About the song

The Blues Brothers’ rendition of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is a lively and soulful performance that epitomizes the spirit of rhythm and blues. Originally written by Bert Berns, Solomon Burke, and Jerry Wexler, this iconic song was featured in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers.”

In the film, “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is performed by the characters Jake and Elwood Blues, portrayed by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, respectively. The scene captures the essence of the Blues Brothers’ energetic and dynamic stage presence, as they deliver a rousing performance that ignites the crowd and brings the audience to their feet.

While “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” was not released as a single, it became one of the most memorable and beloved moments in the film. Its inclusion in the soundtrack album helped propel the album to commercial success, reaching the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

The Blues Brothers’ rendition of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is a testament to their talent as musicians and performers. Their infectious energy and soulful delivery breathe new life into the classic song, making it a standout moment in both the film and the soundtrack.

In conclusion, The Blues Brothers’ rendition of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” captures the essence of rhythm and blues with its lively performance and soulful spirit. It remains a cherished favorite among fans of the film and the genre alike, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.

Video

Lyrics

We’re so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight, and we would especially like to welcome all the representatives of Illinois’ Law Enforcement Community who have chosen to join us here in the Palace Hotel Ballroom at this time. We do sincerely hope you’ll all enjoy the show, and please remember people, that no matter who you are, and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there are still some things that make us all the same. You, me, them, everybody, everybody.

Everybody needs somebody
Everybody needs somebody to love (someone to love)
Sweetheart to miss (sweetheart to miss)
Sugar to kiss (sugar to kiss)
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you In the morning
I need you you you When my soul’s on fire

Sometimes I feel
I feel a little sad inside
When my baby mistreats me
I never never never have a place to hide
I need you

Sometimes I feel
I feel a little sad inside
When my baby mistreats me
I never never never have a place to hide
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you

You know people when you do find that somebody
Hold that woman, hold that man
Love him, please him, squeeze her, please her,
Hold, squeeze and please that person, give ’em all your love
Signify your feelings with every gentle caress
Because it’s so important to have that special somebody
to hold, kiss, miss, squeeze and please

Everybody needs somebody
Everybody needs somebody to love
Someone to love
Sweetheart to miss
Sugar to kiss
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you…

On the version that appeared on the ‘Best of the Blues Brothers’ album, Elwood starts with another intro:

We’re so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight, and we would especially like to welcome all the representatives of the California Highway Patrol, who are waiting for me and Jake after the show. We sincerely hope that you all will enjoy the show, and please remember people, that no matter who you are, and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there are things that make all of us the same. You, me, my brother Jake, Wilson Picket, Solomon Burke, everybody people, everybody.