Isley Brothers – Turn On Your Love Light: A Soulful Plea for Rekindled Affection
In the tapestry of American soul music, the Isley Brothers hold a prominent position. Their journey began in the 1950s, captivating audiences with their smooth harmonies and infectious rhythms.
Among their vast collection of hits, one song stands out for its raw emotion and timeless message: Turn On Your Love Light. Released in 1961, this soulful ballad transcended the boundaries of genre, becoming an anthem for rekindled affection and a cornerstone of the Isley Brothers’ legacy.
Background
Turn On Your Love Light marked a turning point in the group’s evolution. While their earlier works leaned towards doo-wop and gospel influences, this song showcased their embrace of a grittier, rhythm and blues sound.
The song was penned by bandleader and arranger Joe Scott, with an additional credit given to record label owner Don Robey. Scott’s arrangement was a masterstroke, featuring a driving horn section and a pulsating rhythm section that perfectly complements the urgency in Ronnie Isley’s vocals.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man yearning for a lost love. He pleads with his partner to reignite the flame of their affection, metaphorically expressed as turning on a “love light.” Lines like “Oh, baby, don’t you like us?/ Without a warning, you from my heart you took it down, man” capture the raw vulnerability and frustration of a love on the brink.
Chorus:
Oh, I’m beggin’ you baby, baby I’m back in your baby’s back in your heart again Turn on your love light, let it shine on me Shine on me, shine, let it shine on me
The chorus serves as a powerful refrain, Ronnie Isley’s voice pleading with an intensity that resonates with listeners. The use of repetition in the line “shine on me” emphasizes the desperation of the narrator’s plea.
Turn On Your Love Light quickly became a sensation, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B chart and solidifying the Isley Brothers’ status as soul music royalty. The song’s influence transcended genre, finding appreciation from artists across the musical spectrum.
From the soulful renditions of artists like Etta James and Aretha Franklin to the bluesy interpretations of B.B. King and Albert King, Turn On Your Love Light became a musical canvas for countless reimaginings.
Beyond its commercial success, the song’s enduring legacy lies in its relatable narrative. The longing for rekindled love is a universal experience, and Turn On Your Love Light captures this sentiment with a poignant honesty that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Lyin’ beside youBaby come closer, baby come closerTouchin’ your bodyBaby come closer, baby come closerOh, let’s make love tonightLove me by candle light, turn off the lightsOh, let’s make love tonightLove me by candle light, turn off the lights, babyI’m caught in your passionNothin’ feels better, it feels so right, babyFeel me inside youNothin’ feels better, oh babyOh, let’s make love tonightLove me by candle light, turn off the lights, babyOh, let’s make love tonightLove me by candle light, ooh babyLove shadows in the nightReflects our moods, oh, you’re so sexy, woman (you’re so good to me)Love so intense, so full of lifeOh, you just lose me within the fragrance of your bodyLet’s take our time tonightAnd I’ll love you tender, oh, you know that, baby (you’re so good to me)So come with me tonightOh, it’s alright