About the song

Ah, yes, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by the legendary Righteous Brothers. Released in 1964, this song is not simply a pop tune; it’s a cultural touchstone, a timeless lament about a love fading away.

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Penned by the songwriting trio of Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil, the song perfectly captures the yearning and desperation of a love on the rocks. Spector, often referred to as the “architect of sound,” was a pioneer of Wall of Sound production, a technique that layered instruments and vocals to create a dense, dramatic soundscape. This technique is evident in “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” where the soaring vocals of the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, are backed by a lush orchestra that swells and recedes with the emotional tide of the song.

The brilliance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” lies in its universality. The lyrics, though simple and direct, transcend age, background, and musical preference. Lines like “Woah, do I see a vision in the night? / But you don’t even turn on the light ” paint a picture of a relationship that has grown distant and cold. The singer feels invisible, a ghost in his own home. The repeated refrain, “You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, that lovin’ feelin’, oh that lovin’ feelin’ you had for me,” is a desperate plea for a spark to reignite the flame.

This song wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a commercial juggernaut. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US and the UK, becoming the Righteous Brothers’ signature song and one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” has been covered by countless artists across genres, from soul singers like Luther Vandross to pop icons like Hall & Oates, further solidifying its place in the musical pantheon.

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But what truly elevates “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” is the sheer vocal prowess of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. Medley’s smooth baritone lays the groundwork for the emotional turmoil, while Hatfield’s soaring tenor explodes with frustration and longing in the choruses. Their call-and-response delivery adds a layer of dramatic tension, mirroring the push-and-pull of a failing relationship.

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” is more than just a song; it’s a potent cocktail of heartbreak, desperation, and a flicker of hope. It’s a reminder that love, even the strongest kind, can fade. But within its melancholic core lies a sliver of possibility, a plea for reconnection that resonates with anyone who has ever loved and lost. So, put on this classic track, crank up the volume, and let the Righteous Brothers guide you through the emotional rollercoaster of a love on the brink.

Video

Lyrics

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”

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’
Oh, that lovin’ feeling
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone, oh, oh, oh

No there’s no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you
And girl, you’re starting to criticize little things I do
Ooh, it makes me just feel like cryin’
‘Cause baby, something beautiful’s dying

You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Oh, that lovin’ feeling
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone, oh, oh, oh

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Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you
(Get down on my knees)
If you would only love me like you used to do
(If you would only love me, love me)
We had a love, a love, a love you don’t find every day
(A love you don’t find)
So don’t, don’t, don’t let it slip away (Away)
I said, baby, baby, baby, baby
(I’m beggin’ you, please) I’m beggin’ you, please
I need your love (I need your love)
I need your love
So bring it on back (Bring it on back)
Now bring it on back
Now bring it on back

You’ve got to bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Oh, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on, oh, oh, oh

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Oh, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Oh, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Oh, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone