let it slip, slip away)