I Can't Make You Love Me

Bonnie Raitt

About I Can't Make You Love Me

"I Can't Make You Love Me" is a song written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin and recorded by American singer Bonnie Raitt for her eleventh studio album Luck of the Draw (1991). Released as the album's third single in 1991, "I Can't Make You Love Me" became one of Raitt's most successful singles, reaching the top-20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top-10 on the Adult Contemporary. In August 2000, Mojo magazine voted "I Can't Make You Love Me" the eighth best track on its The 100 Greatest Songs of All Time list. The song is ranked at number 339 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. On 27 November 2016, the Grammy Hall of Fame announced its induction, along with that of another 24 songs. 


Year:
2003
5:31
7,882 
#11

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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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Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Lynn Raitt (born November 8, 1949) is a renowned American blues singer-songwriter and slide guitar player. During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of acclaimed roots-influenced albums which incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk and country, but she is perhaps best known for her more commercially accessible recordings in the 1990s including "Nick of Time", "Something to Talk About", "Love Sneakin' Up on You", and the slow ballad "I Can't Make You Love Me". Raitt has received nine Grammy Awards in her career and is a lifelong political activist. more »

11 fans

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.
Released Date
The song was released on Bonnie Raitt's 1991 album "Luck of the Draw."
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.
Song Inspiration
The 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."
The Recording Process
The 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.
Accolades
It is considered a classic in Raitt's musical catalog and was listed in Rolling Stone magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
Cultural Reference
Since 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.
Musical Contribution
The song is often praised for its heart-wrenching lyrics and moving melody, which have made it a staple in the genre of soulful ballads.
Impact on Bonnie Raitt's career
Though already a well-established artist, this song is considered one of Bonnie Raitt's signature tunes, contributing significantly to her lasting popularity.
Song's Theme
Unlike 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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    I Can't Make You Love Me

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

    Billboard #18


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