Bobby “Blue” Bland – Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City (1974)

About the song

“Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” performed by the legendary Bobby “Blue” Bland, is a soulful anthem that has touched the hearts of many since its release. The song first appeared in 1974 as part of Bland’s album “Dreamer,” and it has since become one of his most enduring and beloved tracks. Written by Michael Price and Dan Walsh, this powerful ballad captures the essence of urban desolation and emotional heartache with a depth that only Bobby Bland’s soulful voice can convey.

Bobby “Blue” Bland, often referred to as the “Lion of the Blues,” was renowned for his smooth vocal style that seamlessly blended blues, soul, and R&B. In “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” Bland’s rich, emotive delivery brings the song’s poignant lyrics to life, painting a vivid picture of a city devoid of love and warmth. The track’s melancholic melody, driven by lush orchestration and a steady, soulful groove, underscores the deep sense of loss and longing expressed in the lyrics.

Although the song did not achieve top chart positions upon its initial release, it has gained significant recognition over the years, becoming a staple in Bobby Bland’s repertoire and a favorite among blues and soul enthusiasts. The enduring appeal of “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” lies in its timeless message and Bland’s heartfelt performance, which continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of urban alienation and personal sorrow.

“Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” has also been covered by various artists, most notably by the English rock band Whitesnake, whose version brought the song to a new audience in the late 1970s. Despite the many interpretations, Bobby Bland’s original recording remains the definitive version, cherished for its authenticity and emotional depth.

For fans of blues and soul, “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” is a quintessential Bobby “Blue” Bland track that showcases his remarkable ability to convey profound emotion through music. It’s a song that not only highlights Bland’s exceptional talent but also serves as a timeless reminder of the struggles and heartaches that many face in the heart of the city.

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Lyrics

Ain’t no love in the heart of the city
Ain’t no love in the heart of town
Ain’t no love and it’s sure ‘nough a pity
Ain’t no love cause you ain’t around

When you were mine
Oh, I was feeling good
Cause you lovlied up
This whole neighborhood

But now that you’re gone
You know the sun don’t shine
From the city hall to the county line
That’s why I said

Ain’t no love in the heart of the city
Ain’t no love in the heart of town
Ain’t no love and it sure is a pity
Ain’t no love cause you ain’t around

Every place that I go
Oh, it seems so strange
Without you there
Things have changed

The nights are cold

There’s a blanket of gloom
Another trick I saw
In my lonely room

I said ain’t no love
In the heart of the city
Ain’t no love in the heart of town
Ain’t no love, ain’t any pity
Ain’t no love cause you ain’t around

And now that you’re gone
Oh, the sun don’t shine
From the city hall to
The county line, I said

Ain’t no love in the heart of the city
Ain’t no love in the heart of town
Ain’t no love, it sure is a pity
Ain’t no love cause you ain’t around
Cause you ain’t around

Ain’t no love in the heart of the city
Ain’t no love in this great big old town
Ain’t no love and ain’t it a pity
Ain’t no love cause you ain’t around

Ain’t no love in the heart of the city
Ain’t no love in the heart of this town