Peak
6
Weeks
12
Score
2,207
Chart Year
1967
This was originally recorded by the vocal group The Dells. It was written by the blind songwriter and producer from Chicago, Raynard Minor, who worked on the original version with Billy Davis of Chess Records and producer Carl Smith. Davis allowed another songwriter in the Chess stable, Gary Jackson, to make some changes and pitch the song, with Davis removed from the credits. Jackson got the song to Brunswick Records, and they recorded it with their artist Jackie Wilson before The Dells could release their version. The Dells version is titled "Higher And Higher" and has the refrain, "My love keeps on growing higher and higher." Wilson recorded this in Chicago with members of The Funk Brothers, who were Motown's house band. As detailed in the documentary Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, these musicians were responsible for the distinctive Motown sound, but they didn't make much money and moonlighted by playing sessions for artists like Wilson. Playing on this track were bassist James Jamerson, drummer Richard "Pistol" Allen, guitarist Robert White, and keyboardist Johnny Griffith. This song first charted in the UK in 1969, peaking at #11, and then again when it was re-issued in 1975 and 1987. A cover version by Rita Coolidge in 1977 reached US #2. It was a much slower version and the title was amended slightly to "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher." >> Dolly Parton covered this for her 1977 album New Harvest...First Gathering. Because Coolidge's rendition was on the charts the same year, Dolly's version wasn't issued as a single in the US. It did get a release in Germany, but it failed to chart.
Your love, lifting me higher Than I've ever been lifted before So keep it it up Quench my desire And I'll be at your side, forever more You know your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me) Higher (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) I said your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on (love keeps lifting me) Lifting me (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) Now listen Now once, I was down hearted Disappointment, was my closest friend But then you, came and it soon departed And you know he never Showed his face again That's why your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me) Higher (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) I said your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on (love keeps lifting me) Lifting me (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) I'm so glad, I've finally found you Yes that one, in a million girls And I whip, my loving arms around you I can stand up, and face the world Let me tell ya, your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me) Higher (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) I said your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on (love keeps lifting me) Lifting me (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) Now sock it to me Hold me, you're my woman Keep my love going Higher and higher I said keep on lifting Lift me up mama Keep on lifting me Higher and higher
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 12, 1967 | 71 | 55 |
| 2 | Aug 19, 1967 | 55 | 71 |
| 3 | Aug 26, 1967 | 45 | 81 |
| 4 | Sep 2, 1967 | 27 | 99 |
| 5 | Sep 9, 1967 | 19 | 107 |
| 6 | Sep 16, 1967 | 12 | 114 |
| 7 | Sep 23, 1967 | 7 | 119 |
| 8 | Sep 30, 1967 | 7 | 119 |
| 9 | Oct 7, 1967 | 6 | 120 |
| 10 | Oct 14, 1967 | 6 | 120 |
| 11 | Oct 21, 1967 | 15 | 111 |
| 12 | Oct 28, 1967 | 30 | 96 |