About the song
Background on “I Need To Be In Love” by The Carpenters
- Release: The song was released as a single in 1976 and appeared on their album “A Kind of Hush.”
- Songwriters: Richard Carpenter, Albert Hammond, and John Bettis
- Interesting fact: Karen Carpenter reportedly called it her favorite Carpenters song to perform.
Themes in “I Need To Be In Love”
The song explores the theme of longing for love. The narrator feels a deep loneliness and desires the companionship and fulfillment that a romantic relationship can bring. Here’s a breakdown of some key themes:
- Yearning: The lyrics express a strong desire for love. Lines like “I see the couples walking hand in hand” and “There’s a hollow place inside of me” highlight this yearning.
- Loneliness: The narrator feels isolated and disconnected. Phrases like “Seems like everyone I know has found their place” and “I watch the world go by but I don’t belong” portray this loneliness.
- Hope: Despite the sadness, there’s a flicker of hope. Lines like “Maybe someday soon love will find me too” suggest the narrator hasn’t given up on finding love.
- Vulnerability: The song is emotionally raw, with Karen Carpenter’s vocals conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability.
Overall, “I Need To Be In Love” is a relatable song for anyone who has ever felt the desire for love and the loneliness that can come with its absence.
Video
Lyrics
The hardest thing I’ve ever doneIs keep believingThere’s someone in this crazy world for meThe way that people come and goThrough temporary livesMy chance could come and I might never know
I used to say, no promisesLet’s keep it simpleBut freedom only helps you say goodbyeIt took a while for me to learnThat nothin’ comes for freeThe price I’ve paid is high enough for me
I know I need to be in loveI know I’ve wasted too much timeI know I ask perfection of a quite imperfect worldAnd fool enough to think that’s what I’ll find
So here I am with pockets full of good intentionsBut none of them will comfort me tonightI’m wide awake at 4 a.mWithout a friend in sightHanging on a hope, but I’m alright
I know I need to be in loveI know I’ve wasted too much timeI know I ask perfection of a quite imperfect worldAnd fool enough to think that’s what I’ll find
I know I need to be in loveI know I’ve wasted too much timeI know I ask perfection of a quite imperfect worldAnd fool enough to think that’s what I’ll find
Tam Le