The Isley Brothers – For the Love of You: A Soulful Declaration of Devotion
Ah, The Isley Brothers. Those three names conjure up a tapestry of soulful sounds that have graced the airwaves for over six decades. Among their vast collection of hits, one song stands out for its simple yet powerful message of devotion: “For the Love of You.”
Background
Released in 1975 on their album “The Heat Is On”. The song reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 10 on the Billboard R&B chart, becoming a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
The song’s narrative is straightforward and heartfelt. A man sings of his complete devotion to his love, declaring that everything he does is motivated by his love for her.
The lyrics, penned by Ronald Isley and Chris Jasper, are concise and evocative, avoiding flowery language in favor of raw, genuine emotion.
Musically, “For the Love of You” is a masterclass in soulful balladry. The song features a gentle, mid-tempo groove laid down by a tight rhythm section.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
YeahWell, well, wellYeah, heyYeah, hey-hey, oohDriftin’ on a memoryAin’t no place I’d rather beThen with you, yeahLovin’ you, well, well, wellDay will make a way for nightAll we’ll need is candle lightsAnd a song, yeahSoft and long, well, oohGlad to be here aloneWith a lover unlike no otherSad to see a new horizonSlowly comin’ into view, yeahI wanna be living for the love of youAh, yes I amAll that I’m giving is for the love of youAlright now (ooh, ooh, ooh)Lovely as a ray of sun (ooh, ooh, ooh)That touches me when the morning comes (ooh, ooh, ooh)Feels good to me, yeahMy love and me (ooh, ooh, ooh)Well (ooh, ooh, ooh)Smoother than a gentle breeze (ooh, ooh, ooh)Flowin’ through my mind with easeSoft as can be (ooh, ooh, ooh)Well, when you’re lovin’ me (ooh, ooh, ooh)When you’re lovin’ me, oohLove to be right in the wavesOf your love enchanted with a touch andIt seems to meWe could sail togetherIn and out of mysteryWell, I wanna be living for the love of youAlright nowAll that I’m giving is for the love of youYou got me, girl