About The Song
“I Want to Know What Love Is” is a power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner. The song was released as a single in 1984 and is one of the band’s most iconic and successful tracks. Here are some detailed insights into the song:
Background:
- Release Date: The single was released on November 13, 1984.
- Album: “I Want to Know What Love Is” is part of the album “Agent Provocateur,” which was released in 1984.
Songwriting and Composition:
- Writers: The song was written by Mick Jones, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for Foreigner.
- Genre: It falls under the genre of rock and power ballad.
- Influence: The composition of the song incorporates elements of gospel music, giving it a soulful and emotional quality.
Chart Performance:
- Success: The song was a massive commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- Global Impact: It also achieved chart-topping success in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and more.
Musical Features:
- Orchestration: The song features a prominent orchestral arrangement, including a choir, which contributes to its grand and epic sound.
- Instrumentation: The use of synthesizers, electric guitars, and a soulful saxophone solo adds to the overall richness of the musical arrangement.
Impact and Legacy:
- Cultural Impact: “I Want to Know What Love Is” has become an enduring classic and is often regarded as one of the greatest power ballads of all time.
- Cover Versions: The song has been covered by various artists across different genres, further solidifying its lasting influence.
Music Video:
- Concept: The music video for the song features the band performing in a darkened room, interspersed with scenes of a choir and various symbolic imagery.
- Director: The video was directed by Julien Temple.
Legacy:
- Enduring Popularity: Even decades after its release, the song continues to be a staple on classic rock radio stations and is frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
- Recognition: It has received numerous accolades and is often cited as one of the greatest love songs in the history of popular music.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” remains a timeless anthem that resonates with listeners around the world, capturing the universal theme of love and human connection.
Video
Lyrics
“I Want To Know What Love Is”
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m olderNow this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colderIn my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I’m gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me
In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
I can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me
Let’s talk about love
I wanna know what love is, the love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and I’m feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, no, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeah
I wanna know what love is, let’s talk about love
I want you to show me, I wanna feel it too
I wanna feel what love is, I want to feel it too
And I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah
I wanna know what love is…