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Valentine’s Day is the impetus for putting our heads together and coming up with a compilation of some of the most moving love songs. And while love songs aren’t exclusive to Valentine’s Day, this is as good of an occasion as any to focus on that beautiful emotion called love. The top 10 love songs featured below were selected based on their moving lyrics and unforgettable melodies which have the ability to conjure up past memories or inspire new emotions. While there are millions of incredible songs out there, we whittled the list down to only 10.
What love song moves you most? Please share your comments below.
1. THAT’S HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS
PERFORMED BY: Otis Redding
This soulful track references various elements of nature, comparing their steadfastness to the depth of love that the singer has for his beloved. The intensity and passion of Redding’s voice, matched with the slow tune, really goes straight to the heart.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
If I was the sun way up there
I'd go with love most everywhere
I'll be the moon when the sun goes down
Just to let you know that I'm still around.
2. YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND
PERFORMED BY: Queen
A major part of love is friendship - in any relationship. This concept is so beautifully expressed in this rock ballad that celebrates what it means to be a true friend to someone you love.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
You're the best friend
That I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine
And I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
3. FIRST DAY OF MY LIFE
PERFORMED BY: Bright Eyes
Off their 2005 album I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, this song is indie sweetness with a wonderfully made music video that celebrates all types of love.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
Yours is the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don't know where I am
I don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go
4. AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH
PERFORMED BY: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
This punchy song performed by the powerhouse duo of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell really show when you love someone, love isn’t measured by distance – there's nothing you wouldn't do to be by their side.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry
5. SOMETHING
PERFORMED BY: The Beatles
No list of love songs would be complete without Paul, John, George and Ringo. Their hauntingly sweet song speaks about that inexplicable element that draws two people into a loving relationship.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
Something in the way she knows
And all I have to do is think of her
Something in the things she shows me
6. HOME
PERFORMED BY: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The two singers from Magnetic Zeros Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos were an actual real-life couple that inspired this tender tune – can you feel the love on the track?
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
Home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
7. AT LAST
PERFORMED BY: Etta James
This rich-bodied song was performed by Beyonce for US President Barack Obama’s inaugural balls where he and the First Lady Michelle Obama took to the dance floor during the serenade.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
At last my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
8. MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE
PERFORMED BY: Adele
Written by the master Bob Dylan, this gorgeous song is about being there for your loved one, doing whatever it takes to ensure they know how deeply you care for them.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
There's nothing that I would not do
Go to the ends of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love.
9. HALO
PERFORMED BY: Beyonce
The Queen B is no stranger to epic love songs, but Halo tops it off as one of her very best. The dramatic beat and the moving lyrics are a true ode to appreciating and valuing the one you are with.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby, I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
10. LONGING TO BELONG
PERFORMED BY: Eddie Vedder
This wistful song performed by Pearl Jam’s front man on the ukulele is about finding that special someone who makes you realize that all you want to do is be in their presence.
HEART THUMPING LYRICS:
I'm falling harder than I've
ever fell before
I'm falling fast while hoping
I'll land in your arms
