About the song
“I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner is a timeless anthem that embodies the essence of 1980s power ballads. Released in November 1984 as the lead single from their album *Agent Provocateur*, this song quickly ascended to the top of charts worldwide, marking a pinnacle in Foreigner’s career. Its profound impact on listeners was immediately evident as it claimed the number one spot in both the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming the band’s most successful single to date.
Crafted by Mick Jones, the song’s primary songwriter, its genesis involved collaborative efforts with Lou Gramm, the band’s lead vocalist. Gramm recounted their intense creative process, revealing moments of inspiration juxtaposed with creative challenges that briefly stalled their progress. Despite their collaborative work, disputes over songwriting credits arose, underscoring the deeply personal and emotional nature of the song to Jones.
What sets “I Want to Know What Love Is” apart is its poignant lyricism and powerful musical arrangement. Featuring stirring vocals by Gramm and complemented by the soulful harmonies of the New Jersey Mass Choir, the song transcends typical rock ballads, evoking introspection and universal themes of longing and love. The incorporation of gospel influences, spearheaded by Jennifer Holliday and the choir, adds a layer of emotional depth and grandeur that resonated deeply with audiences.
Critically acclaimed upon its release, the song has continued to receive accolades over the years, solidifying its place as a classic. Rolling Stone magazine recognized its significance by including it in multiple iterations of their greatest songs of all time lists. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by recurrent chart appearances well into the 2000s on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary chart.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” not only defined Foreigner’s musical legacy but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its ability to evoke raw emotion and connect with listeners on a profound level has cemented its status as a quintessential power ballad. Whether through Gramm’s heartfelt delivery, the sweeping orchestration, or the choir’s transcendent backing vocals, the song continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its place among the greatest musical achievements of the 1980s.
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Lyrics
I’ve gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m older
This mountain, I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds, I see love shine
Keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life, there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me (hey)
Gotta take a little time
Little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
Looks like love has finally found me
In my life, there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is (I wanna know)
I want you to show me (I wanna feel)
I wanna feel what love is (I know, I know, and I know)
I know you can show me
Let’s talk about love
I wanna know what love is
(Love that you feel inside)
I want you to show me
(I’m feeling so much love)
I wanna feel what love is
(And you know, you just can’t hide)
I know you can show me
Oh, I wanna know what love is
(Let’s talk about love)
I know you can show me
(I wanna feel)
I wanna feel what love is
(And you know you just can’t hide)
I know you can show me
I wanna feel what love is (oh, I wanna know)
I want you to show me