No More I Love Yous - The Lover Speaks

[@sxc673]

Love Annie’s version but the original wins out for the usual reasons. He wrote it. Therefore the pain comes out in his vocals. Because he wrote it. Because it’s personal. Can’t fake that. Can’t duplicate that.

[@kevzsabz8253]

Yes the original is far way more better.

[@OsAbliNgin911]

Basically the original is better because it was not overly produced or perfected. You can feel the love in the music that comes from an original song. It literally sounds like the song was recorded live.

[@JustOneCalorieNotEvilEnough]

I had not heard the composer's version until now. I simultaneously favor and disfavor it. I disagree with the statement that the original is uniquely able to capture the emotion. Annie Lennox's is dolefull in its own way. Her music video extends the lyric to bring non-heteronormative gender & sexuality dimensions into focus.

[@Matthew9818]

Dr. Evil Diet Coke . I like Annie’s version they are both good in there own way but I prefer his version . I find Annie’s version sounds a bit darker but can relate more too his version. .

[@pcrtwentekanaal8458]

Not only in his vocals: I hear the pain also in the guitar

[@kingoftheseamusic]

“Isn’t the most sensitive point of this mourning the fact that I must lose a language - the amorous language? No more ‘I love you’s.” ― Roland Barthes, A Lover's Discourse: Fragments

[@ricksamericana749]

Thank you for pointing this out. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go out to find a translation of a book of French poetry.

[@FM-ig3th]

@@ricksamericana749 Translation for the common man: "I'm outta here"

[@craigix]

The more I listen to this version, the more I get it. This version is on another level, it's raw.

[@etiennedeclercq4925]

It's fenomenal !!!

[@renaudvillacis]

Yeah

[@jimcummins4142]

This is THE most perfect song I have ever heard.....I am nearly 60 yrs old and love Floyd, Zeppelin, Bowie and many many others, but I have never heard a more perfect song.....I could listen to this over and over....just my opinion

[@Reikiman]

Agreed!! It's a heartfelt, congruent expressive song!

[@robertcarr4172]

Yeah. Its beautiful. Can you imagine an artist today capable of this?

[@ricfletch]

Why has it taken 36 years for me to be spellbound by this 🙏🏼

[@SoundsofDecay]

The only version that matters for me. I love the bassline and dreamy guitars, and the pain in his voice is searing.

[@FelixWankel-ug3io]

Can't knock Annie's version though, both sheer class.

[@Reikiman]

It's gorgeous, isn't it?

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

Kind of like the video where she's in for here comes the rain again where she's running around with the candle. When it comes to the lover speaks versus her version, she's not holding a candle. Because her version can't hold a candle to theirs. Viva The original by a mile‼️

[@DarthSinistris]

Holy shit, I'd never heard this version, I love it.

[@floki123]

+DarthSinistris Me too

[@topperdepop]

+DarthSinistris It's the bass that does it for me here.

[@beboploo]

AN HE WROTE IT AS WELL

[@neilwilliams929]

DarthSinistris it's the original these guys wrote the song

[@neilwilliams929]

You must have great ears Dopplerdop but! ..yes the guitar work is great aswell the other music instruments on this great song

[@MaryLopez13]

In love with this song even more. I didn't know Annie Lennox's version was a cover. I love her take on it but I'm in love now with the original. The lyrics are poetry. Beautiful poetry.

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

When she got done mixing her cover version, she should've thrown it in the garbage. Because of her relationship with Dave Stewart, she had access to this incredible song .... Meanwhile when you're trying to cover something like this you need to think a lot longer and a lot harder… And maybe not even do it. There is No covering this version this was the original I was caught up with and spend plenty of time spinning it when I was DJing back in the day. It's absolutely powerful. You simply can't bottle that and take it into another studio and think when you open it up s genie is gonna fly out and make your version Worthwhile .... Sorry Annie

[@cartoonfan959]

@@warrenbutterfield4208 dude you talk nonsense , because Annie Lennox had mega hit it this original creators got BMI awards as original writers and probably lots of residuals,

[@ajatmaja]

This original version is more emotional and deeper more than Annie's version. Great!

