Tainted Love

Soft Cell

About Tainted Love

"Tainted Love" is a song composed by Ed Cobb, formerly of American group the Four Preps, which was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964. It attained worldwide fame after being covered and reworked by English synth-pop duo Soft Cell in 1981 and has since been covered by numerous groups and artists. Buoyed by the then-dominant synth-pop new wave sound of the time and a memorable performance on the BBC's Top of the Pops, "Tainted Love" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, and was the best-selling single of 1981 in the UK. A major hit during the Second British Invasion, the song spent a then-record 43 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number eight. 


Year:
1999
2:34
91 

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Sometimes I feel I've got to
Run away I've got to
Get away from the pain that you drive into the heart of me
The love we share
Seems to go nowhere
And I've lost my light
For I toss and turn I can't sleep at night

Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I'll run from you
This tainted love you've given
I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that's not nearly all
Oh tainted love
Tainted love

Now I know I've got to
Run away I've got to
Get away
You don't really want it any more from me
To make things right
You need someone to hold you tight
And you'll think love is to pray
But I'm sorry I don't pray that way

Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I'll run from you
This tainted love you've given
I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that's not nearly all
Oh tainted love
Tainted love

Don't touch me please
I cannot stand the way you tease
I love you though you hurt me so
Now I'm going to pack my things and go
Tainted love, tainted love
Tainted love, tainted love
Touch me baby, tainted love
Touch me baby, tainted love
Tainted love
Tainted love
Tainted love

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Soft Cell

Soft Cell are an English synthpop duo who came to prominence in the early 1980s. They consist of vocalist Marc Almond and instrumentalist David Ball. The duo is most widely known for their 1981 worldwide hit version of "Tainted Love" and platinum debut Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. In the UK, they had ten Top 40 hits, including "Bedsitter" (No. 4), "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" (No. 3), "Torch" (No. 2), and "What!" (No. 3), and also had four Top 20 albums between 1981 and 1984. The duo split in 1984, but reformed in the early 2000s to tour and released a new album in 2002. Their songs have been covered by various artists including Nine Inch Nails, David Gray, Nouvelle Vague, Marilyn Manson and A-ha. Soft Cell's track "Memorabilia" earned recognition for the band as pi… more »

2 fans

Written by: Edward Cobb

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Basic Info
"Tainted Love" was initially written by songwriter and producer Ed Cobb. - Although we often associate the song with Soft Cell, its original rendition was performed by Gloria Jones in 1964.
Gloria Jones Version
Gloria Jones, an American singer, first recorded "Tainted Love" in 1964. - The song was a B-side to her single "My Bad Boy's Coming Home.” - Despite the unique blend of soul and pop in the song, it did not become a commercial hit.
Revival by Soft Cell
Soft Cell, a British synth-pop duo, covered "Tainted Love" in 1981. - Their version of the song became a major success, reaching the top of the charts in 17 countries. - The Soft Cell's rendition is considered one of the biggest selling singles in UK history.
Peculiar Recording Mechanism
Soft Cell used a synthesizer to create their captivating cover of the song. - Instead of recording the two-track version of the song, they decided to record the first track, then add more layers afterwards.
Music Video
The music video for Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" is distinctive for its symbolism. - It features the lead singer, Marc Almond, in a variety of situations all themed around desire, dissatisfaction, and yearning.
Pop Culture Relevance
Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" has been featured in numerous TV shows and films, signifying its profound cultural impact. - In 2006 it was named the number 5 best number one of all times in a poll conducted by music station VH1. - It has been covered and sampled by numerous other artists, including Rihanna in her single "SOS".
Noteworthy Success
Interestingly, Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" holds the Guinness World Record for the 'Longest Stay on the US Billboard Hot 100. - This is due to the song remaining on the chart for a record-shattering 43 weeks.

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    Tainted Love

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

    Billboard #8


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