About The Song
Thanks to the iconic scene featuring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and a pottery wheel, a classic song made its way back into the hearts of radio listeners and music buyers in 1990. When Bobby Hatfield delivered a soulful rendition of “Unchained Melody” in that memorable moment from the movie Ghost, it wasn’t the song’s first introduction to the public. In fact, it wasn’t even the first time they had heard that particular version.
With over 500 recorded renditions, “Unchained Melody” stands as one of the most frequently covered songs of the 20th century. Yet, the rendition that has become most renowned is the 1965 recording by the Righteous Brothers (technically a solo performance by Bobby Hatfield). With Phil Spector’s grand production and Hatfield’s emotionally charged tenor reaching remarkable heights, the record was designed to stir the hearts of anyone separated from their beloved, reducing them to “a pile of mush.”
The song made its initial appearance under the Righteous Brothers’ name in 1965, serving as the B-side to their single “Hung on You.” However, when DJs favored “Melody” instead, the song soared to #4 on the U.S. pop charts and #14 in the U.K. A quarter of a century later, it regained popularity due to Ghost, though it was only commercially available as a single in a newly recorded version. In a rare occurrence, both versions charted and reached the top 20 in the U.S. On the Adult Contemporary charts, the 1990 version claimed the #1 spot, while the 1965 version rose to the pinnacle of the U.K. charts.
Originally featured in an obscure prison film called Unchained in 1955, the song was sung by Todd Duncan for the movie. However, it was Les Baxter’s rendition that topped the Billboard charts. Over the years, artists like Roy Hamilton and Al Hibbler achieved #1 on the R&B charts with their interpretations, and in the U.K., Jimmy Young’s version reached the coveted #1 position. In a remarkable feat, the song holds the unique distinction of reaching the top of four different charts with five different versions, spanning across three different decades.
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Lyric
Oh, my love, my darlingI’ve hungered for your touchA long, lonely timeAnd time goes by so slowlyAnd time can do so muchAre you still mine?I need your loveI need your loveGod speed your love to meLonely rivers flowTo the sea, to the seaTo the open arms of the sea, yeahLonely rivers sigh“Wait for me, wait for me”I’ll be coming home, wait for meWoah, my love, my darlingI’ve hungered, hungered for your touchA long, lonely timeAnd time goes by so slowlyAnd time can do so muchAre you still mine?I need your loveI need your loveGod speed your love to me
Guitar chord
C Am F G C Oh, my love, my darling, I've hungered for your touch Am G A long, lonely time C Am F G C And time goes by so slowly and time can do so much Am G Are you still miiiiiiiiiiiine C G Am Em I need your love, I nee--eed your love F G C C7 God speed your love tooooo-ooooo me F G F Eb Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea F G C To the open arms of the sea F G F Eb Lonely rivers sigh, wait for me, wait for me F G C I'll be coming home, wait for me C Am F G C Oh, my love, my darling, I hunger, hunger!, for your love Am G For love. Lonely time. C Am F G C And time goes by, so slowly, and time can do so much, Am G Are you still mine? C G Am Em I need your love, I, I need your love. F G C Am F Fm C God speed your love to me