[@ghsghsuidghuisd]

Original is original. Tune, lyrics, everything for the first time weighs heavy. A true hit is timeless and this is one.

[@joratchford9215]

Have always loved this from the moment i heard it in the 80s ❤

[@scvmom67]

Same

[@Janice360]

"I don't catch myself bouncing home whistling buttonhole tunes to make me cry!"

[@manorbier]

It's amazing

[@piespeafield]

Class🎉

[@ericmoore4031]

I've went from Nicki Minaj to Annie Lennox now all the way back to the beginning. It was worth the journey what an amazing song it is. #CLASSIC

[@realhxq]

here is a journey. so "killing me softly" was song by Fugees Originally sung by Roberta Flack. I song she wrote about after listening to Don Mclean " the day the music died". A song that was base on the years after the music legends buddy holly, Ritcihie Valens and Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson, Jr tragicly died in a plane crash. is that no a chain or what!

[@ericmoore4031]

Ddewin Aether That is awesome, i love the chain and the history of music and songs.

[@zioledeux8217]

Eric Moore Nikki Minaj covered this????

[@cesararias8022]

Zio Ledeux yes

[@ericmoore4031]

@@zioledeux8217 heck yes Zio nicki's your love is a copy of this song.

[@ricksamericana749]

I think I want to tattoo "I don't catch myself bouncing home Whistling buttonhole tunes to make me cry" over my heart.

[@1WillowMoon]

Do it!

[@paulchapman6750]

I was in university and working at an A&A Records when it came out in 1986 and as happens with releases we got a batch of them and posters to put up around the store. I was captivated by this song in particular though the whole album is wonderful. I used to play it all the time and the amount of people who asked me about and then bought it was staggering. Even had some repeat customers come back and tell me how much they adored it. It's criminal how much power radio had over which songs were hits and which weren't. If this had been in heavy rotation so many millions more would know the brilliance of The Lover Speaks. FFS you can't even get it on Apple Music today.

[@FRANCIS4110]

FRANCIS THOMAS This is an outstanding song and music David freeman has great voice. i have just ordered the album THE LOVER SPEAKS. cant understand how i missed this years ago. it touches this 81 year old mans heart.

[@RADS190]

I read somewhere that Annie loved this song too and it never got the recognition it, so she wanted to give it another chance ❤

[@timepoet77]

This version, which is what I cherish, is more than a little haunting. The young lady doing the background singing has a lilting, ethereal feel which adds to that very haunting tone. Give me this original any day.

[@marybethswanstrom6237]

The woman singing in the background is his still to this day girlfriend.

[@DaMerk5]

​​@@marybethswanstrom6237 In the Demo it was Hughes' ex-girlfriend doing the backing vocals...in this version it's actually Freeman's own voice tuned to sound like a females

[@heatherhampson635]

I never knew this version existed. It's absolutely gorgeous, epic! They don't make music like this anymore.

[@ticoman90]

It’s not a version. It’s THE song. All the other renditions are “versions”

[@rickyfrench3873]

Annie lennox saw this as an amazing piece of art and paid homage to it with her own inimitable style and passion.There can be no better praise than that. 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' Good old 'Oscy.

[@jonsmith6575]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

Sorry her version doesn't even compare. All that work for nothing. You don't want to compete with the heaving drums and the simple soaring sheer guitar lines because you are a vocalist you consider yourself beyond compare… So you wind up with the production mess she had on hers. It's not even close, it's not a contest. These two guys were painting Dave Stewart's boat when he discovered they were writng songs. This is a gem and it was cut and polished when they did it… Sorry, but you don't chop it into little pieces to make it your own. No offense to Annie she's terrific in her right but this wasn't even close enough for hand grenades and horseshoes

[@stefannaumann4010]

Incredible. Annie Lennox' cover is incredible, the original is...art.

[@tonysaunders2137]

Well said!

[@FelixWankel-ug3io]

Both sheer class,.can't separate.them.

[@MissCane9]

Unusual for a man to sing like that and with lyrics like these. Beautiful.

