About the song
“(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right” is a poignant ballad that delves into the complexities of an extramarital affair, exploring the emotional turmoil and conflicted desires of those involved. Written by Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, and Raymond Jackson, the song was originally intended for The Emotions but found widespread acclaim through Luther Ingram’s soulful rendition in 1972. Ingram’s version soared to the top of the R&B charts for four weeks and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as a soul classic of the era.
Over the years, the song has been reinterpreted by various artists across different genres, each bringing their unique perspective to its lyrical narrative. Millie Jackson, renowned for her bold and provocative style, notably transformed the song into an epic tale spanning multiple parts in her recordings. Her version includes not only the original melancholic plea of forbidden love but also a self-penned monologue titled “The Rap,” where Jackson defiantly embraces her role as the ‘other woman,’ challenging societal norms with unapologetic fervor.
Barbara Mandrell’s country rendition in 1978 gave the song a new dimension, topping the country charts and garnering accolades, including a nomination for Single of the Year at the CMA Awards. Rod Stewart’s interpretation, infused with his distinctive rock-inflected style, brought the song to a new audience in 1980, further cementing its cross-genre appeal.
Thematically, “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right” confronts moral dilemmas head-on, presenting a narrative where love defies conventional boundaries. It speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with passion and guilt, resonating with listeners through its raw honesty and soulful delivery. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced not only by its chart success but also by its influence on contemporary music, with artists like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar sampling its iconic melody to craft their own modern narratives.
In essence, “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right” remains a timeless exploration of love’s complexities, capturing the hearts of listeners across generations with its soul-stirring lyrics and emotive melodies. Whether viewed as a confession of forbidden love or a defiant anthem against societal norms, the song continues to provoke thought and stir emotions, reaffirming its place as a classic in the annals of music history.
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Lyrics
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
If being right means being without you
I’d rather live a wrong doing life
Your mama and daddy say it’s a shame
It’s a downright disgrace
But long as I got you by my side
I don’t care what your people say
Your friends tell you it’s no future in loving a married man
If I can’t see you when I want, I’ll see you when I can
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
Am I wrong to fall so deeply in love with you?
Knowing I got a wife and two little children depending on me too
And am I wrong to hunger for the gentleness of your touch?
Knowing I got someone else at home who needs me just as much
And are you wrong to give your love to a married man?
And am I wrong for trying to hold on to the best thing I ever had?
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
Are you wrong to give your love to a married man?
And am I wrong for trying to hold on to the best thing I ever had?
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right
I don’t wanna be right if it means being without you
I don’t wanna be right if it means sleeping alone tonight
I don’t wanna be right if loving you is wrong
I don’t wanna be right, oh-oh