About the song
Let’s explore the poignant ballad “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” by Rose Royce, a soulful masterpiece that delves into themes of heartbreak and loss. Originally released in 1978 as part of their album “Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom,” this song showcases the band’s ability to blend soul, R&B, and disco into a powerful musical statement.
Rose Royce, guided by the legendary producer Norman Whitfield, crafted “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” with lyrics penned by Miles Gregory. The song highlights the band’s versatility, moving effortlessly between up-tempo funk tracks and soulful ballads that tug at the heartstrings.
Upon its release, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, reaching #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. Its success cemented Rose Royce’s status as one of the prominent soul and R&B acts of the late 1970s.
The song’s arrangement features soulful strings, elegant piano melodies, and the emotive vocals of lead singer Gwen Dickey, who delivers a heartfelt performance that captures the essence of longing and despair. The lyrics poignantly depict the aftermath of a love lost, resonating with listeners through its raw emotion and soulful delivery.
“Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” has endured over the decades, covered by various artists and featured in soundtracks, solidifying its place as a classic in the soul and R&B genres. Its universal theme of heartbreak continues to connect with listeners of all ages, reaffirming the timeless appeal of Rose Royce’s music.
Whether rediscovering this soulful gem or experiencing it for the first time, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” by Rose Royce remains a testament to the band’s ability to evoke profound emotions and tell compelling stories through their music. It stands as a poignant reminder of love’s fragility and the enduring power of soulful ballads.
Video
Lyrics
You abandoned me
Love don’t live here anymore
Just a vacancy
Love don’t live here anymore
When you lived inside of me
There was nothing I could conceive
That you wouldn’t do for me
Trouble seemed so far away
You changed that right away, baby
You abandoned me
Love don’t live here anymore
Just a vacancy
Love don’t live here anymore
Love don’t live here anymore
Just emptiness and memories
Of what we had before
You went away
Found another place to stay, another home
You abandoned me
Love don’t live here anymore
Just a vacancy
Love don’t live here anymore
Through the windows of my eyes
Everyone can see the loneliness inside me
Why’d you have to go away
Don’t you know I miss you so, and need your love
You abandoned me
Love don’t live here anymore
Just a vacancy
Love don’t live here anymore
You abandoned me
Love don’t live here anymore
Just a vacancy, yeah
Love don’t live here anymore, no, no, no
You abandoned me
Love don’t live here, live here no more