About The Song
Released on “The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs,” this track showcases the songwriting talents of a young Barry Gibb. “How Love Was True” doesn’t boast the complex orchestration or disco beats that would come to define their later sound. Instead, it relies on the raw power of their youthful voices, a simple yet catchy melody, and lyrics that speak directly to the heart.
Imagine yourself back in the mid-sixties. The world is changing rapidly, rock and roll is taking hold, and teenagers are yearning for something new. “How Love Was True” taps into that youthful energy. It’s a song brimming with the wide-eyed optimism of a new love. The opening line, “How love was true yesterday,” sets the stage for a tale of instant infatuation. The narrator is captivated by the object of his affection, “I saw you standing there, you gave me cause to stare” – a line that many of us can likely relate to, remembering that first spark that ignites a crush.
But “How Love Was True” isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The lyrics soon take a turn, revealing a hint of disillusionment. The narrator expresses his love, “I love you every way,” only to be met with “lies” and the realization that his love may not be reciprocated. “You think that love’s a game,” he sings, a touch of bitterness creeping into his voice. This shift from euphoria to heartbreak reflects the emotional rollercoaster many young people experience in their first forays into love.
Despite its melancholic undercurrent, “How Love Was True” remains an upbeat and charming song. The brothers’ signature tight harmonies weave their magic, creating a sound that is both innocent and sophisticated. The melody is infectious, the kind that gets stuck in your head for days on end.
“How Love Was True” might not be the Bee Gees’ most famous song, but it holds a special place in their history. It’s a reminder of their roots, a time when their music was raw and full of youthful energy. It’s a song that speaks to a universal experience – the bittersweet pangs of young love – with a melody that will stay with you long after the last note fades. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and let yourself be transported back to a simpler time with “How Love Was True.”