About the song
“Whitney Houston’s iconic ballad ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’ is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1987 as the second single from her sophomore album, Whitney, this song is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of love and relationships. Written by Michael Masser and Will Jennings, and produced by Masser, ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’ is a masterclass in songwriting, with lyrics that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The song’s origins are fascinating, as it was initially intended to be a cover of the Isley Brothers’ ‘For the Love of You’. However, the record label decided to release ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’ instead, and it proved to be a wise decision. The song’s soaring melody, lush production, and Houston’s breathtaking vocal performance all came together to create a chart-topping hit that would go on to become one of the singer’s signature songs.
‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’ received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with music critics praising its lyrics, production, and Houston’s vocal performance. The song’s success was not limited to the charts, as it also received a nomination for Song of the Year at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards. The song’s official video, featuring a live performance from Houston’s concert in Saratoga Springs, New York, was also played on MTV, VH1, and BET, cementing its status as a classic of the era.
Today, ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’ remains one of Whitney Houston’s most beloved and enduring songs, a testament to her incredible talent and the timeless power of her music. With its themes of love, loss, and longing, this song continues to resonate with listeners around the world, and its influence can be heard in countless other artists who have followed in Houston’s footsteps.”
Video
Lyrics
Remember when we held on in the rain
The night we almost lost it
Once again we can take the night into tomorrow
Living on feelings
Touching you I feel it all again
Didn’t we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living
Didn’t we almost have it all
The night we held on till the morning
You know you’ll never love that way again
Didn’t we almost have it all
The way you used to touch me felt so fine
We kept our hearts together down the line
A moment in the soul can last forever
Comfort and keep us
Help me bring the feeling back again
Didn’t we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living
Didn’t we almost have it all
The night we held on till the morning
You know you’ll never love that way again
Didn’t we almost have it all
Didn’t we have the best of times
When love was young and new?
Couldn’t we reach inside and find
The world of me and you?
We’ll never lose it again
‘Cause once you know what love is
You never let it end
Didn’t we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living
Didn’t we almost have it all
The night we held on till the morning
You know you’ll never love that way again
Didn’t we almost have it all