Love in the First Degree
Alabama
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I once thought of love as a prison a place I didn't want to be So long ago, I made a decision to be footloose and fancy-free But you came and I was so tempted to gamble on love just one time I never thought, that I would get caught It seemed like the perfect crime [Chorus:] Baby you left me defense-less I've only got one plea Lock me away, inside of your love and throw away the key I'm guilty...of love in the first degree I thought it would be so simple like a thousand times before I'd take what I wanted, and just walk away but I never made it to the door Now babe I'm not beggin' for mercy go ahead and throw the book at me If lovin' you's a crime I know that I'm as guilty as a man can be [Chorus] Love in the first degree (oh-oh yeah) Love in the first degree Oh Yeeeaaaah! [Chorus]
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Written by: Jim Hurt, Tim J. Dubois, Timothy James Dubois
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Creation"Love in the First Degree" was written by Tim DuBois and Jim Hurt. It is a classic example of the collaboration between talented songwriters and performers.
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Band ArtistThe song was performed by the American country and Southern rock band called "Alabama". The band members were Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook, and Mark Herndon.
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Album Release"Love in the First Degree" is part of the album "Feels So Right," which was released in 1981.
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Chart SuccessThe song managed to climb to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, making it one of Alabama's greatest hits.
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Grammy Nomination"Love in the First Degree" was not only a popular hit, but also well-received by critics. It nabbed a nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1983 Grammy Awards.
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Crossover HitThe song's popularity transcended country music and made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 15.
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Overall RankingAccording to Billboard magazine's "Greatest of All Time" country songs, "Love in the First Degree" ranks as the 51st greatest song.
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Song TopicThe song uses the metaphor of crime to describe an overwhelmingly passionate love affair. It implies that the singer is "guilty" of loving too deeply and is sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
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Music VideoDespite its release in the early '80s, “Love in the First Degree” has a nostalgic, sepia-toned music video that suits its romantic tones and metaphorical lyrics.
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Iconic StatusWith its smooth vocals, infectious hook, and unforgettable lyrics, "Love in the First Degree" remains one of Alabama's most widely recognized songs to this day.
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Cover VersionsThe song has also been covered by various artists over the years, including New Zealand musician Dennis Marsh in 1997, reinforcing its timeless appeal.
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Citation
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"Love in the First Degree Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31139316/Alabama/Love+in+the+First+Degree>.
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