“The Power of Love” Lyrics Meaning [Explained]

If you’re a fan of love songs, then you’ve probably heard of “The Power of Love.” It’s a beautiful ballad that was first recorded by American singer-songwriter Jennifer Rush back in 1984. Though it wasn’t an instant hit, the song eventually became a massive success across the world.

Rush recorded the song in Frankfurt, Germany, and released it in West Germany to little fanfare. However, a year later, her original version of “The Power of Love” climbed to the top of the UK Singles Chart in October 1985. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Air Supply, Laura Branigan, and Celine Dion.

The song’s popularity can be attributed to its powerful lyrics that explore the depths of love and its ability to transform us. In this article, we will analyze the lyrics of “The Power of Love” and explore the meaning behind them.

Lyrics Interpretation

“The Power of Love” is a ballad that explores the transformative power of love. The lyrics describe the deep emotional and physical connection between two lovers and their commitment to each other. The song speaks to the idea that love can transform individuals and give them the strength to overcome any obstacle.

Verse 1

The whispers in the morning

Of lovers sleeping tight

Are rolling by like thunder now

As I look in your eyes

The song begins with the image of lovers sleeping tightly, and the whispers of their dreams in the morning. The use of “rolling by like thunder” suggests the power of their love and its ability to change the world around them. As the singer looks into her lover’s eyes, she feels a deep connection that is beyond words.

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

In this verse, the singer describes the physical intimacy between her and her lover. She holds on to his body and feels every movement he makes, indicating a strong emotional and physical connection. The warmth and tenderness of his voice reaffirm her love and commitment to him.

Chorus

‘Cause I’m your lady

And you are my man

Whenever you reach for me

I’ll do all that I can

The chorus is a declaration of love and commitment. The singer asserts that she is her lover’s lady, and he is her man. She promises to do everything in her power to be there for him whenever he needs her.

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

This verse depicts the feeling of being lost in love. When the world outside becomes overwhelming, the singer finds solace and comfort in her lover’s arms. He is her anchor, and she feels safe and secure with him.

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

This verse reaffirms the singer’s commitment to her lover. She acknowledges that there may be times when they are physically apart, but she assures him that she is always by his side, regardless of the distance between them.

Chorus

‘Cause I’m your lady

And you are my man

Whenever you reach for me

I’ll do all that I can

Bridge

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

The bridge of the song is a declaration of the unknown future that the couple is heading towards. They are going somewhere they have never been before, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for their future together. The singer admits that she may be frightened, but she is ready to learn about the power of love, suggesting that their relationship will be a journey of discovery and growth.

Verse 5

The sound of your heart beating

Made it clear suddenly

The feeling that I can’t go on

Is light years away

This verse speaks to the power of the physical presence of a loved one. The sound of her lover’s heart beating makes it clear that their love is strong and real. It gives her the strength to overcome any obstacle and reminds her that giving up is not an option.

Chorus

‘Cause I’m your lady

And you are my man

Whenever you reach for me

I’m gonna do all that I can

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

Verse 6

The final verse of the song reiterates the commitment and devotion of the singer to her lover. She acknowledges that sometimes she may be frightened, but she is willing to learn and grow with him.

The line “somewhere I’ve never been” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the unknown future, which can be both exciting and daunting. The couple is heading towards something new and uncharted, but they are doing it together, and their love will guide them through.

Music Video

Directed by Michael Leckebusch, the video takes place in the bustling city of New York.

The video starts with some bad guys snooping around an empty office, but don’t worry – Rush’s man is there to save the day! Then we see Rush leaving Madison Square Garden and singing her heart out. When the chorus hits, Rush is standing in a moving freight elevator, looking super cool in black sunglasses.

Throughout the video, we see glimpses of the villains trying to harm Rush’s man, including hitting him with a car – yikes! But Rush is determined to save him, even watching the bad guys from a dock by the sea.

Towards the end of the video, Rush takes a solo stroll through the city at night, still belting out the powerful lyrics. And don’t worry, the video has a happy ending – Rush checks on her man and finds him safely asleep in their bedroom.

With over 115 million views on YouTube as of January 2023, “The Power of Love” music video is a must-see for any fan of 80s power ballads.

Cover Versions

“The Power of Love” is a popular song that has been covered by several artists since its release in 1984. Let’s take a look at the different versions and their impact.

Air Supply Version

In 1985, the British/Australian duo Air Supply covered “The Power of Love” for their self-titled album. The song was sung by Russell Hitchcock, and they reversed the gender roles in the lyrics to match the singer’s gender. 

Their version was titled “The Power of Love (You Are My Lady)” to avoid confusion with another song with the same name by Huey Lewis and the News. While it was a moderate success in New Zealand and Canada, reaching the top 40 in both countries, it peaked at number 68 in the US. Their version was featured in the 2017 film Death Note.

Laura Branigan Version

Laura Branigan recorded “The Power of Love” for her fifth studio album, Touch (1987). Produced by David Kershenbaum, it was released as the album’s second single and reached number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1987. 

“Power of Love” also peaked at number 19 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary chart. Branigan considered the song a classic torch song with a contemporary feel and emotionally challenging to sing.

Celine Dion Version

Celine Dion covered “The Power of Love” for her third English-language studio album, The Colour of My Love (1993). Produced by David Foster, it was released as the album’s first single in North America in November 1993 and became a massive hit, reaching number one in the US, Canada, and Australia. 

It was also a top-ten hit in several other countries and became the best-selling single by a female artist of 1994 in the US. The song won the ASCAP Pop Award for Most Performed Song in the United States and was certified Platinum in the US and Australia, Gold in the UK and New Zealand, and Silver in France. 

Dion’s version also earned several award nominations, including the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single. A music video for the song was also released, which saw heavy rotation on music video networks and programs.

Dion included the song in many of her tour performances and featured it on several of her greatest hits collections. Billboard later ranked it as the 46th Top Love Song of All Time.

Conclusion