About the song
“Emotion,” a poignant ballad penned by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, is a song that has left a lasting imprint on the music world through its various interpretations over the years. The song was first brought to life by Australian singer Samantha Sang, whose version hit the charts in 1978. Sang’s rendition of “Emotion” became her sole major hit, achieving a notable peak at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. This success was further underscored by Billboard’s ranking of the song as the 14th most popular track of 1978. The promotional video created for Sang’s version remains a testament to the song’s early impact.
The background of “Emotion” is as intriguing as its success. Initially, the song was intended to be part of the soundtrack for the 1977 film *Saturday Night Fever*, but instead, it was featured in the film *The Stud* (1978) starring Joan Collins. Samantha Sang recorded “Emotion” for the Private Stock label, and Barry Gibb himself provided harmony and background vocals, delivering his signature falsetto which is a hallmark of the Bee Gees’ sound. The recording session, which took place at Criteria Studios in Miami, also featured notable musicians such as Joey Murcia on guitar, George Bitzer on keyboards, Harold Cowart on bass, and Ron “Tubby” Zeigler on drums. The B-side of Sang’s single was “When Love Is Gone,” a composition by Francis Lai.
The Bee Gees’ own version of “Emotion” was recorded in 1994 as part of an album called *Love Songs*, which was never released. However, this version eventually made its way into public ears through their 2001 compilation album *Their Greatest Hits: The Record*.
The song’s legacy was further extended when Destiny’s Child, an American R&B girl group, covered “Emotion” in 2001. Their interpretation was a global success, reaching the top ten on the US Hot 100 and peaking within the top five on the UK Singles Chart. English singer Emma Bunton also gave the song a fresh twist on her 2019 album *My Happy Place*.
The enduring appeal of “Emotion” across different artists and decades highlights its emotional depth and universal resonance. Each version of the song brings a unique flavor to its timeless melody, ensuring that “Emotion” remains a cherished piece of music history.
Video
Lyrics
It’s over and done
But the heartache lives on inside, oh
And who is the one you’re clingin’ to
Instead of me tonight?
And where are you now
Now that I need you?
Tears on my pillow
Wherever you go
I cry me a river
That leads to your ocean
But you never see me fall apart
In the words of a broken heart
It’s just emotion that’s taken me over
Tied up in sorrow, lost in my soul
But if you don’t come back
Come home to me, darling
You know that there’ll be
Nobody left in this world to hold me tight
Nobody left in this world to kiss good night
Good night, good night, good night
Good night
I’m there at your side
I’m part of all the things you are, ah
But you got a part of someone else
You go to find your shining star
And where are you now
Now that I need you
Tears on my pillow
Wherever you go
I cry me a river
That leads to your ocean
You never see me fall apart
In the words of a broken heart
It’s just emotion that’s taken me over
Tied up in sorrow, lost in my soul
But if you don’t come back
Come home to me, darling
You know that there’ll be
Nobody left in this world to hold me tight
Nobody left in this world to kiss good night
Good night
And where are you now
Now that I need you?
Tears on my pillow
Wherever you go
I cry me a river
That leads to your ocean
You never see me fall apart
In the words of a broken heart
It’s just emotion that’s taken me over
Tied up in sorrow, lost in my soul
But if you don’t come back
Come home to me, darling
You know that there’ll be
Nobody left in this world to hold me tight
Nobody left in this world to kiss good night
Good night, good night, good night
In the words of a broken heart
It’s just emotion that’s taken me over
Tied up in sorrow, lost in my soul
But if you don’t come back
Come home to me, darling