About the song
“Love Potion No. 9” by The Searchers is a delightful and whimsical song that has charmed audiences since its release in the mid-1960s. Originally written by the prolific songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song was first recorded by The Clovers in 1959. However, it was The Searchers’ 1964 rendition that brought the song to new heights of popularity, becoming a standout hit during the British Invasion era.
The Searchers’ version of “Love Potion No. 9” is featured on their album “Meet The Searchers,” which helped cement the band’s reputation as one of the leading acts of the British Invasion. With its catchy melody, infectious beat, and humorous lyrics, the song tells the story of a young man who seeks the help of a gypsy to find love, only to experience some unexpected and magical consequences after taking a mysterious love potion.
Upon its release, The Searchers’ “Love Potion No. 9” became a significant hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s success in America helped the band gain a substantial following across the Atlantic, contributing to the global spread of the British Invasion phenomenon. In the UK, the song also enjoyed popularity, although it did not chart as highly as in the U.S.
The Searchers’ rendition of “Love Potion No. 9” is characterized by its jangly guitar sound, tight harmonies, and upbeat tempo. These elements, combined with the playful lyrics, make it a memorable and enjoyable listen that continues to captivate audiences today. The song’s lighthearted narrative and catchy chorus have ensured its place as a classic, frequently covered by other artists and featured in various films and television shows over the years.
For fans of The Searchers and the British Invasion era, “Love Potion No. 9” remains a beloved classic that showcases the band’s ability to blend humor and pop sensibility with their distinct musical style. Whether you’re revisiting this timeless hit or hearing it for the first time, “Love Potion No. 9” is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you of the magic of 1960s rock and roll.
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Lyrics
I took my troubles down to Madame Rue
You know that gypsy with the gold-capped tooth
She’s got a pad down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
Selling little bottles of Love Potion Number Nine
I told her that I was a flop with chics
I’ve been this way since 1956
She looked at my palm and she made a magic sign
She said “What you need is Love Potion Number Nine”
She bent down and turned around and gave me a wink
She said “I’m gonna make it up right here in the sink”
It smelled like turpentine, it looked like Indian ink
I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink
I didn’t know if it was day or night
I started kissing everything in sight
But when I kissed a cop down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
He broke my little bottle of Love Potion Number Nine
I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink
I didn’t know if it was day or night
I started kissin’ everything in sight
But when I kissed a cop down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
He broke my little bottle of Love Potion Number Nine
Love Potion Number Nine
Love Potion Number Nine
Love Potion Number Nine