Song of the day: “If It’s Really Got To Be This Way” by Arthur Alexander (1993)

1993 Image from Wikipedia

Arthur Alexander is the best rhythm and blues singer/songwriter you’ve (probably) never heard of. He’s the only artist to have songs covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan. Plus Marshall Crenshaw, Randy Newman, Pearl Jam, George Jones, Robert Plant, Otis Redding, and Ike and Tina Turner.

Arthur was a natural, a self-taught musician who created classic R&B songs almost out of thin air. In 1993, after several years away, he was on a comeback with a new album when he suffered a fatal heart attack.

This song was on his comeback album.

If it’s really got to be this way
I can take it, I know
I’ll just carry on day to day
Until I make it on my own

I’ll cry, but I’ll get by
And I’ll forgive you, girl, by and by
And I’ll forget you someday
If it’s really got to be this way

If this is what you think you need
Then go ahead, girl, and do it
It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me
But if it’s what you want, I’ll live through it

I’ll cry, but I’ll get by
And I’ll forgive you, girl, by and by
And I’ll forget you someday
If it’s really got to be this way

In my heart
There’ll always be a place for you
In my heart
I will always believe
We could’ve made it, you and me

I’ll cry, but I’ll get by
And I’ll forgive you, girl, by and by
And I’ll forget you someday
If it’s really got to be this way