About the song
“The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” stands as a pivotal track in the career of Juice Newton, encapsulating both her country roots and her burgeoning success in pop music during the early 1980s. Penned by songwriter Otha Young in the mid-1970s specifically for Newton, the song initially found its way onto her 1975 debut album with Silver Spur, marking a modest beginning as the B-side of promotional singles.
Despite its subdued start, the song’s potential was not fully realized until Newton’s solo career took flight. Re-approaching the track for her 1981 album “Juice,” Newton revamped “The Sweetest Thing” with a more polished, pop-oriented arrangement that eschewed its original country leanings. This strategic shift proved transformative, catapulting the song to unprecedented success across multiple Billboard charts.
In early 1982, the re-recorded version of “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” surged to the top of the Billboard adult contemporary chart and the Billboard country chart, while also achieving a commendable No. 7 position on the pop chart. This trifecta of chart-topping achievement underscored Newton’s crossover appeal and solidified her status as a versatile artist capable of straddling multiple genres with ease.
The song’s acclaim extended beyond its chart positions; it became a cultural touchstone of the early ’80s music scene, resonating with audiences for its heartfelt lyrics and Newton’s distinctive vocal delivery. The accompanying music video, shot against the backdrop of New York City, further enhanced the song’s allure, capturing the essence of its romantic narrative.
Notably, the success of “The Sweetest Thing” prompted a revision of Newton’s album releases, with subsequent pressings of “Juice” featuring the pop-infused version that had captured mainstream attention. This decision, while pivotal commercially, also sparked discussion among fans about the evolution of Newton’s sound and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability.
Decades after its release, “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” remains a testament to Juice Newton’s enduring influence on both country and pop music landscapes. Its journey from a hidden gem on an early album to a chart-topping sensation exemplifies the unpredictable trajectory of musical success and the enduring power of a well-crafted song to captivate listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
When I see you in the morning
With that old sleep still in your eyes
I remember all the laughter
And the tears we shared last night
And as we lie here
Just two shadows
In the light before the dawn
The sweetest thing
I’ve ever known
Is lovin’ you
And I have never been afraid of losin’
And I have never wanted love to be a chain
I only know that when I’m with you
You’re my sunshine, you’re my rain
The sweetest thing
I’ve ever known
Is lovin’ you
Now you and I
We’re not children
We have both been loved before
We have given and we have taken
Many rides on troubled shores
But all the heartaches and temptations
Only made me love you more
The sweetest thing
I’ve ever know
Is lovin’ you
And I have never been afraid of losin’
And I have never wanted love to be a chain
I only know that when I’m with you
You’re my sunshine, you’re my rain
The sweetest thing
I’ve ever known
Is lovin’ you
The sweetest thing
I’ve ever known
Is loving yooooooou