Introduction
Love Was Here Before The Stars: A Timeless Ballad of Enduring Love
Engelbert Humperdinck, the stage name of Arnold George Dorsey, is a name synonymous with romantic ballads that have serenaded generations. With a career spanning over five decades, Humperdinck has captivated audiences worldwide with his velvety voice and emotive delivery. Among his vast repertoire of love songs, “Love Was Here Before The Stars” stands out as a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of love that transcends time and space.
This poignant ballad, released in 1969, is a beautiful collaboration between two songwriting giants: Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Bacharach’s lush melodies, known for their intricate arrangements and emotional depth, perfectly complement David’s heartfelt lyrics, which speak of a love that predates even the celestial bodies. The song’s gentle rhythm and soaring strings create an atmosphere of tender affection, enveloping the listener in a warm embrace of nostalgia and romance.
“Love Was Here Before The Stars” is more than just a love song; it is a philosophical reflection on the nature of love itself. The lyrics suggest that love is not merely a fleeting emotion but an eternal force that has existed since the beginning of time. It is a love that is woven into the fabric of the universe, a love that is as old as the stars themselves. This cosmic perspective elevates the song beyond the realm of personal romance, imbuing it with a sense of universal significance.
The song’s opening lines, “Love was here before the stars, before the sun, before the moon,” immediately establish this grand scale. The imagery of celestial bodies emphasizes the vastness of time and space, suggesting that love is an even more fundamental element of existence. This idea is further reinforced by the lines, “Love was here before the world, before the first dawn, before the first tear was born.” These lyrics paint a picture of a world in its infancy, devoid of light and life, yet already imbued with the power of love.
Humperdinck’s rendition of the song is nothing short of masterful. His rich baritone voice conveys the depth of emotion embedded in the lyrics, imbuing each word with sincerity and passion. He sings with a gentle tenderness that captures the vulnerability of love, while also conveying the strength and resilience of a bond that has withstood the test of time. His phrasing is impeccable, allowing the lyrics to breathe and resonate with the listener.
The arrangement of the song is equally noteworthy. The lush orchestration, with its prominent strings and delicate piano melodies, creates a romantic atmosphere that perfectly complements Humperdinck’s vocals. The music swells and ebbs like the tides, mirroring the ebb and flow of emotions that are at the heart of the song. The overall effect is one of timeless elegance, a classic ballad that could have been written in any era.