The Book of Love
Magnetic Fields
Lyrics currently unavailable…
10 facts about this song
Release and Album Information"The Book of Love" was released in 1999 as a part of Magnetic Fields' three-volume concept album, "69 Love Songs." This album is considered one of the significant works for both Magnetic Fields and the indie pop genre.
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Song CompositionThe song has a simple composition involving an acoustic guitar, piano, cello, and the distinct baritone voice of the band's lead singer, Stephin Merritt.
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Lyrics' StructureThe song's lyrics are a parody of the idea of 'love songs,' mocking clichés of the genre but also expressing a deep love. Its lyrics have three verses, each with a distinctive idea about love, without any choruses.
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Notable Covers'The Book of Love' has been covered by several artists, including Peter Gabriel. Gabriel's version, which was used in the soundtrack of the 2004 movie "Shall We Dance?", is arguably the most popular interpretation of the song.
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Use in ShowsThe song has also been featured in multiple television series including 'Scrubs' and 'The Umbrella Academy', contributing to its widespread recognition.
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Critical ReceptionThis song, along with the rest of the "69 Love Songs" album, received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying Magnetic Fields' place in the indie pop landscape. It was also a commercial success.
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Stephin Merritt’s PerspectiveFrontman Stephin Merritt has famously said that he isn't particularly fond of 'The Book of Love', mainly because its success has overshadowed his other works.
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Public RecognizationThe song is recognized for its quirky, cynical twist on the stereotypical love song, making it an enduring favorite among fans of alternative and indie music.
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DurationUnlike the majority of pop songs which tend to last for about three minutes, "The Book of Love" is relatively short with a duration of just over two minutes.
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Song InterpretationThe song has been interpreted as both a celebration and critique of love, thus inducing a blend of sincerity and melancholy which resonates with a wide variety of listeners.
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Citation
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"The Book of Love Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4762493/Magnetic+Fields/The+Book+of+Love>.
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