Loggins was born in Everett, Washington and is the youngest of three brothers. His mother was Lina (née Massie), a homemaker, and his father, Robert George Loggins, was a salesman. They lived in Detroit and Seattle before settling in Alhambra, California. Loggins attended San Gabriel Mission High School, graduating in 1966. He formed a band called the Second Helping that released three singles during 1968 and 1969 on Viva Records. Greg Shaw described the efforts as "excellent punky folk-pop records" that were written by Loggins who was likely to be the bandleader and singer as well; Shaw included "Let Me In" on both Highs in the Mid-Sixties, Volume 2 and the Pebbles, Volume 9 CD.
Loggins had a short gig playing guitar for the New Improved Electric Prunes in 1969 before writing four songs for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which were included in their Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy album. During his early twenties, he was part of the band Gator Creek with Mike Deasy. An early version of "Danny's Song" (later recorded by Loggins and Messina and a No. 7 Hot 100 hit for Anne Murray in 1973) was included in a record on Mercury Records.
Loggins appears in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V playing himself as the host of an in-game radio station called Los Santos Rock Radio. He also lends the songs "Danger Zone" and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)", and sings station jingles.
In 2014, Loggins appeared as himself in the episode "Baby Shower" of the fifth season of the animated comedy series Archer. His song "Danger Zone" had been a recurring joke in the show. At the end of the episode and during the credits, Loggins also performs a country version of "Danger Zone" as a duet with the character of Cherlene. Loggins stated in a later interview that his in-show nickname 'K-Log' is a complete creation of the show, stating, "It was always a joke. That's why it works, because it's so absurd.
It Must Be Imagination
Kenny Loggins Lyrics
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They say, you see it in a lover's eye
But I'm wide awake tonight
'N I'm looking for a reason why
It doesn't show
Still somehow, I know
Tell me that it just ain't so
It must be imagination
Why can't I forget it?
God, you'd think I'd know better
It must be imagination
Gone completely out of my mind
It must be imagination
Tearin' me apart
'N breakin' my heart
You can say what is real
You can tell me if I'm in a dream
'Cause I know what I feel
But I don't know what to believe
Turn on the night light
Even if it takes us all night
I gotta be sure by daylight
If I've made this whole thing up
It must be imagination
Tell me if I'm right
'Cause it's changing my life
It must be imagination
Everybody knows
There ain't no way to fight it
It must be imagination
Breakin' my heart
'N tearing me apart
If I'm only dreamin'
Then I'm cryin' in my sleep
You should be shakin' me
Why ain't you wakin' me up?
It must be imagination
God, I must be losin' my mind
It must be imagination
Does anybody know
Is there anyway to fight it?
It must be imagination
All in my mind, all in my mind
It must be imagination
If you wanna go, I just got to know
It must be imagination
Ooh, tell me what's the problem
Why you wanna go on breakin' my heart?
Kenny Loggins’s song “It Must Be Imagination” describes the feelings of confusion one can experience when dealing with a lover that is indifferent to them. Loggins sings about how he cannot tell what is real from what he has imagined in his head. He is looking for a reason not to be in denial about the truth, but at the same time, he is not ready to accept the situation he is in. Loggins is not sure what he feels but he knows he is confused to the extent of wondering whether it's all in his head.
The lyrics in “It Must Be Imagination” demonstrate the experience of cognitive dissonance. The singer is experiencing a change between what he has perceived but yet he is unsure of whether his perception is real or made up. The phrase “It Must Be Imagination” suggests the singer is grappling with the cause of his pain, unsure if it is real or just product of his own mind. This is a highly relatable concept for people who have been in relationships that have gone south. The lyrics suggest that the singer would prefer to know the truth of the matter rather than live in the indecision.
Line by Line Meaning
When the feeling isn't right?
Kenny Loggins is questioning his intuition and wondering why he feels uneasy.
They say, you see it in a lover's eye
Society tells us that love is conveyed through the eyes, but Kenny cannot see it in his partner's eyes.
But I'm wide awake tonight
Kenny is unable to sleep due to his uneasiness.
'N I'm looking for a reason why
Kenny is trying to find a logical explanation for why he feels uneasy.
It doesn't show
Kenny cannot see any signs in his partner's behavior that would suggest something is wrong.
Still somehow, I know
Despite the lack of evidence, Kenny is convinced that something is wrong.
Tell me that it just ain't so
Kenny is desperate for reassurance that his intuition is wrong.
Say, I made the whole thing up
Kenny wishes he was just imagining things.
It must be imagination
Kenny realizes that his uneasiness may just be unfounded worries.
Why can't I forget it?
Despite his realization, Kenny is having a hard time letting go of his worries.
God, you'd think I'd know better
Kenny is frustrated with himself for not being able to let go of his worries.
Gone completely out of my mind
Kenny's worries are consuming his thoughts and mental space.
Tearin' me apart
Kenny's worries are causing him emotional distress.
You can say what is real
Kenny is open to hearing the truth about his situation.
You can tell me if I'm in a dream
Kenny is questioning whether his worries are just a figment of his imagination.
'Cause I know what I feel
Kenny is confident in his own emotions.
But I don't know what to believe
Kenny is conflicted about whether to trust his intuition or his partner's behavior.
Turn on the night light
Kenny is willing to take action to alleviate his worries.
Even if it takes us all night
Kenny is willing to stay up all night to resolve his worries.
If I've made this whole thing up
Kenny is still hoping that his worries are just a product of his imagining.
Tell me if I'm right
Kenny wants someone to confirm his fears or alleviate them.
'Cause it's changing my life
Kenny's worries are affecting his mental health and overall life.
Everybody knows
Kenny is aware that others may have dealt with similar worries before.
There ain't no way to fight it
Kenny realizes that he cannot fight against his own thoughts and emotions.
If I'm only dreamin'
Kenny is still holding onto the hope that his worries are not real.
Then I'm cryin' in my sleep
Kenny may be experiencing nightmares or distress in his sleep.
You should be shakin' me
Kenny wishes someone would help him snap out of his cycle of worrying.
Why ain't you wakin' me up?
Kenny is asking why nobody is helping him overcome his worries.
God, I must be losin' my mind
Kenny feels like he is losing control of his own thoughts and emotions.
Does anybody know
Kenny is reaching out for help and advice from others.
Is there anyway to fight it?
Kenny is desperate for a solution to his worries.
All in my mind, all in my mind
Kenny is trying to convince himself that his worries are not real.
If you wanna go, I just got to know
Kenny is willing to let go of his relationship if his worries are confirmed and not just his imagination.
Ooh, tell me what's the problem
Kenny is asking for an explanation to his worries.
Why you wanna go on breakin' my heart?
Kenny is sad and hurt that his worries are affecting his relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KENNETH CLARK LOGGINS, THOMAS R. SNOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind