About the song
In the realm of country-pop music, few songs have managed to transcend genres and capture the hearts of listeners quite like “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)”. Written by Otha Young in the mid-1970s, this enchanting ballad has been a staple of Juice Newton’s discography, with a rich history that spans multiple recordings, chart-topping success, and enduring popularity.
Originally recorded in 1975 with her band Silver Spur, “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” was first introduced to the world as a B-side single and a promotional release to U.S. radio stations. Although it didn’t immediately gain traction, the song’s beauty and emotional resonance caught the attention of other artists, including Dottsy, who recorded a version in 1976 that climbed to No. 86 on the country music charts.
However, it was Juice Newton’s re-recording of the song for her 1981 album “Juice” that catapulted “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” to unprecedented heights. With its soaring vocals, lush instrumentation, and a dash of pop sensibilities, the song became an unstoppable force, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard adult contemporary and country charts, while peaking at No. 7 on the pop chart. This remarkable achievement cemented Newton’s status as a crossover sensation, with “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” remaining her only single to reach the top 10 on all three charts.
The song’s impact extended beyond its chart performance, with its music video, filmed in New York City, receiving significant airplay. The song’s popularity also led to a re-release of the “Juice” album, with a new, more pop-oriented mix of “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” replacing the original country version. This revamped version has since become the standard, although the original 1981 country version can still be found on select compilations and box sets.
Throughout its journey, “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” has remained a timeless classic, its themes of love, devotion, and vulnerability continuing to resonate with listeners of all ages. As a testament to its enduring appeal, the song has been featured on various “greatest hits” collections and remains a staple of Juice Newton’s live performances.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the history of “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)”, exploring its creation, evolution, and impact on the music world. We’ll also examine the song’s significance within Juice Newton’s discography and its continued relevance in the modern music landscape. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and magic of this unforgettable ballad.
Video
Lyrics
When I see you in the morning
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 loving you
And I have never been afraid of losing
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 loving 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
And all the heartaches and temptations
Only make me love you more
The sweetest thing I’ve ever known
Is loving you
And I have never been afraid of losing
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 loving you
The sweetest thing I’ve ever known
Is loving you