About the song
“Kiss You All Over” is a timeless classic that captured the hearts of millions when it was released in 1978 by the American group, Exile. Penned by the songwriting duo of Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, the song quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming Exile’s signature hit and a defining moment in pop music history.
Originally featured on the band’s third album, “Mixed Emotions,” the track showcased the vocal talents of lead singer Jimmy Stokley and guitarist J.P. Pennington. Its infectious melody and romantic lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling it to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive four weeks. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its placement at number five on Billboard’s year-end chart for 1978.
Interestingly, the inspiration for this iconic ballad came from another chart-topper, Barry White’s “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me.” Chapman, the song’s co-writer, openly acknowledged White’s influence on the creation of “Kiss You All Over.” This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the song’s legacy, connecting it to another beloved classic of the era.
Beyond its commercial success, “Kiss You All Over” also left an indelible mark on the music industry. The song’s innovative use of synthesizers for string arrangements was groundbreaking at the time, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment with new sounds. However, while the song catapulted Exile to stardom, it also marked the beginning of a bittersweet chapter for the group. Lead vocalist Jimmy Stokley tragically passed away in 1985 at the young age of 41, casting a shadow over the band’s subsequent career.
Despite the challenges they faced, Exile managed to reinvent themselves by transitioning to country music in the 1980s. This bold move proved to be a successful one, as the band achieved numerous number one hits on the country charts. While “Kiss You All Over” remains their most celebrated pop song, it is undeniable that their legacy extends far beyond this single iconic track.
Video
Lyrics
When I get home, babe, gonna light your fire
All day I’ve been thinkin’ about you, babe
You’re my one desire
Gonna wrap my arms around you
And hold you close to me
Oh, babe I want to taste your lips
I want to fill your fantasy, yeah
I don’t what I’d do without you, babe
Don’t know where I’d be
You’re not just another lover
No, you’re everything to me
Everytime I’m with you, baby
I can’t believe it’s true
When you’re layin’ in my arms
And you do the things you do
You can see it in my eyes
I can feel it in your touch
You don’t have to say a thing
Just let me show how much
I love you, need you, oh babe
I want to kiss you all over
And over again
I want to kiss you all over
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
No one else can ever make me
Feel the way you do
Oh, so keep on loving me baby
And I’ll keep loving you
It’s easy to see
When something’s right or something’s wrong
So stay with me baby and hold me all night long
Show me, show me everything you do
‘Cause baby no one does it quite like you
I love you, need you, oh babe
I wanna kiss you all over
And over again
I wanna kiss you all over
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Stay with me, lay with me
Holding me, loving me, baby
Here with me, near with me
Feeling you close to me, baby
So show me, show me everything you do
‘Cause baby no one does it quite like you
Love you, need you, oh babe
I wanna kiss you all over
And over again
I wanna kiss you all over
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in