Bill Withers – “Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?” (1972)

“Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?” is a soulful and introspective track by Bill Withers, released on his 1972 album Still Bill. Known for his rich, emotive voice and poignant songwriting, Withers crafted this song as a sharp reflection on jealousy, suspicion, and betrayal in a relationship.

The song features a funky bassline, tight drums, and Withers’ signature smooth and soulful vocals. Musically, it carries a groove that’s both understated and tense, perfectly complementing the lyrical content. The song has an unmistakable feeling of growing doubt and mistrust, intensified by Withers’ delivery and the minimalistic, yet highly effective instrumentation.

Lyrically, “Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?” tells the story of a man who suspects his partner is involved with someone else. The lyrics are filled with a quiet intensity and controlled emotion as Withers expresses his discomfort and the awkwardness of the situation: “A man we passed just tried to stare me down / And when I looked at you, you looked at the ground.” The song explores the feeling of insecurity and the slow realization that something isn’t right in the relationship, with the title line asking the core question: “Who is he, and what is he to you?”

The track has been widely regarded as one of Bill Withers’ most captivating songs, combining soulful emotion with a deeply relatable narrative. It’s a prime example of his ability to convey complex feelings with simplicity and raw honesty, characteristics that made him one of the most respected singer-songwriters of his era.