To Love Somebody

"To Love Somebody" is a song written by Barry and Robin Gibb. Produced by Robert Stigwood, it is the second single released by the Bee Gees from their international debut album, Bee Gees 1st, in 1967. Barry said that "To Love Somebody" was the song he chose because it had "a clear and emotional message". The song has been recorded by many other artists, including Janis Joplin, Roberta Flack, Lulu, James Carr, the Sweet Inspirations, Nina Simone, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Slobberbone and Jimmy Somerville. "To Love Somebody" was originally intended for Otis Redding, but he died before he could handle Barry and Robin Gibb's latest masterpiece so the Bee Gees recorded it themselves. Despite its modest chart success, the song deserves to be covered countless times by everyone. The original Bee Gees recording from 1967, from the Bee Gee's first vinyl record, was deeply emotional. The simple title chorus is both heartbreaking and joyful, a self-pity for an unrequited love.

The verses lift their longing with music, the chorus a lively follow-up. It is as if the narrator becomes much stronger when he admits his weakness to the unattainable. The song has become a bit of a pop standard, with other notable versions by Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, the Animals and Tom Jones.

Singer: The Bee Gees