The Meaning Behind The Song: Never My Love by The Association
The Association’s hit song “Never My Love” is one of the most covered songs of all time, having been recorded by over 400 artists and placed on numerous soundtracks and commercials. Though the song was released over five decades ago, it’s still relevant today and resonates with people all over the world.
The writer and lead singer of the song, Don Addrisi, was going through a difficult phase in his life when he wrote this song. He was going through a divorce and had lost his mother. What he experienced gave life to this song that has managed to touch hearts for generations.
The Story Behind The Song
Don Addrisi had this to say about his experience of writing the song, “When I wrote that song, I was going through a divorce. I had lost my mother. I was selling my house. I felt like everything was happening at once. But at the same time, I was falling in love with the woman who would become my wife and the mother of my children. The song came out of that duality. It was a very personal song. I never thought it would become so popular.”
It was the summer of 1967 when The Association entered the studio to record “Never My Love” which has now become an anthem of love. It immediately caught on and climbed the charts, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the United States, staying there for three weeks behind Lulu’s “To Sir, with Love.”
The song’s impact on the music industry and culture generally was enormous. It’s a song that anyone who has ever been in love can easily relate to. The lyrics are quite simple, yet so powerful they stay with you long after you hear it.
The Lyrics of “Never My Love”
“Never my love,
You belong to me.
I could never love another,
As you belong to me.”
The lyrics of the song are short, sweet, and straight to the point. That simplicity is what made it so popular and relatable. Anyone who has been in a romantic relationship can relate to these lines.
The Success of “Never My Love”
“Never My Love” was a major hit the moment it was released. It skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the United States, staying there for three weeks in the Fall of 1967. Since then, it has been covered countless times by artists in various genres, from Andy Williams and Ray Charles to The Fifth Dimension and Linda Ronstadt.
Johnny Rivers’ rendition of the song reached number 56 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973, and later that year, Blue Swede also reached number 7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with their cover of the song.
Jimmy Webb, a celebrated songwriter with classic songs to his credit such as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “Wichita Lineman,” praised “Never My Love” as “the greatest love song of all time.”
The Legacy of “Never My Love”
The song has maintained its strength for half a century, inspiring young lovers and initiating waves of nostalgia for previous generations. As such, it has been included in numerous soundtracks and commercials, cementing its importance in the history of American pop music.
Moreover, it has won numerous awards, including one from BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) that recognized it as being one of the most played songs in the history of American music.
FAQs
1. Who has covered the song “Never My Love”?
Since its release, “Never My Love” has been covered by over 400 artists in various genres of music. These include Andy Williams, The Fifth Dimension, Ray Charles, and Linda Ronstadt.
2. What kind of song is “Never My Love”?
“Never My Love” is a love song that was written and composed by Don Addrisi of The Association. It was released in 1967 and has since become a classic.
3. What is the impact of “Never My Love” on popular culture?
“Never My Love” is one of the most prominent love songs of all time. It has been used in numerous soundtracks and commercials and has won various awards.
4. Who is the original singer of “Never My Love”?
Don Addrisi is the writer and original singer of “Never My Love” for The Association.
5. What inspired Don Addrisi to write “Never My Love”?
Don Addrisi was going through a difficult period in his life, going through a divorce and losing his mother, when he wrote “Never My Love”. However, he also found love during this time with a woman who later became his wife and the mother of his children.
6. How long did “Never My Love” stay at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart?
“Never My Love” stayed at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks in 1967.
7. Which artist covered “Never My Love” in 1973?
In 1973, Johnny Rivers covered “Never My Love” and his rendition reached number 56 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
8. How many awards has “Never My Love” won?
“Never My Love” has won various awards, including recognition from BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) as being one of the most played songs in the history of American music.
9. Who has called “Never My Love” “the greatest love song of all time”?
Jimmy Webb, a highly acclaimed songwriter who has composed classic songs such as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “Wichita Lineman,” has referred to “Never My Love” as “the greatest love song of all time.”
10. What is the significance of “Never My Love” in popular music history?
“Never My Love” is regarded as one of the most significant love songs in popular music history, having been covered over 400 times in various genres of music and won multiple awards.
11. What is Don Addrisi’s legacy as a songwriter?
Don Addrisi is a celebrated writer and composer of classic love songs. “Never My Love” is just one of his many masterpieces. He continues to write songs to this day.
12. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Never My Love”?
The song’s lyrics are quite straightforward. The narrator is telling the love of his life that she belongs to him and that he could never love anyone else. These words express the depth of his love, which is unwavering.
