I Can't Make You Love Me
Bonnie Raitt
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Turn down the lights Turn down the bed Turn down these voices inside my head Lay down with me Tell me no lies Just hold me close, don't patronize Don't patronize me 'Cause I can't make you love me if you don't You can't make your heart feel something it won't Here in the dark, in these final hours I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power But you won't, no you won't 'Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't I'll close my eyes, then I won't see The love you don't feel when you're holding me Morning will come and I'll do what's right Just give me till then to give up this fight And I will give up this fight 'Cause I can't make you love me if you don't You can't make your heart feel something it won't Here in the dark, in these final hours I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power But you won't, no you won't 'Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't
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Written by: Michael Reid, Allen Shamblin
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, AMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATION
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Creation and Songwriters"I Can't Make You Love Me" was written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, two Nashville songwriters who have experienced notable success in country music.
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Released DateThe song was released on Bonnie Raitt's 1991 album "Luck of the Draw."
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Chart Success"I Can't Make You Love Me" peaked at No.18 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as one of Raitt's most popular tracks.
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Song InspirationThe idea for the song was sparked by an article Reid read about a man who got drunk and shot at his girlfriend's car. The judge asked him if he’d learned anything, to which he replied, “I learned, Your Honor, that you can’t make a woman love you if she don’t."
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The Recording ProcessThe song was recorded live with Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby on piano, and a few other musicians. This unique approach gave the song its emotional depth and rawness.
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AccoladesIt is considered a classic in Raitt's musical catalog and was listed in Rolling Stone magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
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Cultural ReferenceSince its release, "I Can't Make You Love Me" has been covered by a number of artists globally, showcasing its universal appeal. Artists like George Michael, Adele, and Bon Iver have performed homages to the song.
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Musical ContributionThe song is often praised for its heart-wrenching lyrics and moving melody, which have made it a staple in the genre of soulful ballads.
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Impact on Bonnie Raitt's careerThough already a well-established artist, this song is considered one of Bonnie Raitt's signature tunes, contributing significantly to her lasting popularity.
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Song's ThemeUnlike many popular songs that focus on the joy of love, "I Can't Make You Love Me" explores the pain and sorrow of unrequited love, making it a standout in Bonnie Raitt's discography, and in the overall pop music scene.
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Citation
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