About the song
“Unchained Melody,” a timeless classic, originally composed by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret, emerged as a pivotal piece in the landscape of 20th-century music. Initially conceived as part of the score for the 1955 prison film “Unchained,” the song’s enduring appeal has transcended generations and cultures, becoming one of the most recorded songs in history.
Alex North, tasked with composing the film’s score, drew inspiration from a melody he had crafted in the 1930s. When asked to create a song based on the movie’s theme, North approached lyricist Hy Zaret, who initially hesitated but eventually collaborated on what would become “Unchained Melody.” Notably, Zaret resisted the producer’s suggestion to include the word “unchained” in the lyrics, instead focusing on themes of longing and separation.
The song’s original rendition featured vocals by Todd Duncan for the film soundtrack, where it underscored poignant scenes of prisoners contemplating freedom and love. Duncan’s heartfelt performance resonated with audiences and earned the song a nomination at the 1956 Academy Awards, though it was ultimately edged out by “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.”
Despite its cinematic origins, “Unchained Melody” achieved greater renown through subsequent interpretations, notably the rendition by the Righteous Brothers in 1965. Bobby Hatfield’s soulful solo in their version transformed the song into a jukebox standard, beloved for its emotional depth and melodic richness. This rendition gained renewed popularity when featured prominently in the iconic film “Ghost” (1990), further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Over the years, “Unchained Melody” has been reimagined by more than 670 artists in multiple languages, attesting to its universal appeal and enduring relevance. Its distinctive melody and evocative lyrics continue to captivate listeners, earning it accolades such as inclusion in the American Film Institute’s list of top movie songs.
The song’s journey from film score to global phenomenon underscores its timeless appeal, resonating with audiences across decades and genres. “Unchained Melody” remains a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and connect people through shared experiences of love, longing, and hope.
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Lyrics
Woah, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea, yeah
Lonely rivers sigh
“Wait for me, wait for me”
I’ll be coming home, wait for me
Woah, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered, hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me