Withers’ “Use Me”: A Soulful Groove That Keeps Giving
Few tracks in the annals of music possess the enduring, universal appeal of Bill Withers’ “Use Me.” This 1972 classic, off his Still Bill album, is more than just a funk anthem—it’s a masterclass in groove, simplicity, and heartfelt emotion. Though many listeners first encounter Withers through his tender ballads like “Ain’t No Sunshine” or “Grandma’s Hands,” those familiar with his broader catalog know that “Use Me” represents the pinnacle of his ability to fuse raw emotion with irresistible rhythm.
The Groove That Hooks You
The heartbeat of “Use Me” is James Gadson’s legendary drumming. His steady, syncopated groove anchors the track, creating a hypnotic rhythm that dares you not to move. Gadson, a prolific session drummer whose career spans genres and decades, offers a performance so effortless and tight that the groove emanates directly from his soul. Watch any footage of him performing, and you’ll see the sly smile that confirms he knows he’s the engine driving this soulful machine.
But Gadson’s drums are only one piece of this masterful puzzle. The song’s instrumental arrangement—marked by its minimalist bassline, understated electric piano flourishes, and the subtle but essential wah-wah guitar—leaves ample space for Withers’ voice to soar. This deliberate sparseness amplifies the song’s emotional resonance, pulling listeners into its sonic world.
Bill Withers: Storyteller Extraordinaire
At its core, “Use Me” is a lyrical paradox: Withers delivers a tale of love so consuming it borders on self-destruction. With his conversational yet emotionally charged vocal delivery, he navigates the fine line between devotion and exploitation. Lyrics like “If it feels this good getting used, you just keep using me until you use me up” capture the kind of vulnerability few artists can express without sounding overwrought. Yet Withers does so with a raw authenticity that makes the listener empathize, even if they’ve never been in such a situation.
The interplay between the lyrics and the music elevates the track from a simple funk tune to a universal anthem. The repetitive, cyclical nature of the groove mirrors the addictive pull of an intoxicating relationship—a perfect marriage of form and content.
A Stellar Cast of Musicians
While Withers and Gadson shine, the rest of the lineup deserves equal praise. Bassist Melvin Dunlap lays down a low-end foundation so smooth and essential that it could carry the track on its own. Keyboardist Ray Jackson adds warmth and subtlety with his Fender Rhodes, while guitarist Benorce Blackmon’s clean, syncopated chords complete the sonic tapestry.
Each musician’s contribution is a testament to the power of restraint. Instead of vying for the spotlight, they collectively serve the song, allowing Withers’ voice and Gadson’s groove to remain at the forefront. It’s a perfect example of a band functioning as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individuals.
Legacy and Impact
Decades after its release, “Use Me” remains a staple in Withers’ discography and an essential entry in any soul or funk playlist. Its infectious groove has transcended generations, finding new life in covers, samples, and film soundtracks. Yet, no reinterpretation captures the raw magic of the original.
James Gadson’s contribution, in particular, has cemented his reputation as one of the great drummers of his era. For aspiring musicians, “Use Me” is a lesson in how simplicity, when executed with soul and precision, can be more powerful than complexity.
Sunday Groove and Eternal Replays
No wonder this track feels like the perfect accompaniment to a laid-back Sunday brunch—or any moment when you need a reminder of music’s ability to transcend time and space. Once you press play, the groove hooks you in, prompting repeated listens until you’re “used up” in the best possible way.
Bill Withers’ “Use Me” isn’t just a song; it’s a testament to the power of great musicianship, honest storytelling, and magic that happens when everything aligns just right. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a seasoned fan, the track invites you to lose yourself in its groove—and trust us, you’ll be better for it.
If this is your first time hearing this track, then bless your virgin ears. All of us are in for a treat. This Bill Withers
Bill Withers – Use me
Lyrics: ‘My friends feel it’s their appointed duty They keep trying to tell me All you want to do is use me But my answer, yeah to all that use me stuff I want to spread the news That if it feels this good getting used You just keep on using me Until you use me up Until you use me up My brother sit me right down and he talked to me He told me that I ought not to let you just walk on me And I’m sure he meant well Yeah, but when our talk was through I said, brother, if you only knew You’d wish that you were in my shoes You just keep on using me Until you use me up Until you use me up Sometimes, it’s true You really do abuse me You get me in a crowd of high-class people And then you act real rude to me But, oh baby, baby, baby, baby When you love me, I can’t get enough I want to spread the news That if it feels this good getting used Girl, you just keep on using me Until you use me up Until you use me up Talkin’ ’bout you usin’ people It all depends on what you do It ain’t too bad the way you’re usin’ me Cause I sure am usin’ you to do the things you do’ To do the things you do
Bill Withers – Still Bill
1 Lean On Me – Bill Withers 4:32 2 Lean On Me (BBC In Concert, May 11, 1974) Bill Withers 5:01 3 Just The Two of Us 8:18 4 Lovely Day – Bill Withers 22:22 5 Another Day to Run – Bill Withers 24:01 6 The Bottle – Gil Scott-Heron And Brian Jackson 27:46 7 Kissing My Love – Bill Withers 28:15 8 I Don’t Know – Bill Withers 30:19 9 Can We Pretend – Bill Withers 32:49 10 Don’t You Want to Stay? Bill Withers 39:04 11 She’s Lonely – Bill Withers 40:51 12 Sometimes A Song – Bill Withers 50:38 13 Who Is He (And What Is He to You?) Bill Withers 1:10:03
DVD Review: By pop music standards, singer-songwriter Bill Withers started his career late (in his early 30s), retired relatively early (in his mid-40s), and was never exactly prolific, even during his active years. But as Still Bill, a 2008 documentary, reminds us, Withers managed to turn out a catalog that included several bona fide classics (“Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” “Just the Two of Us”) and a handful of others that aren’t far behind (“Lovely Day,” “Use Me,” “Grandma’s Hands”)–and he did it all on his terms. Born in tiny Slab Fork, West Virginia, Withers had served in the navy and was working for an aircraft manufacturer, building toilets for 747s, when he decided to try his hand at music in the early ’70s. Despite having never played an instrument, writing a tune, or sing in public, he did all right, to say the least; his first single was “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which won a Grammy and put him on TV with Johnny Carson, Dinah Shore, and many others. His style was distinctive from the get-go; his songs, featuring funky beats and his own acoustic guitar and smart, simple lyrics delivered in a gruff and sensitive voice, were blues-drenched but not R&B, soulful but not Soul, per se. More hits followed, but Withers hasn’t released anything since 1985 (although we do see him collaborating with Cuban musician Raúl Midón and puttering around in a home studio filled with fancy high-tech equipment that he confesses he barely knows how to operate). Part of that is his unwillingness to let anyone, especially the meddling white record company execs he refers to as “experts,” tell him what to do. But mostly, Withers wasn’t driven to keep working and performing; music didn’t define him, and as we see him today (he turned 70 during the documentary production), he seems completely relaxed and at ease with his decision. Various friends and admirers, from Sting and Angélique Kidjo to Tavis Smiley, philosopher-author-activist Cornel West, and sports legends Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and Bernie Casey (the latter are seen in one of the bonus features), talk to and about Withers; we also hear from daughter Kori, herself a musician. But in the end, it’s all about the music, and the best bits are the generous live performances, many from TV appearances back in the day, in which Withers performs his songs. It’s a safe bet that anyone who doesn’t already own this music will hit the nearest download button after watching this delightful film. –
