Bobby Womack Was So Disrespectful He Wrote A Song "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much" A Decade After Being With Sam Cooke's Wife

Soul legend Bobby Womack is remembered for his raw voice, timeless songwriting, and undeniable musical genius—but he was also known for controversy. And one of the most shocking chapters in his life centers around his relationship with Sam Cooke’s wife… and the song he wrote years later that many fans still view as incredibly disrespectful.

After Sam Cooke’s tragic death in 1964, Womack—who was like a younger brother to Cooke—made a move that stunned the music world. Not long after the funeral, Bobby married Barbara Cooke, Sam’s widow. The relationship caused immediate backlash, including from Cooke’s family and fans who felt betrayed. The move damaged Womack’s reputation for years.

But what made the situation even more jaw-dropping is what happened a decade later. In 1985, Womack released the now-infamous song “I Wish He Didn’t Trust Me So Much.” In the track, he sings from the perspective of a man struggling with the guilt of being desired by (or involved with) the woman of a close friend—a theme that hit way too close to home.

Many listeners couldn’t help but connect the lyrics to Womack’s past with Sam Cooke’s wife. Even if Womack claimed the song was fictional or artistically inspired, the timing and message made it feel personal. To fans, it sounded like he was revisiting the betrayal that had already caused decades of controversy.

Whether the track was intentional or not, it added another layer to Bobby Womack’s complicated legacy. It showcased his fearless honesty and storytelling ability, but it also reopened wounds tied to one of the most scandalous moments in soul music history.

Bobby Womack was a once-in-a-generation talent—brilliant, bold, and deeply flawed. And “I Wish He Didn’t Trust Me So Much” remains one of the most unforgettable examples of the complicated man behind the music.