Long John Baldry & Bobbie Gentry perform You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (1968)

About the song

A Timeless Classic: Long John Baldry and Bobbie Gentry’s “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, a timeless masterpiece co-written by the iconic songwriting trio of Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil, has been interpreted by countless artists over the years. However, the rendition by the soulful duo of Long John Baldry and Bobbie Gentry offers a unique and poignant perspective on this classic ballad.

Released in 1965, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a staple of the British Invasion era. Baldry’s deep, resonant voice and Gentry’s soulful harmonies create a captivating blend that perfectly complements the song’s melancholic tone. The lyrics, which explore the pain of a fading relationship, are both relatable and evocative, making the song a timeless anthem of heartbreak.

The track’s arrangement is equally noteworthy. The lush orchestration, featuring strings, horns, and a prominent bassline, creates a rich and immersive sonic landscape. The wall of sound production style, pioneered by Phil Spector, gives the song a grand and dramatic feel, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Baldry and Gentry’s version of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting. The song’s ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level has ensured its place in the music canon. While it may have been released over half a century ago, the message of the song remains as relevant today as ever.

Key elements that contribute to the song’s enduring appeal include:

• Universal themes: The song explores themes of love, loss, and longing, which are universal experiences that resonate with people from all walks of life.
• Memorable melody: The catchy melody is easy to remember and hum along to, making it a truly earworm.
• Soulful vocals: Baldry and Gentry’s powerful and emotive vocals bring the lyrics to life and help to convey the song’s emotional depth.
• Rich orchestration: The lush arrangement adds to the song’s grandeur and drama.

In conclusion, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by Long John Baldry and Bobbie Gentry is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today. Its combination of heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and lush orchestration has ensured its place in the pantheon of great songs.

Video

Lyrics

You never close your eyes
Anymore when I kiss your lips
There’s no tenderness
Like before in your fingertips

It makes me just
Feel like crying (oh, baby)
Cause, baby, something
Beautiful’s dying

You’ve lost that loving feeling
Oh, that loving feeling
You’ve lost that loving feeling
Now it’s gone, gone, gone
Oh, oh, oh

Now there’s no welcome look
In your eyes when I reach by you
Now you’ve started to criticize
Every little thing I do

You’re trying hard
Not to show it (oh, baby)
But, baby, baby, I know it

You’ve lost that loving feeling
Oh, that loving feeling
You’ve lost that loving feeling
Now it’s gone, gone, gone
Oh, oh, oh

Baby, baby, I get right
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 darling, darling, darling
Don’t throw our love away
No, no, no, no

Well, I said
Baby (baby) baby (baby)
Well, baby (baby) oh, baby

(Bring it on, baby)
I’ll bring it on back, child
(Just bring it on back to me)
I’ll bring it on back now
(Bring it on back to me)
I said I’ll bring it on back
(Well, bring it on, bring it on)
I’ll bring it on back now (yeah)

Bring back that loving feeling
Oh, that loving feeling
Bring back that loving feeling
Now it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Bring back that loving feeling
Oh, that loving feeling
Bring back that loving feeling
Now it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on
And I can’t go on
And I can’t go on