About the song
There are certain songs that transcend generations, their melodies weaving themselves into the fabric of our collective memory. Foreigner‘s power ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is” is undoubtedly one of those timeless classics. Released in 1984, it quickly ascended the charts globally, capturing hearts with its raw emotion and universal yearning for connection. Even today, nearly four decades later, the song retains its power to stir the soul.
And what better way to experience the magic of this iconic track than through a live performance? The rendition we’re about to explore comes from a concert at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Michigan, where Foreigner delivered a performance charged with both nostalgia and renewed energy.
This particular version allows us to appreciate the nuances that only a live setting can provide. Lou Gramm’s distinctive vocals, though perhaps weathered by time, still carry the weight of the song’s emotional core. The band’s musicianship shines through, with the signature keyboard intro and soaring guitar solos that define the Foreigner sound.
But there’s something more at play here. The live context adds a layer of immediacy, a sense of shared experience between the band and the audience. You can almost feel the energy in the room, the collective heartbeat of a crowd united by the power of music.
In this analysis, we’ll delve into the specific elements that make this live performance of “I Want To Know What Love Is” so compelling. We’ll examine the vocal delivery, the instrumental interplay, and the overall atmosphere captured in this recording. Join me as we revisit a classic and discover the enduring power of Foreigner‘s music.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m older
This mountain, I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds, I see love shine
Keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life, there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me (hey)
Gotta take a little time
Little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
Looks like love has finally found me
In my life, there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is (I wanna know)
I want you to show me (I wanna feel)
I wanna feel what love is (I know, I know, and I know)
I know you can show me
Let’s talk about love
I wanna know what love is
(Love that you feel inside)
I want you to show me
(I’m feeling so much love)
I wanna feel what love is
(And you know, you just can’t hide)
I know you can show me
Oh, I wanna know what love is
(Let’s talk about love)
I know you can show me
(I wanna feel)
I wanna feel what love is
(And you know you just can’t hide)
I know you can show me
I wanna feel what love is (oh, I wanna know)
I want you to show me