About the song
“Fever” is a timeless classic that has been captivating audiences for over six decades. Written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, the song was first recorded by American R&B singer Little Willie John in 1956. The original version topped the Billboard R&B Best Sellers chart and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard pop chart, earning widespread critical acclaim and recognition. Since its release, “Fever” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, each leaving their unique mark on the song.
One of the most iconic and enduring versions of “Fever” is the 1958 rendition by Peggy Lee, which has become her signature song. Lee’s version features rewritten lyrics and an altered music arrangement, and it was a top-five hit in the UK and Australia, as well as making the top ten in the US and the Netherlands. The song’s success was further solidified when it was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 1959, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Over the years, “Fever” has been recorded by a diverse range of artists, including Elvis Presley, Boney M., Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, Sylvester, the McCoys, La Lupe, and Beyoncé. Each of these versions has brought a unique perspective to the song, from Madonna’s sultry 1992 rendition to Beyoncé’s sultry 2001 version.
Madonna’s version of “Fever” was released as a single from her fifth studio album, Erotica, in 1993. The song topped the charts in Finland and the Hot Dance Club Songs chart in the US, and it charted in the top 50 in many other countries. Madonna’s music video for “Fever” was directed by Stéphane Sednaoui and featured her performing the song on several television shows, as well as on her 1993 The Girlie Show World Tour.
The McCoys’ 1965 version of “Fever” is another notable rendition, which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and 34 on the German Singles Chart. The song’s enduring popularity has also led to its inclusion in numerous films, plays, and television shows.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of “Fever,” from its origins to its numerous covers and adaptations. We’ll examine the cultural context in which the song was released, and how it has continued to evolve and captivate audiences over the years. With its timeless melody, sultry lyrics, and iconic performances, “Fever” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain generations of music lovers.
Video
Lyrics
Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that’s so hard to bear
You give me fever
When you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight
Fever! In the mornin’, a-fever all through the night
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
I light up when you call my name
And you know I’m gonna treat you right
You give me fever
When you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight
Fever! In the mornin’, a-fever all through the night
Everybody’s got the fever
That is something you all know
Fever isn’t such a new thing
Fever started long ago
Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet, she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said, “Julie, baby, you’re my flame”
Thou giveth fever
When we kisseth, fever with thy flaming youth
Fever! I’m a fire, fever, yeah, I burn forsooth
Captain Smith and Pocahontas
Had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said, “Daddy, oh, don’t you dare”
He gives me fever
With his kisses, fever when he holds me tight
Fever! I’m his missus, daddy, won’t you treat him right?
Now you’ve listened to my story
Here’s the point that I have made
Chicks were born to give you fever
Be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade
They give you fever
When you kiss them, fever if you live and learn
Fever! ‘Til you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn
What a lovely way to burn
What a lovely way to burn
What a lovely way to burn