Patti LaBelle - If You Asked Me To Lyrics
Lyrics
Used to be that I believed in something
Used to be that I believe in love
It's been a long time since I've had that feeling
I could love someone
I could trust someone
I said I'd never let nobody near my heart again, darlin'
I said I'd never let nobody in
But if you asked me to
I just might change my mind
And let you in my life forever
If you asked me to
I just might give my heart
And stay here in your arms forever
If you asked me to
If you asked me to
Somehow ever since I've been around you
Can't go back to being on my own
Can't help feeling, darlin', since I've found you
That I've found my home
That I'm finally home
I said I'd never let nobody get too close to me, darlin'
I said I needed, needed to be free
But if you asked me to
I just might change my mind
And let you in my life forever
If you asked me to
I just might give my heart
And stay here in your arms forever
If you...
Ask me to and I will give my world to you baby
I need you now
Ask me to and I'll do anything for you baby
For you baby
If you asked me to
I'd let you in my life forever
All you gotta do is ask me to...
Video
Patti LaBelle - If You Asked Me To (Official Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Patti LaBelle's "If You Asked Me To," released in its official video form on December 25, 2009, resonates with a profound message of unwavering devotion and selfless commitment, a sentiment deeply rooted in timeless spiritual truths. While not explicitly a Gospel song in genre, its exploration of love's ultimate sacrifice echoes the very essence of Christ's teachings on agape love. The narrative woven through the song paints a vivid picture of a love so powerful that it transcends personal comfort and potential hardship, willing to face any challenge if called upon by the beloved. This selfless posture is remarkably aligned with the biblical call to love our neighbors as ourselves, and indeed, to love even our enemies, as demonstrated by Jesus’ own life and ministry.
The song’s core message is one of absolute willingness to serve and sacrifice, embodying a love that is active and giving. This ideal finds a powerful parallel in the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Philippians 2:3-4, which encourages believers to "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." LaBelle's performance imbues this sentiment with an inspiring intensity, conveying that such a commitment is not a burden but a privilege born from a deep wellspring of affection. It speaks to a love that is not conditional but rather a steadfast anchor, much like God’s enduring faithfulness described throughout Scripture.
Consider the courage required to pledge such unconditional support. It mirrors the faith required to step out in obedience, trusting in a divine plan even when the path is unclear. When LaBelle sings of facing any trial, she channels the spirit of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This song, therefore, serves as a beautiful secular reflection of a divine principle: that true love finds its greatest expression in the willingness to give and to do, even at great personal cost, for the sake of another. It is a testament to the transformative power of love that, when fully embraced, can inspire extraordinary acts of courage and devotion.