Throwing back to the week of April 26, 1976, we The Bellamy Brothers holding on to the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Let Your Love Flow.’ This was the song’s sole week at #1.
Just behind at #2, where it peaked, was ‘Right Back Where We Started From’ by British R&B singer Maxine Nightingale. The song had enjoyed a successful run in the UK the previous year and was released in the U.S. in January.
This is a great example of a song that I could never summon by the title and artist name, but immediately recognize once a few bars play. I’m sure I’ve heard it countless times in TV shows and movies. I’m also familiar with the 1989 cover version by another British R&B singer, Sinitta.
Nightingale almost didn’t record what would become her breakthrough single. She wasn’t a fan of the song’s arrangement or lyrics and preferred to sing in a lower register. She initially declined, then agreed to release the song under a pseudonym. She also asked to receive an upfront payment rather than royalties for the record.
Fortunately for her, she lost all of those arguments and the song — under her name — became a big hit that generated her a tidy sum over the years.
Ooooo, and it’s alright and it’s comin’ on
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Love is good, love can be strong
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Ahh-ah-ahhh
[Verse 1]
Do you remember that day
(That sunny day)
When you first came my way
I said, no one could take your place
And if you get hurt
(If you get hurt)
By the little things I say
I can put that smile back on your face
[Chorus]
Ooooo, and it’s alright and it’s comin’ on
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Love is good, love can be strong
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Ahh-ah-hohhh-ah-hahh-hah
Mm-mm-hoo-hoo
[Verse 2]
A love like ours
(A love like ours)
Can never fade away
You know it’s only just begun
You give me your love
(Give me your love)
I just can’t stay away, no, no
I know you are the only one
[Chorus]
Ooooo, and it’s alright and it’s comin’ on
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Love is good, love can be strong
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Ahh-ah-hohhh-ah-woh-huhh
[Bridge]
Ooo ooo ooo
You give me your love
(Give me your love)
I just can’t stay away, no
I know you are the only one
[Outro]
Oooo, an it’s alright and it’s comin’ on
We gotta get it right back to where we started from
Love is good, love can be strong
We gotta get right back to where we started from
It’s alright and it’s comin’ on
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Love is good, love can be strong
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Alright and it’s comin’ on
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Love is good, love can be strong
We gotta get right back to where we started from
Alright and it’s comin’ on…
Meet Me In Montauk 