Unchain My Heart

Ray Charles

About Unchain My Heart

"Unchain My Heart" is a song written by Bobby Sharp and recorded first in 1961 by Ray Charles and in 1963 by Trini Lopez and later by many others. Sharp, a drug addict at the time, sold the song to Teddy Powell for $50. Powell demanded half the songwriting credit. Sharp later successfully fought for the rights to his song. In 1987, he was also able to renew the copyright for his publishing company, B. Sharp Music. The song was a hit for Charles when released as a single in late 1961. Accompanied by his backup singers the Raelettes, Charles sang about wanting to be free from a woman "who won't let (him) go". His band included longtime saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman. The song reached number nine on the pop singles chart and number one on the R&B singles chart and was the working title of Charles' 2004 biopic Ray. 


Year:
2016
2:54
46 
#1

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Unchain my heart (unchain my heart), baby let me be (unchain my heart)
Unchain my heart (unchain my heart) 'cause you don't care about me (unchain my heart)
You've got me so like a pillow case
But you let my love go away so
Unchain my heart oh
Please me set me free

Unchain my heart (unchain my heart), baby let me go (unchain my heart)
Unchain my heart (unchain my heart), 'cause you don't love me no more (unchain my heart)
Ev'ry time I call you on the phone
Some fella tells me that you're not at home so
Unchain my heart, oh
Please me set me free

I'm under you spell (I'm under your spell) like a man in a trance (like a man in a trance)
But I know darn well (but I know darn well) that I don't stand a chance (that I don't stand a chance)

So unchain my heart (unchain my heart) let me go my way (unchain my heart)
Unchain my heart (unchain my heart) you worry me night and day (unchain my heart)
Why lead me through a life of misery
When you don't care a bag of beans for me
So unchain my heart oh 
Please me set me free

I'm under you spell (I'm under your spell) like a man in a trance (like a man in a trance)
Oh I know darn well (but I know darn well) that I don't stand a chance (that I don't stand a chance)

So unchain my heart (unchain my heart) let me go away (unchain my heart)
Unchain my heart (unchain my heart) you worry me night and day (unchain my heart)
Why lead me through a life of misery
When you don't care a bag of beans for me
So unchain my heart oh 
Please me set me free (please set me free)
Ah won't you set me free (please set me free)
Woah set me free (please set me free)
Wow, set me free, little darlin' (please set me free)
Ah, won't you set me free

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Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American musician known as Ray Charles (to avoid confusion with champion boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.) He was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records. He also helped racially integrate country and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his Modern Sounds albums. While with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company.Frank Sinatra called Charles “the only true genius in show business.” more »

2 fans

Written by: Robert L Sharp, Teddy Powell

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


23 facts about this song

Release
"Unchain My Heart" was released in October 1961 as a single by Ray Charles for ABC-Paramount Records.
Rank and Popularity
This hit song made it to the 9th position on the Billboard Hot 100.
Songwriters
The song was written by Bobby Sharp, a songwriter who sold the rights to the song to Teddy Powell due to his drug addiction.
More Credits
Powell was subsequently credited as the co-writer of "Unchain My Heart."
Album
"Unchain My Heart" was also featured in the album, "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volume Two," released in 1962.
Resurgence
The song gained popularity again in 1987 when Joe Cocker released his cover version.
Grammy Win
Ray Charles' version of "Unchain My Heart" won a Grammy award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance in 1962.
Cover Versions
Apart from Joe Cocker, many other artists have covered "Unchain my Heart," including Hugh Laurie in his 2011 album 'Let Them Talk.'
Inspirational Story
Bobby Sharp supposedly wrote the song after his girlfriend left him, adding a truly heartfelt emotion to the lyrics.
Iconic Status
Ray Charles' rendition of "Unchain My Heart" is considered as one of his signature songs.
Film Appearance
The song was also featured in the 2004 biographical film "Ray," about the life of Ray Charles.
Cultural Impact
Due to its passionate lyrics and powerful delivery, the song is often quoted or referenced in popular culture.
Classic Status
"Unchain My Heart" remains a classic in the genres of soul and rhythm & blues.
Song Release
"Unchain My Heart" was released as a single by Ray Charles in 1961, and it came out on his album "Genius Sings the Blues."
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 9 on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart and number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Song Inspiration
"Unchain My Heart" was inspired by a woman whom Charles was romantically involved with who felt trapped in their relationship, symbolized by the "chain."
Song Rights
Rights to the song were initially given to Teddy Powell, who was credited as a co-writer, but it was later revealed that Powell was a pseudonym for Bobby Sharp, who actually wrote the song and later reclaimed his rights.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists including Joe Cocker, whose 1987 version was a top 10 hit in the UK, Annie Lennox, Hugh Laurie, and Trini Lopez.
Song Style
The song showcases Charles' unique blend of rhythm and blues, jazz, and soul, and features his signature piano playing.
Recognition
"Unchain My Heart" is considered a classic and one of Ray Charles' most famous songs.
Music Video Feature
The song featured in a Diet Pepsi ad campaign in the 1990s, starring the character Ray Charles alongside the Pepsi chorus girls known as the "Uh Huh Girls."
Live Performance
Ray Charles performed "Unchain My Heart" live at numerous concerts and events, including his iconic performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1997.
In Popular Culture
"Unchain My Heart" has been used in many TV shows and films, including "The Blues Brothers 2000," where it is performed by Joe Morton & The Blues Brothers Band.

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    Unchain My Heart

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1962

    Billboard #9


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