[@davemassive8147]

oh we do. often

[@antonyhughes4702]

Too right Dave

[@Garylpool1]

C.M Listen to Prince sing his song ‘If I was your girlfriend’ off his Sign O The Times album

[@lettots]

Whoa! I'm totally blown away by David Freeman's vocal range. Where was I when this song came out in the 80's? I have never heard this before Annie Lennox. I was 20 back then and playing as well as listening to all types of music, Just like now. And finding out that this is the original whilst listening to the live Lennox version and reading the comments. Thanks people. The song speaks for itself! Whether it's the original or Annie Lennox!

[@robbiestewart89]

The reason why you never heard it back then is probably because it never became a hit or got played on the radio, so the song would have been considered an album orientated rock song. In situations like this, it usually takes another artist covering someone else's song usually with a different arrangement or minor lyrical change in order for it to get noticed. This has been the case many times over. Billy Joel's song "Shameless" didn't get noticed until Garth Brooks covered it, resulting in Billy adding his original version to his greatest hits volume 3 album. Willie Nelson's song "Crazy" didn't get noticed until Patsy Cline covered it. Mark Knopfler's song "Private Dancer" didn't get noticed until Tina Turner covered it. Bruce Hornsby's song "Jacob's Ladder" didn't get noticed until Huey Lewis covered it, resulting in Bruce adding it to both his concert sets and on his album "Scenes From The Southside." I could go on and on. Also, artists who do cover another songwriter's song have to obtain what is known as a mechanical rights licence from the songwriter in question and also pays the songwriter royalties on it. That's why songwriters make the big doe, while a cover artist doesn't.

[@bfree-gm6xw]

if you're in the states, were you listening to college radio? at my station, it was in heavy rotation for several weeks. also had it on the independent community radio station.

[@robbiestewart89]

b. free If you've read my Google+ profile, then you will know that I'm in the states. Knoxville, Tennessee to be exact. Home of the University of Tennessee Vols. Also home to WUTK FM 90.3, which is UT's college owned radio station, but it is an alternative formatted station and didn't play this song in their rotation. I swear. Whilst your college radio station may have been the exception, it tends to take longer for stuff that's played on college radio or independent community radio stations to become popular and well known to the mainstream. One of the main reasons why is because many college radio stations and independent community radio stations are only licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast at low power, which means that they can only be generally received near the college campus itself. One of the main reasons why the FCC does this is to keep college radio stations from competing with the larger commercial radio stations that rely on advertising to pay the bills, which is measured by ratings. Commercial radio stations also pay the FCC more money for a license to broadcast as well. Before the mid 1990's, this was also the case with WUTK in that they could only be generally be heard in the down town Knoxville area and not in the surburbs of Oak Ridge where I was living at the time. Oak Ridge is about 20 minutes north west of Knoxville and is known as the secret city that helped build the first atomic bomb that was dropped on Japan in 1945. Back then, I used to love trips to Knoxville because that meant that I got to hear stuff on my generic Sony Walkman by a then unknown group called R.E.M., who back then was signed to a small independent record label called I.R.S. Records, but later got picked up by Warner Bros Records after the success of the song "The One I Love." But it took well over 10 years of hard work before this happened because of what I mentioned about R.E.M. being played on college radio and not on mainstream commercial stations. For reference: www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/low-power-fm-lpfm-radio en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WUTK-FM wutkradio.com/about-wutk/station-history/

[@lysander1]

Just discovered this. Heartbreaking in more than one sense

[@Kevin-yy8mc]

I agree I nearly cried listening to this and for someone who went through a really bad break up this song really hits hard

[@DaMerk5]

Musically I LOVE this version compared to Annie's cover, those screaming guitars and the backing vocals give so much power and passion to the chorus...what I like less (small nitpicks) are less singing and the candence of some of the words compared to the cover...I wish the word "silence" was extended a bit longer for more emotional impact. I also love the climax of the song in Annie's cover but this song is still much better overall. So glad I discoveres it this year after only hearing the cover version for so long.

[@kellykittel118]

This is my son, Noah's, anthem, the song that always calmed him down whenever he cried as a baby and the song we played at his funeral when he died at 15 months. I only knew the Annie Lennox version until now. Love this. And I, for one, would love to hear both artists sing this together...

[@envioustime]

Kelly Kittel I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the song brings you comfort. I'm glad you discovered the original and what a great idea you have about both artists performing this together.

