About the song
“Islands in the Stream,” a timeless classic, is not just a song but a musical collaboration of legendary proportions. Written by the Bee Gees and performed by country music icons Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, this track soared to the top of the charts upon its release in August 1983. It marked the lead single from Rogers’s album “Eyes That See in the Dark,” showcasing a seamless blend of pop and country influences that captivated listeners worldwide.
The song’s success was meteoric, clinching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as reigning atop both the Country and Adult Contemporary charts. For Rogers and Parton, it became their second pop number-one hit, following Rogers’s “Lady” in 1980 and Parton’s “9 to 5” in 1981. Its widespread appeal was further validated when it topped Country Music Television’s poll as the best country duet of all time, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
Originally envisioned for Diana Ross in an R&B style, “Islands in the Stream” underwent a transformative journey to become the beloved duet it is today. Named after an Ernest Hemingway novel, the song exudes a vibrant energy, with Rogers and Parton alternating lead vocals over a melody that effortlessly shifts between C major and A-flat major, showcasing their vocal prowess and chemistry.
Critically acclaimed for its lush sound and melodic beauty, the song’s commercial success was equally impressive, achieving platinum status for over two million physical copies sold in the United States alone. Its digital release further bolstered its legacy, with hundreds of thousands of downloads and millions of streams across various platforms.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Islands in the Stream” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It has been featured prominently in television shows, documentaries, and even inspired covers by diverse artists across different genres. The Bee Gees themselves recorded a live version and later a studio rendition, underscoring the song’s versatility and enduring appeal through the years.
In summary, “Islands in the Stream” stands as a testament to the collaborative genius of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and the Bee Gees. Its ability to transcend genres and generations solidifies its place as one of the greatest country-pop duets of all time, a cherished gem in the musical legacy of all involved.
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Lyrics
Baby, when I met you there was peace unknown
I set out to get you with a fine tooth comb
I was soft inside
There was something going on
You do something to me that I can’t explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain
Every beat of my heart
We got something going on
Tender love is blind
It requires a dedication
All this love we feel needs no conversation
We ride it together, ah ha
Making love with each other, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
I can’t live without you if the love was gone
Everything is nothing if you got no one
And you did walk in the night
Slowly losing sight of the real thing
But that won’t happen to us and we got no doubt
Too deep in love and we got no way out
And the message is clear
This could be the year for the real thing
No more will you cry
Baby, I will hurt you never
We start and end as one
In love forever
We can ride it together, ah ha
Making love with each other, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
Sail away
Oh, come sail away with me
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between