About the song
“Unchained Melody” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend genres, languages, and generations. Born from the 1955 prison film of the same name, this emotional ballad has captivated listeners for over six decades, solidifying its place as a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century.
The song’s origins are steeped in collaboration. Composer Alex North, drawing on a melody he’d written years earlier, crafted the music as a theme for the film. Lyricist Hy Zaret, initially hesitant, eventually partnered with North to weave a tale of longing and unwavering love, despite the absence of the word “unchained” in the lyrics themselves. The song’s title likely arose from the film’s subject matter, but the emotional core resonated far beyond the prison walls.
“Unchained Melody” took the world by storm in 1955. Several versions, including those by Les Baxter, Al Hibbler, and Roy Hamilton, achieved chart success in the United States and the United Kingdom. This early popularity established the song as a classic, with each rendition adding a unique layer of interpretation.
The song’s impact transcended its initial chart success. In 1965, The Righteous Brothers’ rendition, featuring Bobby Hatfield’s now-iconic solo, propelled “Unchained Melody” to even greater heights. This version, with its raw emotional power, became the definitive version for many, even influencing subsequent covers. The song’s resurgence in popularity thanks to its inclusion in the 1990 film “Ghost” solidified its status as a timeless classic.
“Unchained Melody” holds a Guinness World Record for being the only song to reach number one in the UK with four different recordings. This remarkable feat speaks volumes about the song’s adaptability and universal appeal. From the soulful interpretations of artists like Al Hibbler to the operatic grandeur of Josh Groban’s rendition, “Unchained Melody” continues to inspire new interpretations while retaining its core message of love and longing.
“Unchained Melody” is a song for all ages. Its simple yet evocative melody and relatable lyrics resonate with listeners experiencing love, loss, and the yearning for connection. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to transport us, to evoke a spectrum of emotions, and to remind us of the universal language of love that transcends time and circumstance. It is a timeless melody, forever etched in the hearts of music lovers around the world.
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Lyrics
Woah, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea, yeah
Lonely rivers sigh
“Wait for me, wait for me”
I’ll be coming home, wait for me
Woah, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered, hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me