[@Priince90]

We have a local radio in Moscow where they play only covers. Several days ago I heard Annie Lennox's song in program "Covers that have surpassed the originals". I like that song but I was surprised that this was a cover, so I decided to google the original. The Lover Speaks's version is so incredible I can't stop listening to it. I suppose it is one of the most underrated songs.

[@justin_5631]

I can't believe some new cover of this song has 13 million views.. and the girl cut out the line "a language is leaving me" It's just such a great line -- metaphorical while fitting the words so perfectly.

[@lorrainecleaver6792]

I can. Annie talentless is a big ma with a big record labia.

[@DeanStrickson]

It's too bad not too many people realize Annie Lennox's version isn't the original I found out about it myself just a few years ago and I think this one is the best.

[@88feji]

Annie Lennox tried to bring attention to the original singers of the songs when the album was released ... I remember she said in promotional interviews that she wanted to do these covers because she felt these are hidden gems that a lot more people should have heard of .. the problem was that durig that time there was no youtube so even if we hear Annie's version its very difficult to hear the original unless we hunt down the CDs ad cassettes of the original singers ... now we have youtube and suddenly everyone is amazed how wonderful the original versions are and pelting Annie with mean comments saying she's does not measure up but people fail to realise she's not trying to outdo the original singers but to pay tribute to them and bring attentiont to them ...

[@denniszelaya3925]

Love Annie's version for its weirdness, but the raw emotion and despair on the original just can't be surpassed

[@Muji_puji]

One of the all time greats .... very underrated

[@stuntim]

I found it through Annie, well done for her. There is surely no contest? One winner. This wins every day. I don't care what history says. That brittle guitar work, those vocal lifts and arrangements. A genuine classic

[@andreagoldstein4070]

Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are using this for their 80s themed Rhythm dance this season 23-24 paired with Robert Palmer's Addicted to Love. Hope skating fans will seek out this version because many think Annie's cover is the original. I love her version but I heard this one first on WLIR back in 1986 and will be the definitive version for me.

[@rafearcher7882]

They were robbed. The most authentic 80's Interpretation and still robbed. It was insane.

[@blurry67]

I heard this before Annie Lennox covered it and I always preferred this version.

[@timepoet77]

blurry67 Agreed. I will not listen to that goofy Annie Lennox version for the life of me.

[@NearEastMugwump]

They're both pretty damn goofy. Still love them.

[@beboploo]

an he sung it well .yeah.

[@jonevanswhu]

he wrote it

[@LadyCrystallia]

Otherwise you can move on from being childish and appreciate both versions.

[@MartyJones]

Wow in this case the original is 100% the best version

[@dorianlyder9957]

---- A language is leaving me --- YES! FIRST CLASS! FIRST CLASS!!!

[@ArjanVanS]

Still have the original LP from 1986. Great music and lyrics and a voice that makes this song a piece of art. One of my favourites from the 80's !

[@The80smusicrocks]

It is an absolute masterpiece

[@JackWalker12993]

I love Annie Lennox but I slightly prefer this version, it's more emotional and powerful. New Wave needs to make a comeback in the music world!

[@jaxjones5071]

Does anyone feel as though they can step into the middle of this song and let the musical magic spin around you ?? This is/was an awesome track even listening today !

[@niletoo]

I'm re obsessed with this song and love that I can just find it here. I also didn't know it wasn't an Annie original, but a comment on her video led me here. I like both.

[@thenakedape55555]

Me too, 4 years after you. A comment led me here. I just l loved the look and reaction Annie gave David Letterman after she sang this on his show. Love you Annie

[@daviddennis808]

I bought this album just for this song, back in 86. I must’ve played this thousands of times, wishing I felt strong enough for ANYONE to write such a gorgeous song.

[@antoniokamber5804]

most underrated song ever

[@helenhicks7542]

This is the version for me ,don't dislike annies, I'd rather go back to the 80s x

[@alangraham5683]

Not heard this original version before.Goosebumps.

[@juanpablobelardo6905]

They are both beautiful for they deliver the same meaning....for those who we keep loving the wrong person....we have to move on

[@gerryluby1724]

I remember when this came out as a single. Thought it was gonna be a huge hit. Didn't trouble the charts at all. Can't put my finger on that one. Loved Annie Lennox's version too. Which was a big hit, but not a better version. Go ask the record buying public.

