About the song
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Composed by Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz, this iconic song was first released in 1987 and has since become synonymous with the iconic film Dirty Dancing. The song’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges, however. Initially, Previte was hesitant to write music for the film, thinking it was a pornographic movie. But producer Jimmy Ienner’s persistence and the promise of a record deal eventually won him over.
The song’s creation was a collaborative effort between Previte, DeNicola, and Markowitz. Previte wrote the lyrics, while DeNicola and Markowitz crafted the music. The title was conceived on a whim while Previte was driving down the Garden State Parkway. The song’s demo was performed by Previte himself, along with singer Rachele Cappelli, and showcased the harmonies that would become a hallmark of the final version.
Despite being initially intended for other artists, including Donna Summer and Daryl Hall, the song ultimately found its perfect match in Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. Medley, who was initially hesitant to record the song due to his daughter’s impending birth, eventually agreed to join forces with Warnes, who had been persuaded to take on the project by her then-boyfriend. The resulting duet is a masterclass in vocal chemistry, with Medley and Warnes trading harmonies and delivering a performance that is both powerful and poignant.
The song’s success was not limited to its chart-topping performance. It also won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Today, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” remains one of the most beloved and enduring songs of all time, a testament to the power of music to transcend generations and touch hearts around the world.
Video
Lyrics
Now, I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt like this before
Yes, I swear, it’s the truth
And I owe it all to you
‘Cause I’ve had the time of my life
And I owe it all to you
I’ve been waiting for so long
Now, I’ve finally found someone to stand by me
We saw the writing on the wall
As we felt this magical fantasy
Now, with passion in our eyes
There’s no way we could disguise it secretly
So we take each other’s hand
‘Cause we seem to understand the urgency
Just remember
You’re the one thing
I can’t get enough of
So I’ll tell you something
This could be love, because
I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt this way before
Yes, I swear, it’s the truth
And I owe it all to you
Hey, baby
With my body and soul
I want you more than you’ll ever know
So, we’ll just let it go
Don’t be afraid to lose control, no
Yes, I know what’s on your mind
When you say, “Stay with me tonight” (stay with me)
Just remember
You’re the one thing
I can’t get enough of
So, I’ll tell you something
This could be love, because
I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt this way before
Yes, I swear (yes, I swear), it’s the truth
And I owe it all to you
‘Cause I’ve had the time of my life
And I’ve searched though every open door (never felt this way)
‘Til I found the truth
And I owe it all to you
Now, I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt this way before (never felt this way)
Yes, I swear, it’s the truth
And I owe it all to you
I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt this way before (never felt this way)
Yes, I swear, it’s the truth (it’s the truth)
And I owe it all to you
‘Cause I’ve had the time of my life (never felt this way, I had the time of my life)
And I’ve searched though every open door (you do it to me, baby)
‘Til I found the truth (you do it to me, baby)
And I owe it all to you…