In 1955, North used the music as a theme for the prison film Unchained, hence the name. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.[2] Les Baxter (Capitol Records catalog number 3055), released an instrumental version which reached #2. Then song recordings were released by Al Hibbler (Decca Records #29441) reaching #3 on the Billboard charts, Jimmy Young which hit #1 in the United Kingdom, and Roy Hamilton (Epic Records no. 9102) reaching #1 on the R&B Best Sellers list and #6 on the pop chart.[3] Hundreds of other recordings followed.
The song regained popularity when another version was produced by Phil Spector in 1965, credited to the Righteous Brothers, but performed as a solo by Bobby Hatfield, who later recorded versions credited solely to him. It climbed to number four.
It was the July 1965 version by The Righteous Brothers that became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century, regaining massive popularity when used in the 1990 blockbuster film Ghost.
Unchained Melody
Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers sigh
"Wait for me, wait for me"
I'll be coming home, wait for me
Oh, my love, my darling
I've hungered, for your touch
A long, lonely time
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
"Unchained Melody" is a masterpiece by The Righteous Brothers. The lyrics express a deep longing for a loved one who is far away. The song begins with lines that portray a long and lonely wait – the wait for the loved one’s touch that the singer has been yearning for. The phrase "time goes by so slowly" emphasizes the singer's longing and how time seems to difficult during their separation. But at the same time, "time can do so much" shows the power time has in shaping their love and relationship.
The first verse is followed by an interlude that paints a picture of two flowing rivers – one that runs to the sea and the other that longs for the sea, symbolizing the constant flow and longing for their love between the two individuals. This interlude adds a poetic touch to the lyrics, reflecting the beauty of the natural world that surrounds the singer, which can also help sustain their love. The song ends with a plea for the lover's return with the words, "God Speed Your Love to Me."
Overall, the lyrics of "Unchained Melody" perfectly capture the beauty and pain of love and its unequivocal manifestation of emotions. The song is a testament to the power of emotion and the strength of true love that can withstand time and distance.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my love, my darling
The singer expresses deep love for someone special
I've hungered for your touch
The singer deeply desires physical and emotional connection with their loved one
A long, lonely time
The singer has been separated from their loved one for a significant duration and has felt sad and isolated
Time goes by so slowly
The absence of the loved one has made time appear to move very slowly
And time can do so much
The singer acknowledges that time has the power to heal and change things
Are you still mine?
The singer is uncertain whether their loved one still feels the same
I need your love
The singer expresses a deep yearning for their loved one's affection
God speed your love to me
The singer hopes that their loved one will quickly and safely return to their side
Lonely rivers flow
The singer compares a lonely river to their own feelings of solitude
To the sea, to the sea
The river flows towards the vast and deep ocean
To the open arms of the sea
The singer imagines the ocean as a welcoming and comforting presence
Lonely rivers sigh
The river appears to express sadness and longing
"Wait for me, wait for me"
The singer begs their loved one to patiently wait for their return
I'll be coming home, wait for me
The singer promises to come back home and reunite with their loved one
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., UNCHAINED MELODY PUB LLC
Written by: ALEX NORTH, HY ZARET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Top10Archive
No Autotune.. just pure talent..
@sanmacedosul
i totaly agree.
@bettywatson6299
I'm great fulfil.
@talas3draft367
Hahahha that's why we cal them the LEGEND
@rhondaboncutter5812
Exactly, why it is so beautiful!
@sam352
Exactly..somerhing this era has forgotten about!!
@zuzannawisniewska4464
Who's still listening to this legendary masterpiece in 2023??
@rosaestela1000
Me!!! Dedicated to my husband of 36 years!!! RIP my love!!!
@vegasrenie
2024!
@TH-kp5vi
2024