November 2007 marked the release of Trijntje's album, Who'll Speak for Love… Read Full Bio ↴November 2007 marked the release of Trijntje's album, Who'll Speak for Love - Burt Bacharach Songbook II. She delved even deeper into Bacharach’s work, much of which was written together with lyricist Hal David. Together with The Metropole Orchestra, she recorded another 15 beautiful numbers. The standout title track from the album, “Who’ll Speak for Love”, was a brand new song that Bacharach had written in 2007 together with Tim Rice, who is renowned for his work in such great musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, and The Lion King. Bacharach really wanted Trijntje to be the first to record and sing this impressive piano ballad. Said Trijntje: “It's a great honor to be the first to record a song written by two of my heroes!”

(adapted excerpt from Trijntje Oosterhuis' biography)

Who'll Speak For Love
Trijntje Oosterhuis Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Who'll speak for love
Be a true defender
Of all it's pain and splender
Of ties that bind
Hearts over mind
And who will say that
Love is good
Love is kind

Who'll speak for love
Understands that feelin'
When your desire comes stealin'
Out of the blue
Running you through
And who will say that
Love is strong
Love is true
And who will fight for love
See everyone has failed
Lovers in the past
But if we face the truth
What we have can last
Who'll speak for love
Well here's my confession
You are my pure obsession
I will not live without you
For everything about you
Speaks for love
And who will say that
Love is strong
Love is true
And who will fight for love
See everyone has failed
Lovers in the past
But if we face the truth
What we have can last
Who'll speak for love
Well here's my confession
You are my pure obsession
I will not live without you

For everything about you
Speaks for love

Overall Meaning

In Trijntje Oosterhuis's song "Who'll Speak For Love", the singer is asking who will stand up and defend the concept of love. The lyrics talk about all the different aspects of love, from its pain to its splendor, and the ties that bind people together. The singer questions who will acknowledge that love can sometimes override logic and who will say that love is not just good, but also kind.

The song then goes on to discuss who will fight for love when everyone else has failed. The singer acknowledges that love can sometimes be fleeting and many people have experienced heartbreak, but there is still hope that "what we have can last". The singer then confesses that their obsession with their lover is a true representation of love and they cannot imagine living without their significant other. To them, everything about their lover speaks for love.

Overall, the song is a plea for someone to speak up for the power of love and acknowledge its worthiness to be defended.

Line by Line Meaning

Who'll speak for love
Who will stand up for the true essence of love

Be a true defender
Be a genuine advocate of love, ready to protect it

Of all it's pain and splender
Acknowledge and embrace both the joy and the hardships that come with love

Of ties that bind
The connection and commitment held in love

Hearts over mind
Following one's heart as opposed to overthinking

And who will say that Love is good Love is kind
Who will be the one to declare that love is pure and merciful

Understands that feelin' When your desire comes stealin' Out of the blue Running you through
Recognizes the intense emotions that are provoked when love is unexpected and overwhelming

And who will say that Love is strong Love is true
Who will proclaim the fortitude and authenticity of love

And who will fight for love See everyone has failed Lovers in the past But if we face the truth What we have can last
Who will have the courage and determination to defend love despite its challenges and failures witnessed in the past

Well here's my confession You are my pure obsession I will not live without you For everything about you Speaks for love
The artist confesses an unwavering love for another person, declaring that everything about them represents the true essence of love

Contributed by Caroline R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Doris Mcgentle

4y↑2

Who'll speak for love
Be a true defender
Of all it's pain and splender
Of ties that bind
Hearts over mind
And who will say that
Love is good
Love is kind
Who'll speak for love
Understands that feelin'
When your desire comes stealin'
Out of the blue
Running you through
And who will say that
Love is strong
Love is true
And who will fight for love
See everyone has failed
Lovers in the past
But if we face the truth
What we have can last
Who'll speak for love
Well here's my confession
You are my pure obsession
I will not live without you
For everything about you
Speaks for love
And who will say that
Love is strong
Love is true
And who will fight for love
See everyone has failed
Lovers in the past
But if we face the truth
What we have can last
Who'll speak for love
Well here's my confession
You are my pure obsession
I will not live without you
For everything about you
Speaks for love

All comments from YouTube:

Alan Preston

4y↑9

OMG. At 72 years of age, I've fallen in love all over. Bacharach writes like the champion he is, and she interprets his magic in a most magnificent manner. And the instrumental support is perfectly matched. SO beautiful

Ingrid watsup

4y↑1

Alan...welcome to the gems in The Netherlands.

Deja Vusey

13y↑7

I've seen her perform it with Burt live, and it was touching...but after seeing this particular performance, with this incredible mini orchestra....I wept...simply wept. Oh the power of song when paired with a great voice...Trijntje's is incredible.

Thom

3y↑1

I too weep when I her Trijntje sing she is truly gifted with her magnificent voice!

Steve Terry

6y↑9

This has to be my favourite Bacharach songs, I believe Burt gave Trijntje the first recording of Who'll Speak For Love, he's still writing better than ever. Lyrics by Tim Rice.

Shelley Crisp

8y↑5

Judith as her American friends refer to her as should be given more public exposure. Ger Bacharach recreations are fantastic. She is able to pitch that voice up and down.
Please keep singing, especially in the United States,,,,,,,Sensational Artist.......

M

9y↑3

BURT.....you have written many great songs and this one is also with the signature of you !

Great to see you with traincha at the North Sea Jazz in 2009 live !

one word Astonishing