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The Association – Never My Love

The Association - IMDb

About the Song

Released in 1967, “Never My Love” by The Association is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for generations. This song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the group’s signature harmonies.

The Association, a California-based pop group formed in the mid-1960s, were known for their gentle, folk-rock sound and intricate vocal arrangements. Their music often explored themes of love, loss, and longing, and “Never My Love” perfectly encapsulates these themes.

The song’s opening lines, “Never my love, you’ve never been my love,” immediately establish a sense of melancholy and unrequited affection. The narrator pines for a love that they can never have, their heart yearning for something that remains just out of reach.

The lyrics, penned by Randy Bachman and Bruce Johnston, are filled with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors. The singer compares their love to a “desert rose,” something beautiful but fragile that cannot survive in their harsh reality. They speak of “rivers of tears” and “mountains of dreams,” painting a picture of the emotional depths to which their love has taken them.

The melody, composed by Bachman, is equally evocative. It is a gentle, lilting tune that perfectly complements the song’s melancholic mood. The harmonies, a hallmark of The Association’s sound, add layers of richness and depth to the melody, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.

“Never My Love” was a commercial success upon its release, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the Billboard Easy Listening chart. It has since become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by numerous artists, including Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, and Santana.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. It speaks to the universal experiences of love, loss, and longing, and its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics have the power to touch hearts and stir emotions.

“Never My Love” is more than just a song; it is a timeless classic that has earned its place in the pantheon of popular music. Its beauty, emotional resonance, and enduring popularity ensure that it will continue to touch the lives of listeners for generations to come.

Cherish - Remastered Version - song and lyrics by The Association | Spotify

Video

Lyrics: Never My Love

You ask me if there’ll come a time
When I grow tired of you
Never my love
Never my loveYou wonder if this heart of mine
Will lose its desire for you
Never my love
Never my loveWhat makes you think love will end
When you know that my whole life depends
On you (on you)Never my love
Never my love

You say you fear I’ll change my mind
And I won’t require you
Never my love
Never my love

How can you think love will end
When I’ve asked you to spend your whole life
With me (with me, with me)

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