Michael Bolton – How Am I Supposed To Live Without You

About the song

Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” is a heart-wrenching ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1989, the song quickly became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and solidifying Bolton’s status as a romantic balladeer. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its poignant lyrics, soaring melody, and Bolton’s emotive vocals.

The song delves into the profound pain and despair experienced after the loss of a loved one. Bolton’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the emptiness and loneliness that follows such a devastating event. He questions how he will find meaning in life without his partner by his side. The song’s central theme is the universal human experience of grief and the struggle to cope with the absence of someone deeply cherished.

Bolton’s vocal performance is a highlight of the song. His rich baritone voice conveys the depth of emotion and vulnerability that the lyrics demand. He delivers the lines with heartfelt sincerity, making the listener feel the weight of his sorrow. The arrangement is simple yet effective, with a focus on Bolton’s vocals and the poignant melody. The song’s emotional intensity is further enhanced by the use of strings, which add a sense of grandeur and pathos.

“How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” has become a timeless classic, beloved by audiences of all ages. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. The song’s message of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection continues to resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the preciousness of our relationships and the pain of losing someone we care about.

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Lyrics

I could hardly believe it, when I heard the news today
I had to come and get it straight from you
They said you were leavin’, someone’s swept your heart away
From the look upon your face, I see it’s true

So tell me all about it, tell me ’bout the plans you’re makin’
Oh, then tell me one thing more before I go

Tell me, how am I supposed to live without you
Now that I’ve been loving you so long?
How am I supposed to live without you?
And how am I supposed to carry on
When all that I’ve been livin’ for is gone?

I’m too proud for cryin’, didn’t come here to break down
It’s just a dream of mine is coming to an end
And how can I blame you when I built my world around
The hope that one day we’d be so much more than friends?

I don’t wanna know the price I’m gonna pay for dreaming, oh
Even now, it’s more than I can take