[@carolrodgers7893]

I like this original version but also like Annie's cover of it...either way two great vocalists on a great song :)

[@daviddennis808]

What I always loved about this song is the lack of synths and the power of the guitar, bass and drums

[@Kingcob7]

I like both. It's funny to see people acting as if it is a competition. Few would debate Annie Lennox is ridiculously talented and a great singer. My understanding is these two groups were friends and toured together when she was with Eurythmics. I'm sure they were quite happy with her success with the song.

[@runwayweekly]

i remember when this first came out in 86 the hole album is amazing!!! there nothing like the Original ...

[@manorbier]

One of the most beautiful songs ever made. Annie Lennox made an differerent version 🙌

[@toddrammer2786]

I remember when this song came out. Loved it. I was 16. I like this version way more than Annie's version.

[@timepoet77]

Todd Rammer You and me both.

[@ferguskeating8698]

Sadly it's not on spotify! More people should be able to appreciate this

[@Reikiman]

Deserves a second play. Every single bloody time!

[@jaywest3734]

I prefer this version.

[@southbankboy]

Wow. I too didn’t know this is the original. Magnificent.

[@robbie007]

i heard this song when it first came out on a Radio 1 evening show and bought the album on it. I loved this song and there are a number of other great songs on the album. this band never got the acclaim they should have and to be fair to Annie Lennox she covered this song because she knew the band and liked the song. This song is a masterpiece of mid 80s music. vocals are astonishing. It could be a hit now s much as then. timeless

[@peterwoodcock8464]

I prefer this version for more than a Lexus one

[@Lucretia9000]

My brother brought this when out, the woman in the background was always what stood out for me, along with the amazing vocals.

[@AnaAreas]

No disrespect ever to Annie Lennox , but these lyrics finally make sense. THANK YOU, thank you. There are many key differences in here that make or break the meaning. Thank you for transcribing it from your 1986 (!!!!) CD sleeve.

[@envioustime]

You're most welcome! I had to put the record straight!

[@88feji]

This shows how great the 80s was ... such a beautiful song was overlooked because of the great number of wonderful songs all competing for attention .. This song should have been a number 1 song everywhere, its so beautiful ... The vast and windy sound of this song is very typically 80s, a lot of songs were able to achieve a substance that touches the soul in a very visual way .. This is a great 80s song ..

[@karljenkins5612]

I absolutely adore this ! Listening to it again now sends shivers through me. So haunting. A genuine Masterpiece. Bought this when it first came out.

[@CTR425]

What an incredible voice. I prefer David Freemans voice over Annie Lennox for this song myself. A truly unappreciated and forgotten voice, his duet with Alison Moyet's on her "Sleep Like Breathing" is also amazing. He should have been a huge star!.

[@juanjoselausse]

I Just love this song! And the voice, the tone! more dark, more deep, odd...so 80s! I love the cover too Annie Lennox Makes an exquisite versión. But this beauty! love it!

[@francespince-nez]

I love the chorus, the guitars especially seem to drive the lyrics deeper.

[@zacharyhickman179]

Although Annie led me to this wonderful song, it is the original version by The Lover Speaks that I keep coming back to. 🔷Z🔷

[@Prestonboy]

Saw this band in 1988 at the Greyhound in Hammersmith. They were brilliant. The album is excellent. For some reason they just didn't make it, but this is THE version;-)

[@sweetlildevil7597]

I prefer this one to the Annie Lennox version. You can feel the true emotion behind it since it was written by the guy who sang it - he understands what he's singing about. Annie's version SOUNDS good, but it's as if she has no clue what she's singing about. No clue at ALL.

[@DistortedCheese]

i purchased and still have this timeless classic on vinyl,,,,,,,,,,,pure brilliance

[@lanerakes2782]

Still one of the greatest 80s songs that you've never heard. How was this song not a monster hit?

[@wilmacavin9990]

Takes me back.I remember sitting on a bus in what must have been around 86 and the driver was listening to the radio then this gem came on.Took me ages to find who sang it and the name of the song.Soooo Beautiful.

