In 1976, record producers Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer, assisted by manager Han Meijer, twenty years before the Spice Girls phenomenon, decided to form a girl group, inspired by the German disco trio Silver Convention. They had already recorded the music of a self-penned track ("My Man") and were looking for singers. They eventually recruited José Hoebee, Patty Brard and Marga Scheide.
“My Man” was released as Luv’ their debut single. It became a minor success on the Dutch official Top 40, peaking at #12. The lyrics of this ABBA-esque track dealt with the death of a railroad man. It was a coincidence that around the time of its release, a taking of hostages happened in a train in De Punt in late May and early June 1977.
Van Hemert was then commissioned by VPRO television to write the theme song for the Wim T. Schippers-written TV series Het is weer zo laat! (also known as Waldolala). Luv’ eventually recorded the opening theme “U.O.Me (Welcome to Waldolala)”. It became the first hit single for the girl group, becoming a Top 5-smash in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
In 1978, Luv’ released “You're the Greatest Lover”, which became a major hit throughout Europe, selling over 1 million on the continent. It peaked at Number 1 on the Dutch official Top 40. It also topped the charts in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and other European countries. The follow-up “Trojan Horse” became another hit throughout Europe and the girls’ second Number 1-smash in the Netherlands. Their debut album With Luv’ also became a best-seller across Europe.
In 1979, Luv’ released “Casanova” as the lead single from their sophomore album Lots Of Luv’. It was another worldwide success and their fourth consecutive Top 3-hit in Holland. Some tracks were covered in Spanish. "Eres Mi Mejor Amante" (a.k.a. "You're the Greatest Lover") was a hit in Spain and "Si, Que Si" (a.k.a. "Ooh, Yes I Do") reached gold status in Mexico. Near the end of the year, the girls released their third album True Luv’, which featured the pre-mentioned singles.
In 1978–1979, Luv' was 'Holland's best export act' and received for their entire oeuvre the Export award from Conamus, a foundation dedicated to the promotion and support of Dutch music abroad.
Soon after the release of the "One More Little Kissie" single, Patty Brard left the band in August 1980. She was replaced by a model and limbo dancer from the Ricardo and The Flames revue, Ria Thielsch. Later that year, they released their fourth studio album Forever Yours, which featured the Top 10-hit “My Number One”.
In March 1981, the girls and their team announced their break-up at the time they had planned to promote their recordings in new territories. Near the end of the year, they released their compilation album Goodbye Luv’. José scored a solo Number 1-hit with “I Will Follow” in the following years.
In 1988, the original line-up was reunited for a Dutch TV charity show (Samen) hosted by Mies Bouwman. Luv' later planned to record a comeback album. The British producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman were said to produce this opus. However, nothing materialized. Marga Scheide (only original member) and two other singers, Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold then formed a new formation in 1989. They scored a minor Top 40-hit with “Welcome to My Party”.
Due to the success of ABBA and Boney M. compilations, the original Luv' girls got together. An anthology CD (Luv' Gold) and a medley single ("Megamix '93") were released in 1993.
In 2005, Luv' made a surprise performance at the 60th birthday of Hans van Hemert. One year later, a reality TV show about their comeback (Back in Luv) was broadcast on RTL 5 (a Dutch TV channel) and on VTM (a Flemish channel). In the later years, concerts were sporadic mainly due to the fact that Patty Brard was a busy TV personality. They gave their final performance on 11 August 2012 in Spaarnwoude at the Dutch Valley Festival.
If You Love Me
Luv' Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you be ready for a dance
Ah, ah, ah,
Would you be willing to give me a chance
Do you like disco music
Do you like reggae music too
Do you like funky music
Ah, ah, ah....
Is this the first time that you're here?
Ah, ah, ah.....
Can I please hold you a little near?
If you love
Like I, like I love you
No no-one can get all of him too
If you love
Like I, like I love you
No no-one can get all of him too
Ah, ah, ah....
Now can I bring you home tonight
Ah, ah, ah....
I'm gonna make you see the light
Do you like disco music
Do you like reggae music too
Do you like funky music
And do, do, do, do you like me too?
Ah, ah, ah....
Are you afraid that you're mine
Ah, ah, ah....
What do you mean now, who's next in line
Ah, ah, ah....
Now can I bring you home tonight
Ah, ah, ah....
I'm gonna make you see the light
The lyrics to Luv's song "If You Love Me" are an invitation to dance and an expression of interest in another person. The lyrics suggest that the singer is eager to get to know someone better and wants to know if they share a love of music, particularly disco, reggae, and funk. The singer is also asking for permission to hold the person close and take them home, promising to make them see the light.
The lyrics reflect a sense of anticipation and desire for connection. The singer is trying to establish common ground with the person they are interested in, sharing their own tastes in music as a way of discovering if they share a connection. The song's refrain ("if you love/like I, like I love you/no one can get in our way") suggests a strong sense of connection and a desire to be with the other person.
The song is a classic example of disco music, featuring upbeat rhythms, catchy hooks, and infectious melodies. The song was released in 1978 and became a hit in Europe and the United States. It was a breakthrough hit for Luv, a Dutch girl group that formed in 1976. The group was known for their catchy disco tunes, colorful outfits, and playful choreography.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you be ready for a dance
Are you open to the idea of pursuing a romantic relationship with me and exploring our chemistry through the rhythm of dancing?
Would you be willing to give me a chance
Are you willing to take a risk and let us get to know each other beyond this initial interaction?
Do you like disco music
Are you inclined towards the upbeat and groovy genre of disco music?
Do you like reggae music too
Along with disco, are you also fond of the chilled out and mellow vibes of reggae music?
Do you like funky music
Do you appreciate the funky and soulful energy that comes with certain styles of music?
And do, do, do, do you like me too?
In addition to music preferences, are you also interested in me as a potential romantic partner?
Is this the first time that you're here?
Is this the first time we're meeting and getting a chance to connect?
Can I please hold you a little near?
May I have the opportunity to be physically closer to you and experience a moment of intimacy?
If you love/Like I, like I love you/No no-one can get all of him too
If you reciprocate my feelings of love and affection, no one else can have what we share and the bond we develop will be unique to us.
Now can I bring you home tonight
Are you comfortable with the idea of continuing our date by going home together?
I'm gonna make you see the light
I am confident that I can bring happiness and positivity into your life if you give me a chance.
Are you afraid that you're mine
Do you feel hesitant or unsure about committing to a relationship with me?
What do you mean now, who's next in line
Are you implying that you have other romantic prospects or are you asking if I have other potential partners?
Contributed by Eliana A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MikeBlitzMag
"If"?? Luv' is arguably one of the premier vocal groups of the 20th century. It's definite! Great cut.
comprehensive thoughts
Very nice light beautiful music
rick ven
wanneer is dit liedje uitgekomen ? eind jaren '70 dacht ik