Vocalist Nick Van Eede founded the group along with Canadian guitarist Kevi… Read Full Bio ↴Vocalist Nick Van Eede founded the group along with Canadian guitarist Kevin Scott MacMichael in 1985, and made demos that led to a recording contract, before bassist Colin Farley and drummer Martin Beadle joined in 1986.

Their first album, Broadcast, released in 1986, was the first U.S. number one album for Richard Branson's Virgin Records. It included "(I Just) Died in Your Arms", their most popular single, which reached number one in the U.S., and number four in the UK; the album also yielded an additional U.S. top-ten hit with "I've Been in Love Before". The band received a Grammy nomination in 1987, for "Best New Artist".

After the band broke up in 1993, guitarist Kevin MacMichael joined forces with Robert Plant, and played on his critically acclaimed Fate of Nations album. MacMichael died of lung cancer on New Year's Eve 2002, at his home in Nova Scotia, at the age of 51.

The band was reformed in 2006 by Nick Van Eede, with a completely new line-up. They have released one album, Grinning Souls, in February 2006 on the Hypertension record label. The new band toured Germany early the same year and are currently planning tours in the UK and Denmark.

I've Been In Love Before
Cutting Crew Lyrics

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Oooh, Ooo Oooh, Cha

Catch my breath,
Close my eyes
Don't believe a word.
Things she said, overheard
Something wrong inside
Hits you in a minute, Ooooo

Then you know you're in it, aah.

I've been in love before
I've been in love before
The hardest part is
When you're in it
I've been in love before
I've been in love before

Just one touch, just one look
A dangerous dance
One small word can make me feel
Like running away
You can't say you're in it, no,
Until you reach the limit

I've been in love before
I've been in love before
The hardest part is
When you're in it
I've been in love before
I've been in love before

I've been in love before
I've been in love before
The hardest part is
When you're in it
I've been in love before
I've been in love before

I've been in love
The hardest part is
When you're in it

I've been in love
I've been in love before

Overall Meaning

The Cutting Crew's song "I've Been in Love Before" is a classic pop rock ballad that explores the complexities of love. The song starts with the singer catching his breath and closing his eyes as if he is in a state of shock, not able to comprehend what has just happened. He is unable to believe the words of his partner, the things she said and overheard, that something is wrong inside. It's like a sudden force has hit him and he knows he's in trouble.

The chorus of the song is a recurring one that emphasizes the experience of the singer. He has been in love before, and he knows how hard it is when you are in it. He then goes on to describe how just a single touch, a glance or a word from someone can have a tremendous effect on him, and he feels like running away. He asserts that one cannot say that they are in love until they reach the limit, which is perhaps the final stage of a relationship.

The song conveys a sense of vulnerability as well as recognition of the simplicity and complexity of love. The Cutting Crew expresses the fear of falling in love, fear of getting hurt, and the fear of losing oneself. At the same time, they acknowledge the joy and exhilaration that comes with loving someone deeply.

Line by Line Meaning

Catch my breath,
Taking a deep breath, preparing for what's to come

Close my eyes
Blocking out all distractions, focusing on oneself

Don't believe a word.
Not trusting what's being said, questioning the motives

Things she said, overheard
Listening to what was said, trying to connect the dots

Something wrong inside
A gut feeling that something isn't right

Hits you in a minute, Ooooo
A sudden realization that hits hard

Then you know you're in it, aah.
Realizing that one is in love

I've been in love before
Having experienced love in the past

The hardest part is
The most difficult aspect of love is

When you're in it
Being swept up in the emotions and feelings of love

Just one touch, just one look
A small action can have a huge impact