About the song
“Making Love Out of Nothing at All” stands as a powerful testament to the songwriting prowess of Jim Steinman and the emotive delivery of British/Australian soft rock duo Air Supply. Originally penned by Steinman and featured on Air Supply’s 1983 compilation album “Greatest Hits,” the song swiftly rose to prominence, peaking at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks. This achievement, albeit just shy of the top spot held by Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” (another Steinman composition), solidified Steinman’s status as a master of epic ballads.
The genesis of “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” traces back to Steinman’s work on the score for the 1980 film “A Small Circle of Friends,” where it originally appeared as the main title theme. Air Supply’s rendition infused the song with their trademark blend of heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies, striking a chord with audiences worldwide.
Steinman’s grandiose production style, reminiscent of rock operas, enriched the song’s musical landscape. With contributions from notable musicians like Roy Bittan on keyboards (from Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band), Max Weinberg on drums, and Rick Derringer providing a memorable electric guitar solo, the song exuded a cinematic quality that complemented its lyrical narrative.
The accompanying music videos for “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” added visual depth to the song’s themes. The initial version, shot in Los Angeles, portrayed a narrative of separation and reconciliation between a couple, played by Air Supply’s Graham Russell and his real-life spouse Jodi Russell. It juxtaposed scenes of domestic intimacy with Air Supply’s onstage performances, capturing the emotional turmoil and eventual reunion of the protagonists.
Additionally, an official version set in 1960s New York City expanded on the song’s narrative, exploring the challenges faced by a Marine and his love interest amidst the backdrop of the band’s emotive delivery.
Overall, “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” remains a standout in Air Supply’s discography, celebrated for its lush orchestration, poignant lyrics, and the enduring vocal harmonies of Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell. Its legacy as a quintessential soft rock ballad continues to resonate with listeners, showcasing the timeless appeal of Jim Steinman’s musical genius and Air Supply’s emotive storytelling.
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Lyrics
I know just how to whisper
And I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
And I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it
And I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the truth
And then I know just when to dream
And I know just where to touch you
And I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer
And I know when to let you loose
And I know the night is fading
And I know the time’s gonna fly
And I’m never gonna tell you everything I gotta tell you
But I know I gotta give it a try
And I know the roads to riches
And I know the ways to fame
I know all the rules and then I know how to break ’em
And I always know the name of the game
But I don’t know how to leave you
And I’ll never let you fall
And I don’t know how you do it
Making love out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love)
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
Every time I see you all the rays of the sun are all
Streaming through the waves in your hair
And every star in the sky is taking aim at your eyes
Like a spotlight
The beating of my heart is a drum and it’s lost
And it’s looking for a rhythm like you
You can take the darkness from the pit of the night
And turn it to a beacon burning endlessly bright
I’ve gotta follow it ’cause everything I know
Well, it’s nothing ’til I give it to you
I can make the runner stumble
I can make the final block
I can make every tackle at the sound of the whistle
I can make all the stadiums rock
I can make tonight forever
Or I can make it disappear by the dawn
I can make you every promise that has ever been made
And I can make all your demons be gone
But I’m never gonna make it without you
Do you really wanna see me crawl
And I’m never gonna make it like you do
Making love out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
(Making love)
(Making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love, love)
(Making love)
(Making love)