The song "If You Treat Someone Right" by Gary Wright reflects on the idea that treating someone well does not necessarily guarantee a positive outcome. The lyrics express the belief that if you treat someone with kindness, respect, and love, you may still face hurt and disappointment in the end. The song begins with the repetition of the line "If you treat someone right, you won't get hurt in the end." However, as the lyrics progress, the artist explores different scenarios that contradict this belief. The first verse talks about a best friend who may unexpectedly say goodbye, causing the protagonist to experience sadness and tears. This illustrates that even if you treat someone well, they can still choose to leave or cause pain. The second verse discusses the idea of friendship and loyalty. It suggests that only during difficult times does one truly find out who their real friends are, as it is easy for people to stick around when things are going well. However, when the protagonist runs out of money or resources to lend, the friend may leave, proving that even good treatment doesn't ensure lasting loyalty. The chorus emphasizes the recurring theme that the more you treat someone right, the more potential there is to get hurt in the end. It highlights the artist's personal experiences of being hurt despite treating others with kindness. The bridge encourages the listener to question who will be there in times of sadness and tears, indicating that support and comfort may not always be available, regardless of how well someone has been treated. In the final repetition of the chorus, the phrase "If you treat someone right" is repeated multiple times, suggesting that even though it may not always lead to a positive outcome, treating others with kindness is still important and should be practiced. Overall, the song portrays the idea that treating someone right does not guarantee a pain-free experience and that hurt and disappointment can still occur despite good intentions. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the inherent risks involved in caring for others.
