About the Song
Nat King Cole, that velvet voice that could soothe a restless soul and make a rainy day feel like a warm embrace. Today, we turn our attention to one of his later recordings, a song that perfectly encapsulates his smooth style and timeless message of love: L-O-V-E.
Released in 1965, L-O-V-E wasn’t just a song title; it was a heartfelt declaration. This was a period when music was shifting, with new sounds and styles emerging. But Nat King Cole remained a constant, his voice a beacon of comfort and familiarity. L-O-V-E stands as a testament to that enduring quality.
The song itself is a delightful confection, a sugary-sweet melody wrapped around a message as simple as it is profound: love is all we have. With his signature smooth delivery, Cole takes us through a playful breakdown of the word “love,” each letter representing an aspect of this powerful emotion. There’s the adoration in someone’s gaze, the exclusivity of finding your one true love, and the extraordinary nature of that connection.
But L-O-V-E isn’t just about butterflies and starry eyes. It’s also a gentle reminder that love requires effort. The lyrics speak of love as more than a game, highlighting the importance of commitment and vulnerability. Cole urges us to take a chance, to open our hearts, because “two in love can make it.”
L-O-V-E might not be a complex ballad filled with dramatic flourishes. Instead, it’s a simple, straightforward declaration, a love song in the purest sense. And that’s precisely what makes it so enduring. So, settle in, let Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals wash over you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the timeless message of L-O-V-E.
Barbara Desetto