Sometimes love can be hard for us to put into words, but luckily music has a way of expressing it for us. As any rom-com
soundtrack can tell you, there is a virtually endless list of music centered around the theme of’
“love”. Songs can be sung by a person in love, or (for the less musically inclined) they can be played for that lucky someone a la John Cusack’s character in the 80’s film Say Anything.
Here for your reading pleasure are some of the popular hits about love from the 1920’s to the present, including love songs you may have never heard of as well as ones you know all too well. Whether you plan to serenade a loved one, you need reassurance that love exists after a breakup, or you just love love songs, these tunes require a listen.
1. 1920’s – “(I’ll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time” is a song written by Albert Von Tilzer and lyricist Neville Fleeson in 1920. It was recorded by various artists throughout the 20th century.
“I’ll be with you in apple blossom time
I’ll be with you to change your name to mine
One day in May, I’ll come and say
Happy the bride that the sun shines on today
What a wonderful wedding there will be.”
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2. 1930’s – Although “Everybody Loves My Baby” was composed in 1924, it was recorded and made popular by the Boswell Sisters in 1932. The harmonious trio and upbeat jazz music is a fun way to express your love for someone.
“Everybody loves my baby,
But my baby don’t love nobody but me.
Nobody but me.
Everybody wants my baby,
But my baby don’t want nobody but me
That’s plain to see.”
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3. 1940s – “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. The piano and simple lyrics are perfect to sing to the one you love.
“I think of you every morning
Dream of you every night
Darling, I’m never lonely
Whenever you are in sight.”
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4. 1950s – “Bye Bye Love” was the debut single of The Everly Brothers in 1957. It’s one of those songs that identifies your feelings after a breakup.
“I’m a-through with romance, I’m a-through with love
I’m through with a-countin’ the stars above
And here’s the reason that I’m so free
My lovin’ baby is through with me.”
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5. 1960s – “From Me To You” is a Beatles classic. It was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon in 1963. If you plan to sing it to someone, make sure to surprise him/her with some groovy dance moves.
“If there’s anything that you want
If there’s anything I can do
Just call on me and I’ll send it along
With love from me to you.”
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6. 1970s – “Burning Love” was made famous by the rock ‘n’ roll king, Elvis Presley, in 1972.
“Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love.”
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7. 1980s – “I think I’m In Love” was written and performed by Eddie Money in 1982. He sums up how it feels to be in love, accompanied with the classic ’80s beat.
“I think I’m in love
And my life’s lookin’ up
I think I’m in love
‘Cause I can’t get enough (no, no, no)
I think I’m in love
It’s gotta be love.”
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8. 1990s – “I Will Always Love You” was actually a country hit written and sung by Dolly Parton in 1974, but Whitney Houston recorded the 1992 version we all know and love.
“Bittersweet memories
That is all I’m taking with me.
So good-bye.
Please don’t cry:
We both know I’m not what you, you need
And I… will always love you
I… will always love you.”
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9. 2000s – Taylor Swift’s 2008 inescapable single, “Love Story,” sounds familiar, but hey, it’s a great love song.
“Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I’ll be waiting; all that’s left to do is run.
You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess,
It’s a love story, baby, just say, ‘Yes.'”
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xg3vE8Ie_E” width=”540″ height=”320″][su_youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G1PFLuTrgM” height=”480″][/su_youtube]
10. 2010s – Katy Perry co-wrote the song “Unconditionally,” which proves how strong love is even when a person makes mistakes.
“Unconditional, unconditionally
I will love you unconditionally
There is no fear now
Let go and just be free
I will love you unconditionally.”
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Now obviously there is a whole wide world of love songs out there, so these are only the tip of the iceberg. If your favorites didn’t make the list, chime in! What are your favorite songs that you’ve played or sung for someone you love?