To Be a Lover

The song was written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones, and originally performed by Bell as a soul ballad titled "I Forgot to Be Your Lover". It was released in late 1968 and hitting No. 45 on the Hot 100 and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart in early 1969.

The Mad Lads released a lush orchestral soul version of the song on their 1973 album A New Beginning, also released by Stax/Volt.

The opening line was the inspiration for the song Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison on his 1989 album Avalon Sunset.

The Black Keys released a version of the song on their 2024 album Ohio Players. In 2002 R&B artist Jaheim sampled "To Be A Lover" in his hit song "Put That Woman First".

In 1971, Lee "Scratch" Perry produced an early reggae version of the song, performed in an uptempo style by Shenley Duffus with Perry's studio band the Upsetters, with the title shortened to "To Be a Lover". In 1977, Perry again produced the song, this time for George Faith.Teacher. [https://www.reggae-vibes.com/reviews/2021/01/george-faith-to-be-a-lover/ "George Faith – To Be A Lover."] Reggae Vibes. 11 January 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2022.{{efn|Perry had recorded the sing earlier in the decade for the singer when he was known as Earl George and this version also appears on the 2003 CD re-release of the album To Be a Lover.}} This version, also called simply "To Be a Lover",{{efn|The song was titled "To Be a Lover (Have Mercy)" on its album release.}} was heavily shaped by Perry's Black Ark sound and effects and featured backing vocals from the Meditations and Mighty Diamonds. It appeared on Faith's album Super Eight, which was released as To Be a Lover in the UK.

{{Infobox song

| name = To Be a Lover

| cover = Billy idol - to be a lover - album cover.jpeg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Billy Idol

| album = Whiplash Smile

| B-side = All Summer Single

| released = {{Start date|1986|9|22|df=yes}}

| format =

| recorded = 1986

| studio =

| venue =

| genre = New wave

| length = 3:52

| label = Chrysalis

| writer = * William Bell

• Booker T. Jones

| producer = Keith Forsey

| prev_title = Catch My Fall

| prev_year = 1984

| next_title = Don't Need a Gun

| next_year = 1986

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|_L9epO3tJT4|"To Be a Lover"}}}}

}}

In 1986, the track was reworked and became the second high-profile cover version Billy Idol released as a single, after 1981's "Mony Mony". Billy Idol was introduced to the song by the George Faith reggae version—he initially was unaware of the original William Bell release,[https://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/09/30/billy-idol-steve-cropper/ "When Billy Idol met Steve Cropper: 'A long-haired chap came up to me'."] Something Else! 30 September 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2022. and so retained the truncated title "To Be a Lover". He more radically transformed the song, adding a more rockabilly feel and danceable beat to its soulful underpinnings.

The single was backed by Whiplash Smile album track "All Summer Single". Two different 12" singles were also released worldwide (one in the UK and one in Australia), featuring the aforementioned track and two extended remixes of "To Be a Lover (Mother of Mercy Mix)" (6:45) and "Rock 'n' Roll Mix" (Australia and New Zealand only). The "Mother of Mercy Mix" differs quite significantly from the single version; it is a harder sounding song, with a prominent heavy guitar riff by Steve Stevens dominating most of the track and an interlude with distorted female groans. It is this version that is featured on the 1987 US and 1988 Japan editions of the remix compilation album Vital Idol (1985). The UK 12" was also released as a limited-edition picture disc.{{Discogs release|1963691|To Be A Lover|type=single}} A music video was also released, which was popular on MTV. [https://books.google.com/books?id=2SQEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Programming+rotation+idol+%22be+a+lover%22&pg=PA38 MTV Programming, 20 December, 1986]

Billboard called it a "foot-twitching disco/rockabilly fusion."{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|date=October 4, 1986|accessdate=2022-08-04|page=79|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yyQEAAAAMBAJ|title=Reviews}} Cash Box said it's "full of...bad boy sexiness."{{cite magazine|title=Single Releases|magazine=Cash Box|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1986/CB-1986-10-04.pdf|date=October 4, 1986|accessdate=2022-08-04|page=9}}

1. "To Be a Lover" – 3:50
2. "All Summer Single" – 4:33

1. "To Be a Lover (Mother of Mercy Mix)" – 6:45
2. "To Be a Lover" – 3:50
3. "All Summer Single" – 4:33

• Also available as a picture disc (IDOLP 8)

1. "To Be a Lover (Rock 'n' Roll Mix)" – 7:11
2. "To Be a Lover (Mother of Mercy Mix)" – 6:45
3. "All Summer Single" – 4:33

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "To Be a Lover"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Billy Idol|title=To Be a Lover|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1986|certyear=1986|access-date=9 August 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}

Bruce Springsteen recorded the song for his twenty-first studio album, Only the Strong Survive (2022).

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{{Reflist}}

{{Billy Idol}}

{{Bruce Springsteen songs}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:To Be A Lover}}

Category:1968 songs

Category:1968 singles

Category:1977 singles

Category:1986 singles

Category:Billy Idol songs

Category:Bruce Springsteen songs

Category:Chrysalis Records singles

Category:Songs written by Booker T. Jones

Category:Songs written by William Bell (singer)

Category:Festival Records singles