If It Isn't Love

New Edition

About If It Isn't Love

"If It Isn't Love" is a 1988 song by American R&B quintet New Edition, and the first single from their fifth studio album, Heart Break. The song became the biggest hit from the aforementioned album, reaching the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number seven, and reached the second position on the Hot Black Singles chart. Its chart performance and well-received music video garnered the quintet their first nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 31st Grammy Awards in February 1989. The song and video is also notable for being the introduction of fellow R&B singer Johnny Gill as a new member of the R&B quintet. 


Year:
1988
5:09
1,278 
#8

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I don't love her
I tried to tell myself
But you can see it in my eyes
So don't deny
I can't fool no one else
The truth is in the tears I cry

'Cause if it isn't love
Why do I feel this way
Why does she stay on my mind
And if it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
Make me feel so sad inside
If it isn't love

I told her I'd never fall in love
But now I know better

How does it feel
I can't describe this feelin'
That came when I saw her last night
She got to me
I'll let you know the reason
I saw her with another guy

So if it isn't love
Why do I feel this way
Why does she stay on my mind
And if it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
Make me feel so sad inside

And if it isn't love
Why do I feel this way
Why does she stay on my mind
And if it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
Make me feel so sad inside

If it isn't love

Maybe she'll take me back
(Hey girl he's begging)
I made a big mistake
(Won't you forgive him, girl)
Now I can feel it
(He's never felt before)
I really love her
(You love her, what?!)

It took my heart
To shatter in a thousand pieces
Before I'd ever drop my pride
Losing love worrying about my image
Really helped me realize

If it isn't love
Why do I feel this way (Why does it hurt so bad?)
Why does she stay on my mind
(On my mind all the time)
If it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
(If it isn't love)
Make me feel so sad inside
(If it isn't love)
If it isn't love

If it isn't love
Why do I feel this way
Why does she stay on my mind
(She stays on my mind, mind, mind)
If it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
(Why does it hurt so bad?)
Make me feel so sad inside

If it isn't love
(If it isn't love)
Why do I feel this way
(If it isn't love)
Why does she stay on my mind
(If it isn't love)
If it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
(If it isn't love)
Make me feel so sad inside
(If it isn't, I can't describe this feeling that I feel for her)

If it isn't love
Why do I feel this way
Why does she stay on my mind
(Stay on my mind)
If it isn't love
Why does it hurt so bad
Make me feel so sad inside

If it isn't love

If it isn't love

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


New Edition

New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync. The group recorded mostly as a quintet. more »

2 fans

Written by: JAMES HARRIS III, JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, TERRY LEWIS

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Crew Involvement
"If It Isn't Love" was written/produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, a songwriting and production duo known for their work with several high-profile artists like Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Boys II Men, and Usher.
Chart Ranking
The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Hot Black Singles chart in 1988.
Album Inclusion
This song is included in the group's fifth album, "Heart Break," which was released in 1988.
Music Video
The music video, directed by legendary Wayne Isham, presented a dramatic portrayal of the group's rehearsals and performances. It was a critical factor in the song's success.
Critical Recognition
One of the band's most popular songs, "If It Isn't Love," was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1989.
Performances
The song was performed at the 2005 BET 25th anniversary special and the 30th anniversary edition of the BET Awards in 2010, both times with all six members of New Edition.
Pop Culture
The song has been featured in a number of TV shows and films since its release, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and the film "Love & Basketball."
Cover Versions
There have been a few notable covers of this song, including one by boys band B5 and another by the R&B group Boyz II Men.
Group Change
The song was the first New Edition hit to feature Johnny Gill as a member of the group, replacing Bobby Brown.
Iconic Dance Step
The synchronized dance routine in the music video of "If It Isn't Love" is considered iconic and is still mimicked by fans and artists today.

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    "If It Isn't Love Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/884811/New+Edition/If+It+Isn%27t+Love>.

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    If It Isn't Love

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1988

    Billboard #7


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