About the song
“Love Is the Drug,” an iconic track by the English rock band Roxy Music, stands as a definitive example of their ability to blend art rock sophistication with danceable rhythms. Originally featured on their fifth studio album, “Siren,” released in 1975, the song quickly emerged as a standout single upon its release in September of that year. Co-written by Bryan Ferry and Andy Mackay, “Love Is the Drug” initially took shape as a slower, more ethereal composition before the band reimagined it with a faster tempo and a dance-friendly arrangement that underscored its infectious groove.
Ferry’s lyrical narrative portrays a protagonist driven by the pursuit of excitement and thrill, encapsulating the hedonistic ethos of the mid-1970s. This thematic richness, coupled with Roxy Music’s distinctive musical style, resonated deeply with audiences, propelling “Love Is the Drug” to commercial success. In the United Kingdom, the single soared to number two on the charts, solidifying Roxy Music’s standing as one of the era’s most influential bands. It also marked a breakthrough for the band in the United States, where it peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their highest-charting single in the country at the time.
Despite its popularity, the song did not receive an official music video; however, an iconic television appearance featured Bryan Ferry sporting an eyepatch, adding a memorable visual element to its promotion. This quirk, born out of necessity due to an injury, inadvertently contributed to the song’s mystique and enduring appeal.
Critically acclaimed for its pulsating bassline, courtesy of John Gustafson, “Love Is the Drug” has garnered accolades for its influence on subsequent music genres, notably new wave and funk. Its bassline was recognized in the Stylus Magazine list of the “Top 50 Basslines of All Time,” underscoring its lasting impact on popular music. Nile Rodgers of Chic acknowledged its influence on his own music, highlighting its role in shaping the funk-driven sound of “Good Times.”
Selected as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll,” “Love Is the Drug” remains a timeless testament to Roxy Music’s innovative spirit and Bryan Ferry’s visionary approach to songwriting. Its blend of sophisticated lyricism and infectious rhythms continues to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as a classic in the annals of rock history.
Video
Lyrics
It ain’t no big thing
To wait for the bell to ring
It ain’t no big thing
The toll of the bell
Aggravated, spare for days
I troll downtown, the red light place
Jump up, bubble up, what’s in store?
Love is the drug and I need to score
Showing out, showing out, hit and run
Boy meets girl where the beat goes on
Stitched up tight, can’t shake free
Love is the drug, got a hook on me
Oh-oh, catch that buzz
Love is the drug I’m thinking of
Oh-oh, can’t you see?
Love is the drug for me
Oh-ooh-oh
Oh-ooh-oh
Late that night I parked my car
Staked my place in the singles bar
Face to face, toe to toe
Heart to heart as we hit the floor
Lumber up, limbo down
The locked embrace, stumble round
I say go, she say yes
Dim the lights, you can guess the rest
Oh-oh, catch that buzz
Love is the drug I’m thinking of
Oh-oh, can’t you see?
Love is the drug, got a hook in me
Oh-oh, get that buzz
Love is the drug I’m thinking of
Oh-oh, can’t you see?
Love, the drug for me
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh
Oh-ooh-oh
Oh-ooh-oh
Love is…
Love is…
Love is the drug