The Meaning Behind The Song: I’ll Never Fall In Love Again by Tom Jones
“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” is a popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, performed by iconic Welsh singer, Tom Jones. The song was first released by Dionne Warwick in 1969 as a single and then later reinterpreted by Tom Jones in 1969. The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s lyrics describe a declaration of abstaining from falling in love ever again by someone who has had their heart broken before. In general, the lyrics suggest that love is not worth the emotional pain and disappointment that comes with it.
While the song’s lyrics present this message, the underlying theme is much deeper. The songwriters are suggesting that love is not a rational emotion. Rather, it is mysterious, capricious and difficult to analyze. One cannot predict where love will take them, nor can they control it. Love can bring one the greatest joy and also inflict the deepest wounds.
Burt Bacharach & Hal David
Burt Bacharach is an American pianist, composer, and record producer, who was one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. He wrote over 70 top 40 hits and has won three Academy Awards for his work in the film industry. Hal David was an American lyrist also known for his work with Bacharach. The two men created some of the most memorable songs of the 1960s and 1970s, cementing their place in popular music history.
Tom Jones
Tom Jones is a Welsh singer whose career has spanned across six decades. He is famous for hits such as “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?” and “She’s A Lady.” Jones has sold over 100 million records, making him one of the best-selling and most popular singers of all time.
Important Themes
The song has several important themes that can be gleaned from its lyrics.
The Nature of Love
The song suggests that love can be unpredictable and capricious, causing some to swear off the emotion forever.
The Power of Heartbreak
The song implies that heartbreak can be so devastating it can cause someone to never fall in love again.
The Fear of Vulnerability
The song also suggests the fear of being vulnerable with another person can cause individuals to abstain from any relationships, leaving them to avoid pain and disappointments.
FAQs
What inspired Bacharach & David to write “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again?”
The lyrics of the song were inspired by the heartbreaks and lost loves in the lives of the songwriters. Bacharach and David’s music often portrayed raw emotions and sentiments that people could relate to, and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” is no exception.
Who first performed the song?
Dionne Warwick first released the song in 1969 as a single on her album, “Make Way for Dionne Warwick.”
How did Tom Jones’ version become so famous?
Tom Jones’ version did well on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100, which helped establish it as a popular hit that people remember to this day.
What’s the impact of the song in popular culture?
The song has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has been used in films like “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
What other songs did Bacharach and David write?
Bacharach and David wrote many other popular songs, including “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” “Walk On By,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” and “Alfie.”
Are there any covers or remixes of the song?
Yes, there have been several covers and remixes of the song, including a version by Barbra Streisand, a Latin style cover by Tito Puente, and a disco remix by Barry Manilow.
What’s the significance of the lyrics to the song?
The lyrics show the emotional scars that a person carries after being hurt in love. The line “what do you get when you fall in love?” implies that love is not always a good thing and can be painful.
What’s the importance of the song in Tom Jones’s career?
“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” was one of Tom Jones’s biggest hits. The song helped Jones’s career continue to grow, and solidified him as one of the leading pop music stars of the time.
What’s the meaning behind the metaphor “cupids arrow?”
“Cupid’s Arrow” is a reference to the Roman God Cupid’s weapon of choice – his bow and arrow. The metaphor refers to the feeling of being struck by love.
What’s the historical significance of the song?
“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” was released at a time of great cultural and social change around the world. The 1960s and 1970s were a time of revolution and rebellion against traditional values. The song reflected this feeling of disillusionment with the idea of romance.
Why is Tom Jones such a beloved figure in music history?
Tom Jones is considered a legend in British music history due to his passion, range, and charisma as a performer. Known for his powerful voice, he has been able to transcend generational boundaries and remains popular to this day.
What message does “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” convey about love?
The song implies that love is a risky business and that one is better off avoiding it altogether. However, the reality is that love can be a beautiful and life-changing experience if given a chance.
What is the most memorable line in the song?
One of the most memorable lines from the song is “What do you get when you kiss a guy? You get enough germs to catch pneumonia.” The phrase is potent and playful, adding a bit of wit to the otherwise serious subject matter.
What other artists covered the song?
Johnny Mathis, Dionne Warwick, Isaac Hayes, and Dusty Springfield are among the notable musicians who covered the song.
