About the song
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Born in 1964 from the collaborative efforts of songwriter trio Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil, this soulful ballad quickly rose to fame, becoming a defining moment for both the artists and the burgeoning “Wall of Sound” production technique.
The song’s origins lie in a desire to push boundaries. Spector, already established for his work with African-American artists, sought a white vocal act. The Righteous Brothers, known for their blue-eyed soul style, fit the bill perfectly. Mann and Weil, tasked with crafting a song for the duo, drew inspiration from a rising R&B ballad and crafted a powerful message of lost love.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” wasn’t an immediate hit. Its unusual length and Spector’s innovative production, featuring layers of instrumentation and dramatic vocals, raised eyebrows. Radio stations initially balked, questioning its speed and overall length. However, the song’s emotional resonance and undeniable power won over audiences and critics alike.
The Righteous Brothers’ recording, particularly Bill Medley’s deep baritone and Bobby Hatfield’s soaring vocals, became the definitive version. Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique, with its lush orchestration and dramatic effects, further elevated the song, creating a sonic tapestry that perfectly complemented the lyrics. The song’s impact transcended borders, topping charts in both the US and the UK, and becoming the only single to ever enter the UK Top Ten on three separate occasions.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” has been covered countless times by artists across genres, a testament to its enduring appeal. From Cilla Black’s soulful rendition to Hall and Oates’ upbeat version, the song continues to inspire new interpretations. Its accolades are numerous, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognition as one of the “Songs of the Century,” and a place on the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” is more than just a song about lost love; it’s a timeless melody that speaks to the universal human emotions of longing, desire, and the yearning for connection. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to transport us, to evoke a spectrum of emotions, and to remind us of the power of music to transcend time and circumstance.
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Lyrics
You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
And there’s no tenderness like before in your fingertips
You’re trying hard not to show it
But baby, baby I know it
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh
Now there’s no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you
And now you’re starting to criticize little things I do
It makes me just feel like crying
‘Cause baby, something beautiful’s dyin’
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh
Baby, baby, I’d get down on my knees for you
If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah
We had a love, a love, a love you don’t find everyday
So don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t let it slip away
Baby, baby, baby, baby
I beg you please, please, please, please
I need your love, need your love
I need your love, I need your love
So bring it on back, so bring it on back
Bring it on back, bring it on back
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on, whoa-oh
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone