About the Song

“Unchained Melody” is one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century, and its enduring popularity was solidified in 1990 when it was featured in the movie Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. The unforgettable scene where Swayze and Moore share an intimate moment at a pottery wheel, with Bobby Hatfield’s soulful vocals accompanying them, introduced the song to a new generation of listeners. However, this was not the first time the public heard the track, nor was it the first time they heard the Righteous Brothers’ version.

Originally recorded in 1965, “Unchained Melody” was released as the B-side to their single “Hung on You.” DJs quickly gravitated toward “Unchained Melody,” and it became a hit, reaching #4 on the U.S. pop charts and #14 in the U.K. The Righteous Brothers’ rendition of the song, though technically a solo performance by Bobby Hatfield, became the definitive version, due to Phil Spector’s dramatic production and Hatfield’s emotional and powerful delivery.

The song itself was written for the 1955 prison film Unchained, where Todd Duncan originally performed it. The song was later popularized by Les Baxter, and versions by Roy Hamilton, Al Hibbler, and Jimmy Young also topped various charts. But it was the Righteous Brothers’ version in 1965 that would become legendary, making Unchained Melody one of the most recorded songs in history, with over 500 renditions by various artists.

Legacy and Impact
The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” is arguably the most famous version. In addition to its success in 1965, the song saw a resurgence in 1990 following its use in Ghost

. In this case, the song was re-recorded for the movie’s soundtrack, and both the original 1965 version and the 1990 re-recording charted. The 1990 version reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts, while the 1965 version soared to the top of the U.K. charts. This rare occurrence of both versions charting simultaneously highlights the song’s timeless appeal.

“Unchained Melody” has topped multiple charts, making history by reaching the top of the U.S. pop charts, R&B charts, and the U.K. charts in various versions. It remains one of the most beloved and emotionally charged ballads of all time, with its tender lyrics and soaring melody, and continues to be a staple in pop culture, particularly as a song that captures feelings of love and longing.

Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Woah, my love, my darlingI’ve hungered for your touchA long, lonely timeAnd time goes by so slowlyAnd time can do so muchAre you still mine?I need your loveI need your loveGod speed your love to me

Lonely rivers flowTo the sea, to the seaTo the open arms of the sea, yeahLonely rivers sigh“Wait for me, wait for me”I’ll be coming home, wait for me

Woah, my love, my darlingI’ve hungered, hungered for your touchA long, lonely timeAnd time goes by so slowlyAnd time can do so muchAre you still mine?I need your loveI need your loveGod speed your love to me