About the song
“Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart,” originally penned by Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook, has carved a notable place in the annals of popular music since its inception. Initially recorded by David and Jonathan, and subsequently by Gene Pitney in 1967, it ascended to the impressive position of No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart in December of that year. Despite this success, Pitney’s rendition did not gain traction in the United States at the time.
Over the years, the song has been reimagined by various artists, showcasing its enduring appeal across different interpretations and languages. Cilla Black, Terry Reid, and even Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have lent their voices to different renditions, each bringing a unique flavor to the heartfelt lyrics.
However, it was in 1988 that “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” achieved its most resounding success. Marc Almond, renowned for his distinctive vocals and avant-garde style, recorded a cover version for his album “The Stars We Are.” This rendition, initially a solo effort, caught the attention of Gene Pitney himself, who proposed a collaborative re-recording. The resulting duet, featuring Almond and Pitney, soared to the top of the UK Singles Chart in January 1989, maintaining its No. 1 position for an impressive four weeks.
The music video for this iconic version was filmed against the glittering backdrop of Las Vegas, adding a visual dimension that complemented the song’s emotive power. This collaboration not only rejuvenated the song but also underscored its timeless appeal and ability to resonate across generations.
In conclusion, “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” stands as a testament to the enduring talent of its creators and the artists who have interpreted it over the decades. From its humble origins in the 1960s to its chart-topping resurgence in the late 1980s, the song continues to captivate audiences with its poignant lyrics and evocative melodies, ensuring its place in the pantheon of classic pop ballads.
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…