Song Meaning
The narrator's baby is all about the material world, dreaming of mansions and diamond rings. But the narrator, a self-proclaimed "natural born lover," offers a different kind of wealth. It's a direct challenge, a playful but pointed question: which kind of partner would you rather have? The lyrics set up a clear contrast between material possessions and genuine affection.
The central tension lies in the baby's desire for superficial luxuries versus the narrator's intrinsic, perhaps more soulful, qualities. The narrator dismisses the value of "all those luxuries," insisting that what they offer – being a "real good man" and a "real gone lover" – is superior. This isn't just about lacking material goods; it's about prioritizing different values in a relationship.
The repeated phrase "natural born lover" acts as the narrator's core identity and their primary offering. It's contrasted with the baby's materialistic desires, suggesting a fundamental difference in what each person seeks. The lyrics repeatedly ask, "Which one of us would you rather," forcing a choice between two distinct relationship models.
This song hits hard because it frames love and partnership as a choice between tangible wealth and intangible connection. The narrator's confidence in their own worth as a lover, despite lacking material possessions, makes their argument compelling. It’s a declaration that true value might not be found in a big fine car, but in the heart of a "natural born lover."