About the song
Love Affair’s “Everlasting Love” is a classic pop song that has stood the test of time. Released in 1967, the track became a massive hit in the UK and other European countries, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. However, the story behind the song is a bit more complicated than its chart success might suggest.
The original version of “Everlasting Love” was recorded by Robert Knight, but it was the Love Affair’s rendition that truly captured the hearts of listeners. The band’s lead vocalist, Steve Ellis, was immediately drawn to the song and the group quickly set about recording their own version. However, due to a series of events involving record labels and producers, the Love Affair’s original recording was never released.
Instead, a second version was recorded featuring only Steve Ellis and a session ensemble. The arrangement was handled by Keith Mansfield, and the rhythm section included some of the top session musicians of the time. While this version of the song became a huge hit, it also sparked controversy. The Love Affair’s bassist, Mick Jackson, admitted that the band had not played on the recording, and the revelation caused a stir in the music industry.
Despite the negative publicity, the Love Affair’s popularity remained strong. Their follow-up singles, “Rainbow Valley” and “A Day Without Love,” also charted in the UK, solidifying their status as one of the top groups of the era. However, despite their success in Europe, the Love Affair was unable to break through in the United States.
“Everlasting Love” is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by music fans around the world. Its story is a reminder that even the biggest hits can have a complex and often surprising history.
Video
Lyrics
Hearts go astray, leaving hurt when they go
I went away just when you needed me so
Filled with regret I come back beggin’ you
Forgive, forget. Where’s the love we once knew?
Open up your eyes, then you’ll realize here I stand
With my everlasting love
Need you by my side, girl you’ll be my bride
You’ll never be denied everlasting love
From the very start, open up your heart
Be a lasting part of everlasting love
Real love will last forever
Ooh, ooh
Where life’s river flows, no one really knows
’til someone’s there to show the way to lasting love
Like the sun that shines, endlessly it shine
You always will be mine. It’s everlasting love
When other loves are gone, ours will still be strong
We have our very own everlasting love
Real love will last forever
You give me, you give me, you give me everlasting love
Ooh
Open up your eyes, then you’ll realize here I stand
With my everlasting love
Need you by my side, girl you’ll be my bride
You’ll never be denied everlasting love
From the very start, open up your heart
Be a lasting part of everlasting love
Real love will last forever
Open up your eyes, then you’ll realize here I stand
With my everlasting love
Need you by my side, girl you’ll be my bride
You’ll never be denied everlasting love
Open up your eyes, then you’ll realize here I stand
With my everlasting love
Need you by my side, girl you’ll be my bride
You’ll never be denied everlasting love
Open up your eyes, then you’ll realize here I stand
With my everlasting love
Need you by my side, girl you’ll be my bride
You’ll never be denied everlasting love