[@slimlouis6441]

Annie brought me here. And what an amazing track. Brilliant, his vocal is sublime. Perfectly 80s.

[@WickedNPC]

I'm already 30 years old so I don't think that my musical preferences regarding soft drums will change in a few years. I'm a musician myself so it really stands out in my ears when things are out of tune even if it doesn't bother other people. I agree with you on the homogenisation in music but please don't take it personally when someobody criticize something that you happen to like.

[@kw271]

the guitars layered alone is worth the likes

[@TheMarielinegoepp]

j'adore cette chanson MAGNIFIQUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FXMAN66]

I bought this on cassette when it first came out. I was about 19 years old. Wore the shit our of it. This cassette along with Forever Now (Psychedelic Furs) and Head on The Door (The Cure) were with me 24/7 while going to college and NMSU. I'll be an SOB if The Lover Speaks did not become a casualty of divorce 10 years later. She probably had not idea how much of me I had left behind (the cassettes of course).

[@bknyspirit02]

This version blows me away! And that bass guitar!

[@MacarenaAli]

I purchased album in 1986 and later the CD. One of the best songs of 1986!

[@motivationmoneywellness]

That’s some amazing lyrics that’s how u do it

[@weetumpsh]

I always liked the song but I never believed Annie Lennox's passion This writer singer version has it all

[@MassayukiSama]

Both versions are superb, each show a different voice speaking of moving on from bad romances,one is of a melancholic man that is moving on and the other, a woman who feels happier now that she isn't hurting herself with those feelings anymore.

[@minijms1]

Original the best, heard it first in the 80's, always stuck with me, then Annie covered it. But this is just perfect,

[@hierosgamosvibration2951]

3:13 that guitar solo part was in my head earlier today! I said to myself, "Where did that come from?" And then I came back to this classic! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@petey8887]

I've been listening to the Annie Lennox version since she released it fifteen years ago, and although I knew it was a cover song, I'd never heard the original until yesterday. Now that I've heard The Lover Speaks' version, I can't get it out of my head. I have fallen in love with this amazing song all over again.

[@tarciso21claudia28]

Fantastic, tantástico, from Brazil

[@themoderateecowarrior]

Beautiful

[@garygplayer]

This is an entirely original love song. It has the unique clarity of vision to identify a progression between wounding yourself over heartbreak and moving beyond that and into solitude and independence. All the while knowing you're giving something up and remaining sad for it. It is wonderful work and I can't think of any other that is similar.

[@seanhyde782]

The Most Under rated group and album of the 80's , had this album on tape and decided to buy the album on cd for 75 quid .best 75 quid I've ever spent

[@TallSilentGuy]

£75? Bloody hell, I'd expect a fancy sound system for that!

[@nickvanwetering2774]

Thanks to the AWESOME Annie Lennox we can enjoy BOTH this original masterpiece and her BRILLIANT cover

[@Glamking1]

I heard the original at some fast food restaurant and i could seem to remember that it was the lover speaks and when it was played on the chart show which was on you tube a few years back which was from 1986.

[@stacyd511]

I love Annie Lennox, but this is far superior.

[@paulredding9844]

A song from my youth... 2021 and it sounds so good

[@Thefisherman27]

Why wasn't this a massive hit..

[@marispols6292]

I prefer this version above all others as well. Superior atmosphere. --No offense to those who know and love other versions more. Love it in this version when the female voice chimes "...the lover speaks about the monsters..."

[@dogfather68]

And all these years I thought Annie originated it.

[@Stumper716]

Whoa, I never heard this, the original version. I can see why Annie Lennox chose to cover it. It's fantastic!

[@shadesbear2143]

Hey Stumper, your comment was 10 years ago, how’s it going?

[@Stumper716]

@@shadesbear2143 Going great. Thanks! That 10 years was awfully quick though, seems like yesterday.

[@1234544562]

Wow the best version

[@isabellemonnier8674]

David Freeman was passionate about linguistics and loved Roland Barthes "Fragments d'un discours amoureux".

[@YYCkike]

I always thought Annie Lennox was the original. I was wrong. This version is so good

[@pierreblain1424]

First time hearing the original song...never knew it was a cover song done by Annie Lennox.