Love

Written by cycleguy on February 14th, 2016

A recent post by Jon “Stretched” Stolpe asked us to name our favorite love songs. I listed four. I wanted to list more since my favorite singer from the 60s and 70s is Tommy James but my favorite song by him is not really a love song. However, I did list four.

Probably #1 is this one. I have loved this song since the very first time I heard it. ‘Course it doesn’t hurt that this was my other favorite group from my childhood. (Yeah…I go that far back).

Probably my #2 favorite song is this one. Neither Jo (the love of my life) nor I have ever considered an end to our marriage (we celebrate 43 this June) so this song doesn’t apply in some ways. But I like this song because it speaks of openness to each other.

Probably my #3 favorite is this one. There was one thing I could always count on: Jo’s love for me. It never wavered. Never faltered. She stood by me when times were tough. Lean. Good.

Probably my new favorite is this one. So different from their other material, but it packs a powerful message. After almost 43 years, 2 adult children, 1 grandson, multiple churches/moves, several pounds more…I would do it all over again. In a heartbeat. Lyrics for the song are here.

I love you Jo (honey). With all my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

20 Comments so far ↓

  1. floyd says:

    Loved that song by Frankie from the first time I heard it too. He gave a completely different sound to the big band music with that percussion.

    Saw Steve Perry do that second one live in concert a long time ago…

    That third one reminds me of the cafeteria at school my senior year in high school. Probably my favorite song by Styx.

    Never heard that song by Stryper, but I like it. I just noticed how much the lead singer sounds like Dennis DeYoung of Styx after listening to them right after the next.

    Wonderful tribute to your wife… that woman’s a saint!!! Actually you both are…

    Still pondering how you could choose Crystal Blue over Crimson though… or Draggin’ for that matter!

    • cycleguy says:

      She is a saint for sure Floyd to put up with me. 🙂 I liked Steve Perry’s version a little better but couldn’t find the lyrics to go along with it. High school with Styx? Now I really feel old. And while I like Crimson (the long version is better) and I like Draggin’ I have always ranked CBP as my all-time #1 song. Crimson comes in at about 4 or 5. The Frankie Valli song is #2. After that comes Stryper, “Power of Love” and Long Distance Runner by DeGarmo & Key.

  2. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! What a sweet post for your Valentine! Your song choices were great! Styx is my time, the 70’s and 80’s.

    Not sure what my favorite song is, but ‘I’ve Seen All Good People by Yes’ is right up there. Great harmonies.
    I hope you have a wonderful day with your best friend. 43 years? I can only hope for that (coming up on 35 over here…)
    Valentine’s Day wishes,
    Ceil

  3. Enjoyed the love songs!
    Have a blessed celebration of love with Jo on this special day.

  4. Nancy says:

    I know Jo and you are one blessed guy. She is definitely a keeper! I know she feels the same about you. She’s “Stuck on You” and vice-versa… Blessing for many more years together.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks nancy. I am a very blessed guy-in more ways than one. Fantastic wife. Wonderful girls. Super grandson. Top-of-the-line church friends.

  5. Ed says:

    I prefer the songs of the 60s overall. Just an innocence about them.
    I’m sure you’ll announce your 43rd year of marriage again, but still happy anniversary just the same.
    Love in grand! 🙂

  6. Jeff says:

    Probably the song that sums up LOVE for me is Imagine by Lennon. Christians may not agree because it negates the idea heaven and hell. But I have always thought if there is no religion we could be as one.

    • cycleguy says:

      I’m familiar with the song. I am THAT age you know? However, I would disagree with you about being one without religion. Man will do what man always does: shoot for the head of the class and conflict will appear.

  7. Jon Stolpe says:

    Thanks for the mention, Bill. And thanks for sharing!

  8. David Rupert says:

    You like Stryper! I think Im just figuring out. A whole new level of respect for you.

    • David Rupert says:

      We just went to Memphis and toured Sunday Studioschool. Great music came out there. Elvis. Cash. Orbison. Lots of love songs too. And pure music

      • cycleguy says:

        Yes I do like Stryper. I have everything they have done since reuniting as well as Michael’s solo stuff. I still have their Soldiers Under Command white vinyl. 🙂 Memphis is not my style but glad you like it. The only Memphis I liked was DeGarmo & Key.

  9. Betty Draper says:

    I am late getting to this party but all my favorite love songs are country from as far back as I can remember. Then along came Elvis in my book nobody can sing a love song like him but then he is pretty close to country music. Lovely way to honor Jo.