A song in and of itself, is like a unit of measurement. Instead of length, depth, or height, however, they measure a feeling, a moment, a tangible yet hard to define ‘something.’ Now, what happens when you add the spoken word to fill the gaps of that which shirks definition? In the case of Bobby Womack, you get something more magical. You get a new unit of measurement that represents the feeling, moment, and barely-tangible while at the same time living beyond it. In that spirit here are, in my estimation, the ‘Five Best.’
It may be a small stretch calling this one a ‘monologue.’ It’s more of a ‘call to action’ for all those Wall Flowers refusing the lure of the Groove, but even with its brevity we get the essence of a good Bobby Womack monologue. It asks something of the audience but only with their best interests in mind. As a friend of mine used say, ‘If you’re not dancing to this, you’re wrong!’ And, here, so does Bobby.
This is, in many ways, the quintessential Bobby Womack Monologue. It’s direct, personal, and informative. Here, The Poet takes the mantel of the mentor, handing out the syllabus for the coming semester. If you’re perfectly happy treating your Love like a disposable thing, feel free to discard the syllabus in the trash. However, if it’s True Love you’re after, you better heed his words and heed them well!
That’s the Way I Feel About ‘Cha
Bobby waxes philosophical at the start of this tender serenade, as if resting under a starlit sky, casually glancing over to the woman that holds the key to his heart, Bobby lets the listener know that he is not just another thoughtless Romantic. He understands the pain and brutality love can cause, and that while it may be a tremendous mountain to climb, everyone has the desire and capability to climb it.
Facts of Life/He’ll Be There When the Sun Goes Down
Bobby Goes Meta, breaking down a fragment of the process behind his most magical moments. Why does he start so many of his songs saying something? Well, he has something to say and ‘say it’ he does, for a full three and a half minutes before the singing begins in earnest. Is that too long a time for a person to talk before starting the song in full? Maybe for some, but for Bobby it’s the only way to live an honest life.
If you Think You’re Lonely Now
Though you may be tempted to say that the monologue is only at the beginning of this song you would be foolish to say so. This entire song is a testimony with every Hallmark that makes a Bobby Womack speech so incredible. We get the Story, The Characters, the Conflict, and Struggle! Pettiness, frustration, and resignation bubble to the surface with Bobby weaving in and out of spoken word and song with the fury of a Street Preacher who just signed his divorce papers. No other song on this list has the same power and conviction, though they all come close.