Elvis Presley – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

Introduction:

Though not released until 1970, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ was actually recorded by Elvis Presley several years earlier in 1968. The song marked a departure from Presley’s rock and roll roots, leaning more towards a rhythm and blues ballad. This shift reflected the musical trends of the late 1960s and Elvis’s desire to broaden his appeal.

The song wasn’t written by Presley himself, but by the legendary songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller**. Leiber and Stoller were renowned for crafting numerous hits throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including classics for artists like The Coasters and The Drifters**. They are particularly well-known for their distinctive songwriting style, which often blended humor and social commentary with infectious rhythms and catchy melodies**. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ perfectly exemplifies this approach, conveying a sense of desperation and longing for a lost love through evocative lyrics and a powerful vocal performance by Presley.

Production duties for You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ were handled by Phil Spector**. Spector, famous for his “Wall of Sound” production technique**, created a lush and dramatic backdrop for Presley’s vocals. The song features a full orchestra alongside rhythm guitar, bass, drums, and prominent backing vocals**. Spector’s production elevated You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ from a simple ballad to a powerful emotional experience**.

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ was a commercial success upon its release in 1970. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and remained there for eight weeks**. It also topped charts in the United Kingdom and Canada**. The song’s enduring popularity is further cemented by its numerous cover versions by a wide range of artists. From Righteous Brothers to Hall & Oates, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ has been reinterpreted and reintroduced to new audiences for decades**.

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility as a singer and his willingness to adapt to the changing musical landscape**. The song’s success demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences even as his musical style evolved**. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ remains an iconic song in the Elvis Presley catalog and a beloved classic among fans of rhythm and blues and soul music**.

Video:

Lyrics:

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
There’s no tenderness like before in you fingertips
You’re trying hard not to show it (baby)
But, baby, baby, I know it

You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, oh, that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, now it’s gone, gone, gone

There’s no tenderness in your eyes when I reach out for you
Girl, you’re starting to criticize every little thing I do
It makes me just feel like crying (baby)
‘Cause baby, something beautiful’s dying

You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, oh, that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, now it’s gone, gone, gone

Baby, baby, I’d get down on my knees for you (that’s how much I love you)
(That’s how much I love you, sweet baby)
If you would only love me like you used to do (that’s how much I love you)
(That’s how much I love you, sweet baby)
We had a love, love, a love you don’t find every day
(Oh, no, you don’t find it every day, now)
So don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t take it away
Listen to me talkin’ to you

Bring back that lovin’ feelin, oh, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin, now it’s gone, gone, gone

And I can’t go on
(You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, you’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’)