The Love Story Behind The Iconic Song: Cupid by Sam Cooke
Introduction
Love is a powerful emotion that has been expressed in many forms of art throughout history. In music, love songs have always been a favorite among listeners. One of the most iconic love songs ever made is “Cupid” by Sam Cooke. This soulful classic has transcended generations and continues to inspire people to this day. In this article, we’ll be diving into the meaning behind the song and explore the story behind its creation.
The Story Behind The Song
“Cupid” was released in 1961 and written by Sam Cooke himself. As the story goes, Cooke was inspired to write this song after hearing a young child say the word “Cupid” at a family gathering. This innocent and pure origin of the song is said to have fueled the warmth and love captured in the lyrics.
Upon hearing the song, producer Hugo Peretti wanted to release it as soon as possible. However, Cooke’s record company RCA Victor was hesitant to release it as they believed that it was too different from the other music being produced at the time. Nevertheless, Cooke persisted, and the song was eventually released in December 1961.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
At its core, “Cupid” is about the power of love and the emotions that come with it. The song’s narrator asks Cupid, the Roman god of love, to shoot an arrow of love in his direction because he feels lonely and wants to find someone to share his life with. The lyrics are both simple and relatable, speaking directly to the hearts of the listeners.
The opening lines of the song set the tone and establish the narrator’s vulnerability:
“Cupid, draw back your bow
And let your arrow go
Straight to my lover’s heart for me”
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person desperately wanting to find love and expressing it in a way that connects with the listener. The chorus repeats the line “Cupid, please hear my cry” which highlights the narrator’s need for the love the god Cupid represents.
The song then takes a hopeful turn as the narrator expresses confidence that Cupid will answer his plea:
“Cupid, I have faith in you
That you’ll make him love me too”
The song ends on a high note, with the narrator expressing his joy about finding love:
“Oh, Cupid, Cupid, I’m calling
Don’t let me down”
Legacy and Impact
After its release, “Cupid” became an instant success and remains one of the most popular love songs of all time. The song has been covered by various artists such as The Supremes, Johnny Nash, and Amy Winehouse. It has also been used in various films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in popular culture.
But what makes “Cupid” such a timeless classic is its ability to capture the raw emotions of love in such a simple and relatable way. The lyrics of the song speak to anyone who has ever felt lonely and yearned for someone to share their life with.
In conclusion, “Cupid” by Sam Cooke is more than just a love song. It’s a masterpiece that speaks to the power of love and how it connects us all. The simplicity of the lyrics and the soulful melody have made it a classic that will likely be enjoyed for generations to come.
