About the song
“Keep On Loving You” is a classic power ballad by the American rock band REO Speedwagon, written by lead singer Kevin Cronin and featuring the dynamic guitar work of Gary Richrath. Originally released on the band’s 1980 album *Hi Infidelity*, the song marked a pivotal moment for REO Speedwagon, becoming their first single to break into the top 50 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It reached the number-one spot for one week in March 1981 and was subsequently certified platinum for over one million copies sold in the United States. Additionally, it achieved notable success in the UK, peaking at number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
“Keep On Loving You” has since become a staple of 1980s soft rock compilations and is featured on numerous ‘various artists’ collections and REO Speedwagon greatest hits albums. Its enduring appeal has led Ultimate Classic Rock critic Matt Wardlaw to name it the band’s greatest song of all time.
The origins of “Keep On Loving You” reveal a fascinating transformation. Cronin initially conceived the song as a straightforward love ballad. However, during a band rehearsal, his fellow members were initially skeptical of its potential fit for REO Speedwagon. Cronin’s conviction in the song led to a collaborative effort to mold it into a power ballad. Guitarist Gary Richrath, whose powerful chords and dynamic guitar work contributed significantly to the song’s final sound, played a crucial role in shaping its iconic sound. Despite initial doubts from Epic Records, who were hesitant to release the song as a single, the band’s persistence paid off, leading to the track’s massive success.
The music video for “Keep On Loving You,” which debuted on MTV’s first day of broadcast on August 1, 1981, further solidified its place in popular culture. The video, notable for its early MTV appearance, features a dramatic narrative involving Cronin and a female psychiatrist, and includes a memorable scene with a telephone connected to Richrath’s guitar, referencing a live performance element.
Overall, “Keep On Loving You” stands as a defining example of 1980s power ballads, characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and the powerful instrumental performance that helped cement REO Speedwagon’s place in rock history.
Video
Lyrics
You should have seen by the look in my eyes, baby
There was somethin’ missin’
You should have known by the tone of my voice, maybe
But you didn’t listen
You played dead, but you never bled
Instead you laid still in the grass, all coiled up and hissin’
And though I know all about those men
Still I don’t remember
‘Cause it was us
Baby, way before then, and we’re still together
And I meant
Every word I said
When I said that I loved you I meant that I loved you forever
And I’m gonna keep on lovin’ you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I want to do
I don’t want to sleep, I just want to keep on lovin’ you
And I meant
Every word I said
When I said that I loved you I meant that I loved you forever
And I’m gonna keep on lovin’ you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I want to do
I don’t want to sleep, I just want to keep on lovin’ you
Baby, I’m gonna keep on loving you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do
I don’t want to sleep, I just want to keep on lovin’ you