Buddy recorded and released this song in 1957. This was not one of Buddy’s biggest hits but a good song all the same. It was recorded on April 8th, 1957 and included a revolutionary gimmick for its time. He recorded his vocals twice and combined the results, thereby harmonizing with himself in the fashion of The Everly Brothers. This was one of the first released pop record to feature vocal overdubbing.
Canadian quartet The Diamonds as a successful follow-up to their #2 hit “Little Darlin’.” Their version of “Words Of Love” peaked at #13 in July of 1957.
I first heard this song by The Beatles. They had covered the song live between 1958-1962 and decided to record it for the Beatles for Sale album in 1964.
Paul McCartney about writing their own songs. “People these days take it for granted that you do, but nobody used to then. John and I started to write because of Buddy Holly. It was like, ‘Wow! He writes and is a musician.'” Paul McCartney purchased the publishing rights to Buddy Holly’s catalog in 1976.
John Lennon on Buddy Holly: “Buddy Holly was great and he wore glasses, which I liked,” “Buddy Holly was the first one that we were really aware of in England who could play and sing at the same time – not just strum, but actually play the licks.”
Words of Love
Hold me close and tell me how you feel
Tell me love is real
Words of love you whisper soft and true
Darling I love you
Let me hear you say the words I long to hear
Darling when you’re near
Words of love you whisper soft and true
Darling I love you
Discover more from PowerPop... An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Buddy Holly Lives!…. I found it interesting that when their hero came to town- none of them went to see him. John said he wasn’t into concerts- but into the studio recorded music. But still kind of curious.
That is one thing John was consistent about…was that he was a record guy…he kept that to the end.
I didn’t know this wasn’t one of Buddy’s biggest hits. It’s a really nice one. I swear, Buddy goes unnoticed in the US for how progressive and innovative he was.
Not about this song specifically, but I think The Vaccines channel Buddy Holly. Every time I hear one of their songs, I want to go to Youtube and pull up a Buddy Holly song next, lol. Some examples are If You Wanna, Wetsuit, Wrecking Bar, and Norgaard. The catchy choruses are a big part of it, I think.
I was surprised also but it didn’t chart. Yes he did/does go unnoticed here. The UK noticed him a lot more. No surprise there.
I just listened to some… they do especially the drums…He uses the tom toms like Jerry Allison did…you don’t hear modern drummers doing that… yes and the choruses are catchy I agree.
He had such a cool modern sound. Legend
Cool! One can only wonder “what if”?
Yep…he was the one fifties performer who I think could have withstood the Beatles coming.
Sounds like he was a musical innovator who deserves more credit than he got. Paul was smart to buy up his music rights.
Yes he was…he bought up a lot of music…I think even the Vanderbilt University theme song…he bought what he loved and it paid off
Love this song, Max. Thanks for highlighting it.
Wow! Thank you for introducing this song to me.
Glad you liked it Kally.
I think the tune is stuck in my head. Can’t shake it out! Lol.
A guitarist friend of mine was familiar with The Beatles’ version. He thought it was a George Harrison composition. Pretty big compliment both ways.
A friend of mine was familiar with The Beatles’ version. He thought it was a George Harrison composition.
You know what? I could see that from George at that time.