About the song
“The Love I Lost” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes stands as a seminal track in the history of disco and R&B music. Originally penned as a soulful ballad by Philly soul legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the song underwent a transformation into a vibrant funk-infused anthem upon its release from the album “Black & Blue” in late 1973. Featuring the soulful vocals of Teddy Pendergrass and anchored by the rhythmic prowess of drummer Earl Young, the song quickly gained popularity, selling over a million copies and solidifying its place as a disco classic.
The track’s significance extends beyond its initial success, marking an early example of the disco genre. It played a crucial role in defining disco as a distinct style, blending traditional rhythm and blues with infectious dance beats that would dominate the airwaves in the years to come.
In 1993, “The Love I Lost” received a fresh interpretation when American R&B and pop singer Sybil collaborated with British DJ and producer West End (Eddie Gordon) to release a high-energy cover version. Produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman, known for their work with artists like Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, Sybil’s rendition infused the classic with a contemporary pop and garage sound, earning praise for her soulful and commanding vocals.
Critics lauded Sybil’s cover for its vibrant energy and seamless transition from Philly soul to commercial garage, noting its appeal across both urban and pop audiences. The track became a significant hit, reaching number 18 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and peaking at number three in the United Kingdom, where it enjoyed extensive airplay and club success.
Beyond its commercial achievements, “The Love I Lost” remains a favorite among DJs and remixers in the 21st century. Renowned figures like Tom Moulton, Theo Parrish, and Dimitri From Paris have crafted extended re-edits, further cementing the song’s enduring influence and adaptability in contemporary dance music scenes.
“The Love I Lost” continues to resonate as a cornerstone of disco history, celebrated for its infectious grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and enduring appeal across generations. Its legacy as a dancefloor anthem and cultural touchstone underscores its timeless relevance in the realm of popular music.
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Lyrics
The love I lost
Was a sweet love
The love I lost
Was complete love
The love I lost
I will never, no, no never
Love again
I can remember planning
Building my whole world around you
I can remember hoping
That you and I could make it on through
But something went wrong
We loved each other
We just couldn’t get along
Take a good look at me
I’m in misery, can’t you see?
The love I lost (the love, the love, the love, the love, the love, the love)
Was a sweet love (yes it was)
The love I lost
Was complete love
The love I lost
I will never (never), no, no, never (never)
Love again
I can’t remember nothing, no, no, no
But the good times we used to share, my love
I’m so sad and lonely
But without you, my life is so dead
I’m sorry to say
You go your way and I’ll go my way
It hurts deep inside
The day we said goodbye, but the love
The love I lost (the love, the love, the love I lost)
Was a sweet love
The love I lost
Was complete love
The love I lost
I will never (never), no, no never
Love again (I will never, never, never love again)
Never (never) no, no, never (never)
Love again (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Never (never) no, no, never (never)
Love again (oh)
Never, no, no, never
Love again (never, never)
Never, no, no, never (never)
Love again (love, love, love, love, love, love, love)
Never (love, love, love, love, love, love, love)
There was good love (I lost it)
She was a sweet love (sorry I lost it)
I thought I had you right here in my hands (but I lost it)
I thought I had you all to myself (sorry I lost it)
I can realize (I lost it)
I ain’t realize and I ain’t prepared (sorry I lost it)
But come on back home (I lost it)
Yeah, come on back home, baby (sorry I lost it)
Come on back home, baby (I lost it)
Oh Lord, come on back home, baby (sorry I lost it)
Ah, I wanna know what you’ve been doing, baby (I lost it)
I’ve been thinking ’bout you (sorry, I lost it)
What about you, I’ve been wanting where you are (I lost it)
What you’ve been doing? (Sorry, I lost it)
Won’t you forgive me, babe (I lost it)
Babe, I got down on my head to knees (sorry, I lost it)
I’m begging you please, won’t you take me back? (I lost it)
Take me back, take me back (sorry, I lost it)
Yeah hey, yeah, yeah, my Lord (I lost it)
‘Cause you are the sweet love (sorry, I lost it)
I wanna say to anybody out there to feel the life
The way I do that you lost it
Has anybody out there lost someone?
Said they kinda meant the world to you
I said stand out there and sing along let me show ’em
Sing it, y’all (I lost it)
Sing it, y’all (sorry, I lost it)
Sing it, y’all (I lost it)
Sing it, y’all (sorry, I lost it)
Sing it, sing it (I lost it)
Sing you lost it (sorry, I lost it)
Ah, I lost it (I lost it)
Yes, I did, yes, I did (sorry, I lost it)
Oh (I lost it), my Lord (sorry, I lost it)
Come on, y’all
Mmm-hm, mmm-hm
Well, well
Mmm-hm
Groove it, y’all
I wanna know how many out there again
Just lost somebody, stand out