About the song
**”(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration”** is a seminal song by the American pop duo The Righteous Brothers, marking a significant moment in their career. Released on February 26, 1966, the track is notable as the group’s first major hit after departing from their long-time producer Phil Spector. Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil—who had also penned The Righteous Brothers’ earlier hit “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”—the song represents a critical phase in the duo’s evolution and their transition to a new musical era.
The origins of “Soul and Inspiration” trace back to the period following the success of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”. Mann and Weil began crafting the song, but it was initially set aside because it resembled their previous work too closely. The song remained incomplete as Spector chose to record “Just Once in My Life” instead. However, after leaving Spector’s Philles Records in late 1965 and moving to the Verve label, The Righteous Brothers—particularly Bill Medley—requested Mann and Weil to finish the song. They complied, leading to the recording of the final version in late 1965.
The song was arranged by Jack Nitzsche, who had previously worked with Spector, ensuring a continuation of the lush “Wall of Sound” that characterized The Righteous Brothers’ early hits. The arrangement featured a rich orchestration with strings and a prominent female backup choir, complemented by session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, including notable names like Don Randi and Michel Rubini. This meticulous production paid off, as “Soul and Inspiration” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained at No. 1 for three weeks. It also reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart and was recognized as one of the top singles of 1966.
Despite this success, it marked the zenith of The Righteous Brothers’ popularity before their eventual split in 1968. They did not achieve another top-10 hit until their 1974 reunion. The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in numerous cover versions, including interpretations by The Blossoms, reggae artist Paddy Corea, and the Osmonds, among others. Bill Medley himself revisited the song in 1994 with Darlene Love, showcasing its lasting influence and significance in the pop and rock music landscape.
Overall, “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” remains a classic example of The Righteous Brothers’ vocal prowess and the skillful production techniques of the era, capturing the essence of 1960s pop music while reflecting the duo’s versatility and enduring appeal.
Video
Lyrics
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?
Mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh, mm, mm, mm, mm (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)