About the song
“(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Written by the renowned songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, this song is a testament to the power of love and devotion. Released in 1966, it was the Righteous Brothers’ first hit after leaving their long-time producer Phil Spector, and it marked a new era in their musical journey.
The song’s origins date back to the success of the Righteous Brothers’ first single with Phil Spector, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”. Mann and Weil began writing “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” shortly after, but it wasn’t until they revisited the song after leaving Spector’s Philles Records that it was finally completed. The result was a masterpiece that blended the Righteous Brothers’ signature harmonies with a soaring melody and lush orchestration.
The song’s production was a collaborative effort, with Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers producing and Jack Nitzsche arranging. The recording featured a talented group of session musicians, including members of the Wrecking Crew, who helped to create the song’s distinctive sound. The result was a record that peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart.
Over the years, “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” has been covered by numerous artists, including the Blossoms, Paddy Corea, Doc Severinsen, Donny and Marie Osmond, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Each version has brought its own unique interpretation to the song, but the original remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.
Video
Lyrics
Girl, I can’t let you do this
Let you walk away
Girl, how can I live through this?
When you’re all I wake up for each day, baby
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
I never had much going
But at least I had you
How can you walk out knowing
I ain’t got nothing left if you do, baby?
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
Oh, what good am I?
Baby, I can’t make it without you
And I’m, I’m telling you, honey
You’re my reason for laughing, for crying
For living and for dying
Baby, I can’t make it without you
Please, I’m begging you, baby
If you go, it will kill me, I swear it
Girl, I just can’t bear it
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?
What good am I?
Mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
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