I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)

Aretha Franklin

About I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)

"I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" is a 1967 single released by American soul singer Aretha Franklin. Released on Atlantic Records, as the first big hit of her career, it became a defining song for Franklin, peaking at number one on the rhythm and blues charts and number nine on the pop charts. The B-side was "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man". Before this Franklin had placed only two Top 40 singles on the pop chart during her modest tenure with Columbia Records.


Year:
1985
2:47
63 

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You're a no good heart breaker
You're a liar and you're a cheat
And I don't know why
I let you do these things to me
My friends keep telling me
That you ain't no good
But oh, they don't know
That I'd leave you if I could

I guess I'm uptight
And I'm stuck like glue
Cause I ain't never
I ain't never, I ain't never, no, no (loved a man)
(The way that I, I love you)

Some time ago I thought
You had run out of fools
But I was so wrong
You got one that you'll never lose
The way you treat me is a shame
How could ya hurt me so bad
Baby, you know that I'm the best thing
That you ever had
Kiss me once again

Don't ya never, never say that we we're through
Cause I ain't never
Never, Never, no, no (loved a man)
(The way that I, I love you)

I can't sleep at night
And I can't even fight
I guess I'll never be free
Since you got, your hooks, in me

Whoa, oh, oh
Yeah! Yeah!
I ain't never loved a man
I ain't never loved a man, baby
Ain't never had a man hurt me so bad

No
Well this is what I'm gonna do about it

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Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and pianist. In a recording career that has spanned over half a century, Franklin's repertoire has included gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock and funk. more »

15 fans

Written by: Ronnie Shannon

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc., SPRINGTIME MUSIC INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Year
"I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" was released in 1967.
Album Relativity
The song is the title track of Aretha Franklin's first album with Atlantic Records.
Origin
This soul-style song was written by Ronnie Shannon, and it marks a significant shift from Aretha's earlier pop-style songs.
Breakthrough Hit
After the release, the song quickly rose to number one on the R&B charts and peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Franklin's first big hit.
Recording Session
The recording session of the song took place in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where Franklin's legendary partnership with producer Jerry Wexler began.
Awards
More than 50 years after its release, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" was added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry in 2018, in recognition of its impact on American culture and history.
Personal Significance
Aretha Franklin often identified "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" as one of her favorite songs throughout her career.
Musical Structure
The track famously displays Franklin's gospel music background, featuring her powerful, emotionally resonant vocals, and piano playing.
Live Performance
Franklin sang "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1971, creating a memorable performance that still resonates with fans today.
Lyrics interpretation
The song talks about a toxic and intense love relationship where the singer can't stop loving a man who doesn't treat her right. This resonated with a lot of listeners and may explain the song's impact and success.
Cultural impact
"I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" was a popular anthem during the Civil Rights Movement and is often credited as a catalyst for Franklin's reign as the Queen of Soul.
Soundtrack Appearance
The song was included in the soundtrack of the 1987 film "The Big Easy," enhancing its cultural impact.

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    I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)

    5.6M
    54,302     1,143

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1967

    Billboard #9


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