I Want to Know What Love Is

Foreigner

About I Want to Know What Love Is

"I Want to Know What Love Is" is a power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner. It was released in November 1984 as the lead single from their fifth album, Agent Provocateur. The song hit number one in both the United Kingdom and the United States and is the group's biggest hit to date. It remains one of the band's best-known songs and most enduring radio hits, charting in the top 25 in 2000, 2001, and 2002 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Recurrents chart. "I Want to Know What Love Is" has continued to garner critical acclaim, and is listed as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's greatest songs of all time at number 479. The song is also featured in a number of films. 


5:06
90 
#1

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I 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

Now this mountain I must climb, feels like the world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds I see love shine, it 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 want to know what love is, I want you to show me
I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me

I'm gonna take a little time, a little time to look around me
I've got nowhere left to hide, it 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 want to know what love is, I want you to show me
I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me
I want to know what love is, I want you to show me
(And I want to feel) I want to feel what love is
(And I know) I know you can show me

Let's talk about love, I want to know what love is
The love that you feel inside, I want you to show me
And I'm feeling so much love, I want to feel what love is
No, you just can't hide, I know you can show me
I want to know what love is (let's talk about love), I know you can show me
I want to feel it too, I want to feel what love is
I want to feel it too, and I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah, I want to know what love is

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Foreigner

Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm. Foreigner has sold over 37.5 million albums in the United States alone. more »

4 fans

Written by: Michael Leslie Jones

Lyrics © SOMERSET SONGS PUBLISHING INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

History and Release
The song "I Want to Know What Love Is" was released in November 1984 as the lead single from their fifth album, 'Agent Provocateur'.
Chart Success
The song was a global success. It topped the charts in both the UK and the US, making it Foreigner's only single to do so.
Creation
The song was written by Mick Jones, the founder and lead guitarist of Foreigner. It was a departure from their usual rock sound, showcasing a more pop and gospel-influenced style.
Influences
Mick Jones was reportedly inspired to write the song after experiencing a series of personal trials and a spiritual awakening.
Iconic Chorus
The New Jersey Mass Choir was featured in the song's iconic chorus. Choir member Jennifer Holliday, also a Grammy and Tony award-winning singer, was featured on lead vocals alongside Foreigner's lead vocalist, Lou Gramm.
Platinum Certification
The song was certified platinum in the UK for sales over 600,000 and has sold over a million copies in the US.
Covers and Covers' Success
Over the years, many artists have released their own versions of the song, including Mariah Carey whose 2009 cover was a big success, reaching top ten charts in several countries.
Use in Media
The song has been used in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, including 'Miami Vice', 'The Office', and 'Anchorman 2'.
Pop Culture Status
The song represents the power ballad genre of the 1980s and is often considered one of the greatest songs of the era.
Legacy
In a 2013 poll by readers of Rolling Stone magazine, "I Want to Know What Love Is" was voted the fifth best song by Foreigner. It continues to be a popular choice on classic rock radio and at the band's live performances.
Personal Impact
Mick Jones has stated that, despite Foreigner's many hits, "I Want to Know What Love Is" remains the song he's most proud of.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

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