About the song
“Making Love Out of Nothing at All” is a timeless power ballad that first graced the music world in 1983. Crafted by the renowned songwriter and composer Jim Steinman, this song was performed by the British-Australian soft rock duo Air Supply. It was featured on their compilation album *Greatest Hits*, and quickly became a sensation, climbing to number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks. This impressive feat came right on the heels of Steinman’s previous hit, “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” also a major success at the time.
The song’s origins trace back to Steinman’s work on the film *A Small Circle of Friends* (1980), where he composed the main title theme. However, “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” was distinctly revamped for Air Supply, contributing to its memorable and dramatic appeal. The single’s B-side was “Late Again,” and the track continued to be a staple in Air Supply’s performances, appearing on various greatest hits and live albums over the years.
Interestingly, Steinman had originally offered the song, along with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” to Meat Loaf for his album *Midnight at the Lost and Found*. However, due to contractual issues, Meat Loaf’s record company did not proceed with Steinman’s contributions, leading to Meat Loaf creating his own material for the album.
The recording of the song featured contributions from notable musicians, including Roy Bittan and Max Weinberg from Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band, and guitarist Rick Derringer. This blend of talents brought a powerful and emotive quality to the track.
The music video for “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” also holds a special place in its history. Two versions were created: the first depicts a dramatic story of separation and reunion between a couple, while the second, set in 1960s New York City, explores the challenges faced by a Marine and his partner. Both versions add visual depth to the song’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional intensity.
Overall, “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” remains a cherished classic, celebrated for its soaring melody and Steinman’s dramatic, theatrical style.
Video
Lyrics
I know just how to whisper
And I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
And I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it
And I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the truth
And then I know just when to dream
And I know just where to touch you
And I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer
And I know when to let you loose
And I know the night is fading
And I know the time’s gonna fly
And I’m never gonna tell you everything I gotta tell you
But I know I gotta give it a try
And I know the roads to riches
And I know the ways to fame
I know all the rules and then I know how to break ’em
And I always know the name of the game
But I don’t know how to leave you
And I’ll never let you fall
And I don’t know how you do it
Making love out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love)
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
Every time I see you all the rays of the sun are all
Streaming through the waves in your hair
And every star in the sky is taking aim at your eyes
Like a spotlight
The beating of my heart is a drum and it’s lost
And it’s looking for a rhythm like you
You can take the darkness from the pit of the night
And turn it to a beacon burning endlessly bright
I’ve gotta follow it ’cause everything I know
Well, it’s nothing ’til I give it to you
I can make the runner stumble
I can make the final block
I can make every tackle at the sound of the whistle
I can make all the stadiums rock
I can make tonight forever
Or I can make it disappear by the dawn
I can make you every promise that has ever been made
And I can make all your demons be gone
But I’m never gonna make it without you
Do you really wanna see me crawl
And I’m never gonna make it like you do
Making love out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love, love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
(Making love)
(Making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love)
Out of nothing at all (making love, love, love)
(Making love)
(Making love)