David Ruffin – Heavy Love: A Soulful Exploration of Overwhelming Emotion
David Ruffin, a titan of the soul genre, possessed a vocal prowess and emotional depth that few could match. Among his repertoire of heart-wrenching ballads, “Heavy Love” stands tall as a testament to his artistry.
Released in 1975, the song became a cornerstone of Ruffin’s solo career, showcasing his ability to convey raw, unfiltered emotion with unparalleled authenticity.
Background
“Heavy Love” is more than just a song; it’s an intimate confession, a sonic exploration of the complexities of love. Ruffin’s voice, a rich baritone imbued with a soulful tremor, becomes the vessel through which the weight of this overwhelming emotion is conveyed.
The lyrics, penned by Joe Cobb and Van McCoy, delve into the depths of a love so profound it becomes a burden, a beautiful torment that consumes the lover.
The song’s arrangement is a masterclass in minimalist soul. The gentle piano chords, the subtle rhythm section, and the restrained orchestration create a space for Ruffin’s vocals to take center stage.
This stripped-down approach amplifies the raw intensity of the lyrics, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in Ruffin’s emotional journey.
Heavy Love is not about euphoria or ecstasy; it’s about the bittersweet agony of a love that is both a blessing and a curse. Ruffin’s vocal performance is nothing short of extraordinary.
He captures the vulnerability and desperation of a heart caught in the undertow of love’s tide. His voice soars in moments of longing and descends into the depths of despair, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the emotional turmoil of the lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
You left a yearning in my heart
And I can’t soothe it, naw, naw, baby
I can’t find another thrill strong enough to remove it[Chorus]
This heavy love
It’s too high to get over
It’s too deep to get under
It’s too wide to get around
And it’s weighing me down
This heavy love, ooo wee, baby
Too high to get over
Watch out, you might drown
(Too deep to get under)
It’s too deep to get under, baby
It’s too wide to get around
And it’s weighing me down[Verse 2]
Oh, why, tell me why
Have I been condemned to love only you?
Why, tell me why
Can’t I spread my wings and fly above you
To the world beyond?
Ooh ooh[Verse 3]
These memories that cloud my mind
I can’t erase them – I’ve tried hard, baby
I can’t find another love strong enough to replace them, oh, no[Chorus]
Ooh, this heavy love
It’s so high, baby
(To high to get over)
I can’t get over, I’ve tried
Too deep to get under
You might drown
Too wide to get around, woo
And it’s weighing me down