About the song
“Everybody Loves Somebody” is a timeless classic that epitomizes the smooth charm of Dean Martin, an iconic figure in mid-20th-century music. Originally written in 1947 by Irving Taylor and pianist Ken Lane, the song saw its first notable recordings by Peggy Lee with Dave Barbour and Frank Sinatra. Despite these early attempts, neither version made a significant impact at the time.
The song’s enduring appeal was truly realized when Dean Martin recorded his version in 1964. At this point, Martin had not seen a Top 40 hit since 1958, and the music scene was dominated by the British Invasion, led by bands like The Beatles. Martin, who had been known for his crooning style and classic standards, was seen by many as a relic in a rapidly changing music landscape. Yet, with a mix of confidence and a touch of defiance, Martin approached the song with a relaxed, laid-back charm that resonated with listeners.
The recording session for “Everybody Loves Somebody” was somewhat serendipitous. While Martin was in the studio working on his “Dream with Dean” LP, pianist Ken Lane suggested the song as a last-minute addition. Martin, who had previously performed the song on radio shows in the late 1940s, agreed to give it another go. The resulting track, featuring a full orchestra and chorus, was a hit with both the label and audiences. The song’s success was so profound that Reprise Records decided to title Martin’s next album after it.
On August 15, 1964, “Everybody Loves Somebody” achieved what many thought impossible: it knocked The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” off the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also dominated the Pop-Standard Singles chart, where it held the No. 1 position for eight weeks. This triumph marked a significant comeback for Martin, reaffirming his place in the spotlight.
The song’s success was not fleeting. It became Martin’s signature tune, replacing “That’s Amore” in popular memory. It even served as the theme song for his television variety show from 1965 to 1974, further cementing its association with the entertainer. The song’s legacy endures, so much so that it is inscribed on Martin’s grave marker in Los Angeles.
In recognition of its enduring impact, the 1964 recording of “Everybody Loves Somebody” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. This accolade reflects not only the song’s historical significance but also its lasting charm, forever linked to the smooth, charismatic voice of Dean Martin.
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Lyrics
Everybody loves somebody sometime
Everybody falls in love somehow
Something in your kiss just told me
My sometime is now
Everybody finds somebody someplace
There’s no telling where love may appear
Something in my heart keeps saying
My someplace is here
If I had it in my power
I’d arrange for every girl to have your charms
Then every minute, every hour
Every boy would find what I found in your arms
Everybody loves somebody sometime
And although my dream was overdue
Your love made it well worth waiting
For someone like you
If I had it in my power
I would arrange for every girl to have your charms
Then every minute, every hour
Every boy would find what I found in your arms
Everybody loves somebody sometime
And although my dream was overdue
Your love made it well worth waiting
For someone like you
Everybody loves somebody sometime