About the song
A Timeless Classic: Gene Pitney’s “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart”
Gene Pitney’s “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Released in 1968, this soulful track showcases Pitney’s exceptional vocal abilities and songwriting prowess. Despite being released nearly half a century ago, the song’s emotional depth and relatable lyrics continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Originally written by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, the song was first recorded by British singer Marc Almond for his 1988 album “The Stars We Are.” However, it was the duet version featuring both Almond and Pitney that truly propelled the song to international fame. Released as a single in 1989, it soared to the top of the UK charts, holding the number one position for an impressive four weeks. This unexpected resurgence brought renewed attention to the song and cemented its place in music history.
The lyrics of “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” paint a vivid picture of being deeply in love and feeling completely overwhelmed by emotions. The song’s melancholic tone and catchy melody create a powerful combination that is both haunting and unforgettable. Pitney’s smooth vocals and Almond’s dramatic delivery perfectly complement each other, creating a sense of longing and yearning that is deeply moving.
Musically, the song features a simple yet effective arrangement, with a prominent piano melody and a driving rhythm section. The orchestral elements add a touch of grandeur and sophistication, elevating the song to a truly timeless classic. The production is polished and timeless, ensuring that the song sounds as fresh today as it did when it was first released.
One of the reasons why “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” has endured for so long is its universal theme of love. The song’s message is simple yet profound: love can be both a beautiful and overwhelming experience. This is a sentiment that people of all ages can relate to, making it a truly timeless piece of music.
In conclusion, Gene Pitney’s “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” is a masterpiece of pop music that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its emotional depth, timeless melody, and universal theme of love have ensured its place in music history. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pitney’s music or simply looking for a beautiful ballad to add to your playlist, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
Something’s gotten hold of my heart
Keeping my soul and my senses apart
Something’s gotten into my life
Cutting its way through my dreams like a knife
Turning me up and turning me down
Making me smile and making me frown
In a world that was small
I once lived in a time there was peace with no trouble at all
But then you came my way
And a feeling unknown shook my heart, made me want you to stay
All of my nights and all of my days
I gotta tell you now
Something’s gotten hold of my hand
Dragging my soul to a beautiful land
Something has invaded my mind
Painting my sleep with a colour so bright
Changing the grey and changing the blue
Scarlet for me and scarlet for you
I’ve got to know if this is the real thing
I’ve got to know what’s making my heart sing
You smile and I am lost for a lifetime
Each minute spent with you is the right time
Every hour, every day
You touch me and my mind goes astray