About the Song
“This Guy’s in Love with You” by Herb Alpert is a tender and heartfelt ballad that stands as a timeless declaration of love. Released in 1968, the song marked a significant departure from Alpert’s usual role as a trumpeter and bandleader of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, as it was the first time he recorded a track featuring his vocals. The result was a smash hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, becoming one of the most memorable love songs of the 1960s.
The song was written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, whose mastery of crafting emotionally resonant melodies and poignant lyrics shines brightly here. The lyrics express a vulnerable confession of love, with the narrator openly admitting his deep affection and longing. Lines like “This guy’s in love with you / What I’d do to make you mine” convey a blend of hope and uncertainty, making the song feel intimate and genuine. The raw honesty in the lyrics resonates deeply, allowing listeners to connect on a personal level.
Herb Alpert’s vocal delivery is soft, understated, and brimming with sincerity. While not a trained vocalist, Alpert’s unpolished yet emotive singing lends authenticity to the song’s message. His voice feels like a direct extension of the narrator’s heart, making the confession of love feel all the more real and relatable. Alpert’s vulnerability in stepping out of his comfort zone to sing mirrors the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics, adding another layer of depth to the track.
Musically, “This Guy’s in Love with You” is a lush, sophisticated composition that perfectly embodies Burt Bacharach’s signature style. The arrangement is gentle and elegant, featuring soft strings, delicate piano chords, and subtle brass accents. The relaxed tempo and smooth orchestration create a warm, dreamy atmosphere, allowing the song’s emotional weight to shine through. The melody, with its graceful rises and falls, feels almost conversational, further enhancing the intimate feel of the track.
The song was first introduced on a television special, The Beat of the Brass, where Alpert performed it as a surprise for his wife. Its overwhelming reception prompted its official release as a single, where it quickly soared to commercial success. It not only became Herb Alpert’s first and only vocal hit but also solidified his place as a versatile artist capable of transcending his instrumental roots.
“This Guy’s in Love with You” also holds a special place in pop culture history as the first number-one hit for Burt Bacharach and Hal David as songwriters. The track became an enduring standard, covered by countless artists over the years, including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Tom Jones, each bringing their own interpretation to the song’s universal theme of love and vulnerability.
Today, “This Guy’s in Love with You” is remembered as one of the most romantic songs of its era. Its simplicity and emotional sincerity have ensured its longevity, making it a go-to choice for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic moments. For Herb Alpert, it remains a defining moment in his illustrious career, showcasing a different side of his artistry and connecting with audiences in a way that transcends time.
Whether you’re rediscovering it or hearing it for the first time, “This Guy’s in Love with You” continues to captivate listeners with its heartfelt message, elegant arrangement, and timeless appeal. It’s a song that reminds us of the beauty and courage found in openly expressing love.
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Lyrics: “This Guy’s In Love With You”
You see this guy
This guy’s in love with you
Yes, I’m in love
Who looks at you the way I do
When you smile I can tell
We know each other very well
How can I show you
I’m glad I got to know you, ’causeI’ve heard some talk
They say you think I’m fine
Yeah, I’m in love
And what I’d do to make you mine
Tell me now, is it so?
Don’t let me be the last to know
My hands are shaking
Don’t let my heart keep breaking, ’causeI need your love
I want your love
Say you’re in love
In love with this guy
If not, I’ll just dieTell me now, is it so?
Don’t let me be the last to know
My hands are shaking
Don’t let my heart keep breaking, ’causeI need your love
I want your love
Say you’re in love
In love with this guy
If not, I’ll just die