“Soul and Inspiration” is a powerful and soulful ballad performed by The Righteous Brothers, released in 1966. The song showcases the duo’s distinctive vocal style and emotional depth, cementing their place in music history as one of the premier acts of the 1960s.

About The Song

The lyrics of “Soul and Inspiration” speak to the themes of love, dependence, and the fear of losing a cherished partner. The narrator expresses how their significant other is the source of their strength and inspiration, emphasizing that they cannot imagine life without them. The song’s chorus highlights this deep emotional connection, pleading for their love to stay.

Musically, “Soul and Inspiration” features a lush arrangement typical of the Wall of Sound production style, pioneered by Phil Spector. The song includes rich orchestration, with dramatic strings and a strong rhythm section that enhances the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The Righteous Brothers’ harmonies and vocal delivery add to the song’s soulful and heartfelt quality.

“Soul and Inspiration” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional resonance and the powerful vocal performances of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. It remains a classic example of the blue-eyed soul genre and a testament to The Righteous Brothers’ lasting impact on popular music.

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Lyric

Girl, I can’t let you do this
Let you walk away
Girl, how can I live through this?
When you’re all I wake up for each day baby

You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you baby what good am I?

I never had much going
But at least I had you
How can you walk out knowing
I ain’t got nothing left if you do, baby

You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you baby what good am I?
Oh, what good am I?

Baby, I can’t make it without you
And I’m, I’m telling you honey
You’re my reason for laughing, for crying
For living and for dying

Baby, I can’t make it without you
Please, I’m begging you baby
If you go it will kill me, I swear it
Girl, I just can’t bear it

You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you baby what good am I?
What good am I?

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