About the song
“(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” is a memorable song by the Righteous Brothers, marking a significant moment in their career. Released in 1966, it was their first hit after departing from their long-time producer Phil Spector. The song was written by the talented songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who had previously collaborated with the Righteous Brothers on their hit “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”.
The song was released as the title track of the Righteous Brothers’ album and achieved impressive success. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three weeks, and also climbed to No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 3 single for the year 1966, underscoring its popularity and impact.
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil initially began writing the song during their successful period with Phil Spector, but it was shelved in favor of other projects. After the Righteous Brothers left Spector’s Philles Records and moved to the Verve label, Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers asked Mann and Weil to finish the song. With the addition of Jack Nitzsche’s arrangement and the use of session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, the final recording retained the rich, layered sound that fans loved.
Released on February 26, 1966, the song’s success was bolstered by its lush production, which included a prominent female backup choir and a string section. The song’s soulful and dynamic delivery helped it become a defining track of the era.
Throughout its history, “Soul and Inspiration” has seen various cover versions. Notably, in 1969, the Blossoms recorded a version with Bill Medley producing. The song has also been covered by artists across different genres, including reggae, pop, and country, with notable versions by the Oak Ridge Boys and Donny and Marie Osmond.
The song remains a cherished classic, reflecting the Righteous Brothers’ distinctive sound and the enduring appeal of their music. Its success and impact are a testament to the powerful combination of their vocal talents and the songwriting skills of Mann and Weil.
Video
Lyrics
Girl, I can’t let you do this
Let you walk away
Girl, how can I live through this?
When you’re all I wake up for each day, baby
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
I never had much going
But at least I had you
How can you walk out knowing
I ain’t got nothing left if you do, baby?
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
Oh, what good am I?
Baby, I can’t make it without you
And I’m, I’m telling you, honey
You’re my reason for laughing, for crying
For living and for dying
Baby, I can’t make it without you
Please, I’m begging you, baby
If you go, it will kill me, I swear it
Girl, I just can’t bear it
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
What good am I?
Mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)