About The Song
“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” is a song written by Holland–Dozier–Holland and originally recorded by American soul singer Jackie Wilson in 1967. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart. It has been covered by many artists, including Thelma Houston, The Jackson 5, and Rita Coolidge.
The song is a classic example of the Motown sound, with its driving beat, catchy melody, and Wilson’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are simple but effective, expressing the joy and elation of being in love. The song has been used in many films and television shows, and it remains a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
Jackie Wilson was an American soul singer who was one of the most popular and influential performers of the 1950s and 1960s. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1934, and began his career as a gospel singer. In 1957, he signed with Motown Records and released his first hit single, “Reet Petite.” Wilson went on to have a string of hits, including “Lonely Teardrops,” “To Be Loved,” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.”
Wilson was a dynamic and charismatic performer, and his live shows were legendary. He was known for his energetic dancing and his ability to connect with his audience. Wilson was also a pioneer in the use of call-and-response in his music, which would later become a staple of soul and R&B music.
Wilson’s career was interrupted in 1975 when he suffered a heart attack that left him in a coma. He remained in a coma until his death in 1984. Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.
“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners. It is a testament to Jackie Wilson’s talent and charisma that the song remains as popular today as it was when it was first released.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was originally written for Marvin Gaye, but he was not interested in recording it.
- The song’s distinctive horn riff was created by Motown session musician Hank Cosby.
- The song has been used in many films and television shows, including “The Big Chill,” “The Sopranos,” and “Mad Men.”
- The song was ranked number 83 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Video
Lyrics
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
It’s not the way you smile that touched my heart
Sha-la-la-la-la
It’s not the way you kiss that tears me apart
Whoa, many, many nights roll by
I sit alone at home and cry over you
What can I do?
I can’t help myself
When, baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
You should hear what they say about you (cheat, cheat)
Sha-la-la-la-la
They say, they say you never, never, never been true (cheat, cheat)
Whoa, doesn’t matter what they say
I know I’m gonna love you any old way
What can I do when it’s true?
I don’t want nobody, nobody, no
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Whoa, many, many nights roll by
I sit alone at home and cry over you
What can I do?
I can’t help myself
‘Cause, baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Don’t leave me alone
Sha-la-la-la-la
Come on home
Sha-la-la-la-la
cuong 
Barbara Desetto