About the song
In the realm of music, there exist certain songs that transcend time and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners. “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” is one such masterpiece, penned by the talented duo Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook. This iconic song has been captivating audiences for decades, with its enduring appeal evident in the numerous covers and interpretations it has inspired.
The song’s journey began in the 1960s, with the original recording by David and Jonathan, followed by a rendition by the legendary Gene Pitney in 1967. Pitney’s version, in particular, gained significant traction in the UK, reaching the impressive No. 5 spot on the UK Singles Chart in December 1967. Although it failed to chart in the United States, the song’s impact was undeniable, paving the way for future covers by esteemed artists.
Over the years, “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” has been reimagined by a diverse range of artists, each bringing their unique perspective to the table. Cilla Black, Allison Durbin, Terry Reid, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are just a few notable examples of those who have been drawn to the song’s timeless allure. The song’s universal appeal is further underscored by its translations into French and Italian, with Herbert Léonard and Gene Pitney himself lending their voices to these adaptations.
However, it was the 1988 cover version by Marc Almond that catapulted “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” to unprecedented heights. Originally recorded by Almond for his album “The Stars We Are,” the single version was remixed to feature new vocals from the one and only Gene Pitney. This collaboration proved to be a match made in heaven, as the song soared to the top of the UK charts, claiming the number one spot for an impressive four weeks in January 1989. The accompanying music video, filmed on-location in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, added to the song’s visual appeal, cementing its status as a classic of the era.
The enduring success of “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” is a testament to the song’s ability to transcend generations and genres. Its themes of love, longing, and heartache continue to resonate with listeners, making it a staple of popular music. As we look back on the song’s remarkable journey, it is clear that “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” will remain an integral part of our musical heritage, its beauty and emotion continuing to captivate audiences for years to come.
Video
Lyrics
Something’s gotten hold of my heart
Keeping my soul and my senses apart
Something’s gotten into my life
Cutting it’s 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 war
I once lived in a time that 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
Something’s gotten hold of my hand
Dragging my soul to a beautiful land
Yeah, something has invaded my night
Painting my sleep with a colour so bright
Changing the grey, 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 it’s making my heart sing
Wo-hoo-o-ye-e-e-e-e e-
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, yeah
Baby, baby
Something’s gotten hold of my hand
Dragging my soul to a beautiful land
Something has invaded my night
Painting my sleep with a colour so bright…