“The Power of Love” is a song written and first sung by American singer-songwriter Jennifer Rush in 1984. It was one of the singles from her first album, Jennifer Rush (1984), and later covered by Air Supply, Laura Branigan, and Celine Dion.
The song’s lyrics talk about the strong bond between two people in love and how it helps them face challenges together. It’s all about how love can change people and give them the courage to overcome anything.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the lyrics of the song really mean.
Table of Contents
“The Power of Love” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling by like thunder now
As I look in your eyes
Verse 1 describes a peaceful morning scene where two lovers are asleep together.
“The whispers in the morning” describes the soft, hushed sounds or murmurs typical of early daylight. This image symbolizes the tender and intimate moments shared between the couple as they awaken together.
In the line “Are rolling by like thunder now,” the singer compares these “whispers” to “thunder,” implying that even subtle displays of affection from her partner can carry immense significance, akin to the mighty force of thunder during a storm. As the singer gazes into her partner’s eyes, she is engulfed by the depth of their love.
[Verse 2]
I hold on to your body
And feel each move you make
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake
Verse 2 of the song describes the physical and emotional closeness between the singer and her partner.
The singer expresses how she holds onto her partner’s body and feels each movement she makes.
She describes her partner’s voice as warm and tender, evoking feelings of comfort and love that they cherish deeply and would never abandon.
[Chorus 1]
‘Cause I’m your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I’ll do all that I can
Chorus 1 emphasizes the commitment and dedication between the singer and her partner.
The singer declares that she belong to her partner (“I’m your lady”) and he belongs to her (“you are my man”).
She expresses her willingness to do anything for her partner’s happiness and well-being, promising to give him all whenever her partner needs her (“Whenever you reach for me, I’ll do all that I can”).
[Verse 3]
Lost is how I’m feeling lying in your arms
When the world outside’s too
Much to take
That all ends when I’m with you
Verse 3 portrays the sense of comfort and security the singer finds in her partner’s arms (“Lost is how I’m feeling lying in your arms”).
She expresses feeling lost when facing the challenges of the outside world but find solace and reassurance when embraced by her partner.
The singer describes how her worries and troubles fade away in the presence of her loved one (“That all ends when I’m with you”).
[Verse 4]
Even though there may be times
It seems I’m far away
Never wonder where I am
‘Cause I am always by your side
Verse 4 describes the unwavering presence and loyalty of the singer to her partner.
Despite potential distance or challenges, the singer reassures her partner that she’s always by his side.
She conveys that even when circumstances may make it seem like she’s far away, her commitment and support remain steadfast.
[Chorus 2]
We’re heading for something
Somewhere I’ve never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I’m ready to learn
Of the power of love
In Chorus 2, the singer expresses a willingness to explore new experiences with her partner, even if it brings moments of fear or uncertainty (“We’re heading for something, Somewhere I’ve never been, Sometimes I am frightened”).
Despite any apprehension, she’s ready to embrace these opportunities to learn and grow together, guided by the strength of their love. She sings, “But I’m ready to learn, Of the power of love.”
[Bridge]
The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear
Suddenly the feeling that I can’t go on
Is light years away
In the Bridge, the singer describes how the sound of her partner’s heartbeat serves as a reassuring and comforting presence, providing clarity and strength in moments of doubt.
The singer acknowledges that with her partner, any feelings of uncertainty or inability to continue forward are alleviated, as she sings, “Suddenly the feeling that I can’t go on, Is light years away.”
[Refrain]
The power of love
The power of love
Sometimes I am frightened
But I’m ready to learn
Of the power of love
In the Refrain, the singer acknowledges moments of fear but expresses readiness to confront and learn from them because of the profound influence of love.
[Outro]
The power of love
As I look into your eyes
The power of love
(The power of love)
The power of love
In the Outro, the song reiterates the powerful influence of love as the singer looks into her partner’s eyes. It emphasizes the enduring power and significance of their relationship.
Deeper Meaning Behind “The Power of Love”
“The Power of Love” is a song co-written and first sung by American singer-songwriter Jennifer Rush in 1984. Celine Dion also covered it, making it one of the most well-known renditions of Rush’s hit from 1984.
“The Power of Love” eventually reached number one in several countries including Australia, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, and Spain. In Spain, Rush topped the chart with a Spanish version called “Si tú eres mi hombre y yo tu mujer” (“If you are my man and I’m your woman”).
In simple terms, the song is about the enduring connection between a couple. The singer expresses her desire to be her man’s lady and finds solace in his embrace. It talks about how love gives her the courage to face the unknown future.
Jennifer Rush wrote the lyrics about her boyfriend, Steven Engebretson, who was a Harvard graduate. He was only her second boyfriend, and the couple remained together long after the song was released.
Although Rush is from New York City, she lived in Germany for a while and secured her record deal with the German division of CBS Records.
Her songs started as poems, which she then set to music created by her producers, who didn’t speak English. For “Power Of Love,” she partnered with poet/lyricist Mary Susan Applegate, who received a songwriting credit alongside Rush, Mende, and DeRouge.
The song has a dramatic tone, starting with a chilly vocal intro that resembles a scene from a romance novel:
“The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling like thunder now
As I look in your eyes”
In the end, the “power of love” comforts the singer, giving her the strength to continue:
“Suddenly the feeling that I can’t go on
Is light years away”
In the lyrics, love is depicted as a source of solace and courage, providing the singer with the resilience to face life’s challenges head-on.
The song celebrates the idea of unconditional love, demonstrating how it transcends distance, doubt, and fear. It portrays love as a guiding force that brings clarity and purpose to the lives of those who embrace it fully.
The song is called “The Power of Love” as it focuses on the immense strength and influence of love in people’s lives. It suggests that love has the ability to overcome obstacles, inspire growth, and bring about positive change.
Music Video
The music video for “The Power of Love” was directed by German director Michael Leckebusch and filmed in New York City. It starts with scenes of the city in the early morning, showing some suspicious characters in an empty office. Rush’s partner, who works nights, discovers them. Then, Rush is seen leaving Madison Square Garden and begins singing. At home, she finds her partner asleep.
During the chorus, Rush stands in a freight elevator moving upwards. Meanwhile, there are scenes of the villains pressuring her partner. Rush, wearing sunglasses, observes them plotting on a pier. They also attack her partner in the street.
Rush appears to be trying to rescue him from the villains. Towards the end, she walks alone through the city at night, singing. Back home, she checks on her partner sleeping in bed before closing the door.
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