About the song
“Make It with You,” a soulful ballad written by David Gates, stands as a timeless emblem of Bread’s musical legacy. Originally released in 1970 on Bread’s album “On the Waters,” the song quickly ascended to become their first and only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
David Gates, renowned for his songwriting prowess and gentle vocals, crafted “Make It with You” with introspective lyrics that resonate with themes of love and longing. The song’s narrative captures the essence of vulnerability and hopefulness in relationships, making it relatable to listeners across generations.
Instrumentally, the track is marked by its serene acoustic guitar arrangements and subtle orchestration, which complement Gates’ heartfelt delivery. Alongside Gates, drummer Mike Botts provided the rhythmic foundation that underpinned the song’s emotional depth.
Upon its release as a single in June 1970, “Make It with You” swiftly climbed the charts, peaking at number one in the US and reaching the top ten in several other countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. Billboard ranked it as the 13th most popular song of 1970, solidifying its status as a chart-topping classic.
The song’s enduring appeal has led to numerous covers by artists across various genres, attesting to its universal charm and emotional resonance. Notable renditions include Ralfi Pagan’s Latin-soul interpretation, which charted on the Billboard R&B chart, and Let Loose’s upbeat version that achieved significant success in the UK charts decades later.
Certified gold by the RIAA for surpassing one million copies in sales, “Make It with You” remains a cornerstone of Bread’s discography and a poignant reminder of David Gates’ songwriting brilliance. Its ability to evoke heartfelt emotions and capture the essence of romantic yearning has ensured its place in the pantheon of classic pop-rock ballads. As listeners continue to discover its timeless beauty, “Make It with You” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to touch hearts and resonate across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Hey, have you ever tried
Really reaching out for the other side?
I may be climbing on rainbows
But baby, here goes
Dreams, they’re for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if you’re wondering what this song is leading to
I want to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl
No, you don’t know me well
And every little thing only time will tell
If you believe the things that I do
And we’ll see it through
Life can be short or long
Love can be right or wrong
And if I chose the one I’d like to help me through
I’d like to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl
Baby, you know that dreams there for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if I chose the one I’d like to help me through
I’d like to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl
I really think that we could make it, girl