Words of Love is a chirpy early rock song that leaves you with a sunny disposition. It also has a tenderness that Buddy seemed to exude in his songs almost effortlessly. His unique intonations and the way he draws out words for emphasis are on full display here, giving the song character and a human touch. I also like how Holly harmonises with himself by combining tape recordings of each part. It lends the song a more intimate and personal feel.
It might not be as widely recognised as some of his bigger hits, but Words of Love deserves just as much praise. I love the guitar playing here in its minimalism and directness, but it opens up space and gives the song a sparseness in sound. Nothing feels forced, and it’s this economical, stripped-back music that was nevertheless enormously effective. Yet somehow, despite the simplicity, Holly’s music and voice had such a distinct character that they couldn’t be mistaken for anyone else’s.
At a run time of just 1:56, it’s wondrous what Words of Love achieves in such a short space. His music was often like that, being able to do so much with so little – talk about maximum effect from minimum means, analogous to all that he achieved in his short life as one of rock ’n’ roll’s young pioneers, until his tragic early passing at just 22 years of age.
He exerted such an enormous influence on rock music despite the brevity of his career. Also, while his music often conveys so much brightness and youthful exuberance, it’s hard not to feel tinges of sadness when listening to it, realising what a remarkable loss it was that he wasn’t around to share the world stage with the big guns starting out in the early ’60s and beyond.
Most of the following was abridged from the Wikipedia article below:
Despite Words of Love not being a notable hit for Holly, it is regarded as one of his important recordings. Interestingly, a compilation album, Words of Love, was released in the UK in 1993. It reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified gold.
A doo-wop version by the Diamonds was released on May 20, 1957, reached No. 13 on the Billboard in July 1957, making the song Holly’s first hit, though as a composer not performer. It proceeded Holly’s own release by just one month.
It was a pleasant surprise to learn that the Beatles recorded a cover version of the song on October 18, 1964, for the UK album Beatles for Sale. I enjoyed their vocals on this one. John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were fans of Holly, sang in harmony with George Harrison, holding to the vocal and instrumental sound of Holly’s original as well as they could. Before their big break, the group had performed the song live between 1958 and 1962.
[Verse 1]
Hold me close and tell me how you feel
Tell me love is real
Mm, mm, mm, mm
[Chorus]
Words of love you whisper soft and true
Darling I love you
Mm, mm, mm, mm
[Verse 2]
Let me hear you say
The words I want to hear
Darling when you’re near
Mm, mm, mm, mm
[Chorus]
Words of love you whisper soft and true
Darling I love you
Mm, mm, mm, mm
[Outro]
Mm, mm, mm
Mm, mm, mm
References:
1. Words of Love – Wikipedia
