Loves Me Like a Rock
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{{Infobox song
| name = Loves Me Like a Rock
| cover = Loves Me Like a Rock cover.jpg
| caption = Single cover (Netherlands release)
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Paul Simon
| album = There Goes Rhymin' Simon
| B-side = Learn How to Fall
| released = {{Start date|1973|07|17}}
| recorded = 1972
| studio = Muscle Shoals (Sheffield, Alabama)
| venue =
| genre =
- Pop rock
- gospel{{cite web|first= Tom |last= Breihan |title= The Number Ones: Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover"|website= Stereogum |date= August 23, 2019 |url= https://www.stereogum.com/2055734/the-number-ones-paul-simons-50-ways-to-leave-your-lover/columns/the-number-ones/|quote= Later that same year, Simon again made it up to #2 with the giddy, gospel-infused "Loves Me Like A Rock".|accessdate= June 28, 2023}}
| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=32}}
| label = Columbia
| writer = Paul Simon
| producer = {{Flat list|
}}
| chronology = Paul Simon
| prev_title = Kodachrome
| prev_year = 1973
| next_title = American Tune
| next_year = 1973
| misc = {{External music video|header=Official audio|{{YouTube|CjFzw8AxSBA|"Loves Me Like a Rock"}}}}
}}
"Loves Me Like a Rock" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the second single from his third studio album, There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973), released on Columbia Records. It features background vocals from the Dixie Hummingbirds, a Southern black gospel group. Although the lyrics are not typically associated with gospel music, the Dixie Hummingbirds were eager to record the song with Simon, and they recorded their own version soon after for their 1973 album We Love You Like a Rock/Every Day and Every Hour.Hyatt, Wesley (1999). The Billboard Book of No. 1 Adult Contemporary Hits (Billboard Publications){{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/we-love-you-like-a-rock-every-day-and-every-hour-mw0000617450 |title=We Love You Like a Rock/Every Day and Every Hour – The Dixie Hummingbirds |work=AllMusic |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}
The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100; it was also a top five hit in Canada. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of over one million copies.
Lyrics and music
According to Billboard magazine, the lyrics of "Loves Me Like a Rock" describe "how a mother loved her son, even when he became the president" and the music has a quasi-gospel flavor.{{cite news|title=Top Single Picks|newspaper=Billboard|accessdate=July 25, 2020|date=July 21, 1973|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1973/Billboard%201973-07-21.pdf|page=75}} Cash Box said that the song combines "the grace of Simon with a touch of gospel."{{cite news|title=CashBox Record Reviews|date=July 21, 1973|page=21|accessdate=December 11, 2021|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1973/Cash-Box-1973-07-21.pdf|newspaper=Cash Box}}
Chart performance
Paul Simon's version of "Loves Me Like a Rock" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the week of October 6, 1973, kept from the summit by Cher's "Half-Breed".Bronson, Fred (2003). The Billboard Book of No. 1 Hits, 5th Edition (Billboard Publications) It remained in the Top 40 for 14 weeks and was certified a gold record.Whitburn, Joel (1996). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 6th Edition (Billboard Publications) It also spent two weeks atop the Billboard easy listening chart in September 1973. It reached the Top 40 in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 39 on the UK Singles Chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/The+Streak|title=the streak | full Official Chart History |publisher=Official Charts Company}}
The gospel version of "Loves Me Like a Rock" by the Dixie Hummingbirds{{YouTube|EgzuEntH8t8|Love Me Like A Rock}} reached number 72 on the Billboard R&B chart and won the group a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel performance in 1974.
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Certifications
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=1973|artist=Paul Simon|title=Loves Me Like a Rock|award=Gold|certyear=1973|type=single|access-date=November 16, 2015|refname="riaa"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true}}
Personnel
- Paul Simon – vocals, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars
- David Hood – bass
- Roger Hawkins – brushed drums, tambourine
- The Dixie Hummingbirds – backing vocals
Appearances in other media
Paul Simon made a promotional appearance on The Muppet Show in 1980 in support of his movie and album One-Trick Pony. The show ended with a performance of "Loves Me Like a Rock" featuring the Muppets.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-paul-simon-guests-on-the-muppet-show-66985/|title=Paul Simon Jams With the Muppets in 1980|first1=Andy|last1=Greene|magazine=Rolling Stone |date=October 10, 2013 |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}
The song was featured in the end credits of the 2005 film Zathura: A Space Adventure.{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0406375/soundtrack|title=Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)|publisher=IMDb |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}
Christian rock band Third Day covered the song on their 2017 album Revival.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7849077/third-day-revival-album-interview|title=Third Day Talks Returning to Southern Rock Roots on 'Revival,' Shares Behind-the-Scenes Video|date=June 27, 2017|magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}
The B-Side song "Learn How To Fall" was featured in the last scene of the 2003 film Something's Gotta Give.
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|WEnmT5Q8bg4|Paul Simon – Loves Me Like a Rock}}
{{Paul Simon songs}}
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Category:Cashbox number-one singles
Category:Columbia Records singles
Category:Song recordings produced by Paul Simon