The Love You Save (1970) 9/16/20

Today's “Great Song of the '70s” is 50 years old. I owned the single as a teen. As a DJ, I must have played the song a hundred times or more. But the other day, while I was researching “The Love You Save” for today's blog entry, I was floored when I discovered the sneaky historical references the 4 songwriters (including Motown President Berry Gordy, Jr.) added to the second verse!

But first, a few notes & links...

In 1970, “The Love You Save” was the Jackson 5's third #1 song in a row, after “I Want You Back” which we featured on January 30th https://cuuuk8.wixsite.com/mysite/post/i-want-you-back-1-30-20

And “ABC, featured on July 2nd https://cuuuk8.wixsite.com/mysite/post/abc-1970-7-2-20

(For a good time, click the links!)

In fact, "The Love You Save" was #1 on the Soul Chart for 6 weeks, and #1 on the Hot 100 for 2 weeks!

The song features Michael, of course, but Jermaine sings counterpoint, and the rest of the brothers add some great doo-wop harmonies and instrumental excellence. Plus, the song really smokes!

Now about those lyrics, and the sneaky historical references (in parentheses).

Isaac said he kissed you, beneath the apple tree. (Sir Isaac Newton) When Benji held your hand, he felt electricity. (Ben Franklin) When Alexander called you, he said he rang your chimes. (Alexander Graham Bell) Christopher discovered, you're way ahead of your times! (Christopher Columbus)

The More You Know...

“The Love You Save:” a “Great Song of the '70s!”