About the song
“(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” is a classic hit by the American pop duo, the Righteous Brothers. This song marked a significant moment in their career, being their first major success after parting ways with their long-time producer, Phil Spector. Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, the same songwriting duo behind their earlier hit “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”, the song captures the essence of the Righteous Brothers’ powerful and emotive style.
Released on February 26, 1966, “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” quickly rose to prominence, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed for three weeks. It also found success internationally, peaking at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart. Billboard even ranked it as the No. 3 single of 1966, highlighting its impact and popularity during that year.
The song’s creation is an interesting story. Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil initially began writing it after the success of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”, but it was not immediately completed. The Righteous Brothers, having left Phil Spector’s Philles Records in late 1965, sought to revisit and complete the song. With the help of Mann and Weil, they recorded it at their new label, Verve Records. Jack Nitzsche, who had previously worked with Spector, arranged the song, and Bill Medley produced it, capturing the grand, orchestral sound reminiscent of their earlier hits.
The recording featured a blend of talented session musicians, including members of the Wrecking Crew, and used a rich orchestral arrangement with strings and a female backup choir. The song’s production aimed to recreate the lush, impactful sound associated with their earlier successes.
“(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” remains a testament to the Righteous Brothers’ musical legacy, reflecting both their ability to evolve and their knack for delivering timeless, emotional performances.
Video
Lyrics
Girl, I can’t let you do this
Let you walk away
Girl, how can I live through this?
When you’re all I wake up for each day, baby
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
I never had much going
But at least I had you
How can you walk out knowing
I ain’t got nothing left if you do, baby?
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
Oh, what good am I?
Baby, I can’t make it without you
And I’m, I’m telling you, honey
You’re my reason for laughing, for crying
For living and for dying
Baby, I can’t make it without you
Please, I’m begging you, baby
If you go, it will kill me, I swear it
Girl, I just can’t bear it
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
What good am I?
Mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)