About the song
A song that epitomizes the power of romantic love in the face of, well, nothingness. Released in 1983, it became an instant classic, topping charts worldwide and solidifying Air Supply’s place in soft rock royalty. But what truly is the magic formula behind this enduring ballad?
Firstly, let’s consider the context. The early 80s were a period of extravagance and synthesizers. Think leg warmers, big hair, and pop anthems. Air Supply, however, took a more introspective approach. Their music was a gentle refuge from the neon blitz, offering heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies. Making Love Out of Nothing At All perfectly captured this sentiment.
The song’s brilliance lies in its masterful simplicity. The instrumentation is pared down to its essence – a bed of soft piano chords, tasteful guitar flourishes, and a subtle yet propulsive drumbeat. This creates a sonic canvas upon which the true star shines: the voice of Graham Russell, Air Supply’s lead vocalist.
Russell’s voice, a smooth tenor with a touch of vulnerability, is the emotional core of the song. He weaves a tapestry of intimacy, confessing his knowledge of deception, manipulation, and even the fleeting nature of time. Yet, amidst these worldly experiences, there’s a yearning for something genuine, a love so profound it can create its own reality. This is where the title takes center stage. Making Love Out of Nothing At All becomes a metaphor for the transformative power of love. It suggests that when two souls connect deeply, they can build a world of their own, a sanctuary where love reigns supreme, defying the emptiness that might otherwise surround them.
The lyrics themselves deserve special mention. Songwriter Jim Steinman, known for his bombastic rock anthems with Meat Loaf, here delivers a surprisingly tender piece. Lines like “I know just where to find the answers, and I know just how to lie” showcase the narrator’s complex understanding of human emotions. He’s not naive to the world’s complexities, yet he chooses to embrace the vulnerability and honesty that love demands.
Making Love Out of Nothing At All is more than just a love song. It’s a testament to the enduring human desire for connection, for a love that transcends the ordinary. It’s a song that resonates across generations, a timeless reminder that even in the face of life’s uncertainties, the power of love can create a world of its own.
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Lyrics
“Making Love Out Of Nothing At All”
And I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
And I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it
And I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the truth
And then I know just when to dream
And I know just where to touch you
And I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer
And I know when to let you loose
And I know the night is fading
And I know the time’s gonna fly
And I’m never gonna tell you everything I gotta tell you
But I know I gotta give it a try
And I know the roads to riches
And I know the ways to fame
I know all the rules and then I know how to break ’em
And I always know the name of the game
But I don’t know how to leave you
And I’ll never let you fall
And I don’t know how you do it
Making love out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love)
Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
Every time I see you all the rays of the sun are all
Streaming through the waves in your hair
And every star in the sky is taking aim at your eyes
Like a spotlight
The beating of my heart is a drum and it’s lost
And it’s looking for a rhythm like you
You can take the darkness from the pit of the night
And turn it to a beacon burning endlessly bright
I’ve gotta follow it cause everything I know
Well it’s nothing till I give it to you
I can make the runner stumble
I can make the final block
And I can make every tackle at the sound of the whistle
I can make all the stadiums rock
I can make tonight forever
Or I can make it disappear by the dawn
And I can make you every promise that has ever been made
And I can make all your demons be gone
But I’m never gonna make it without you
Do you really wanna see me crawl
And I’m never gonna make it like you do
Making love out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love) Out of nothing at all
(Making love, love)
Out of nothing at all (Making love)
Out of nothing at all (Making love)
Out of nothing at all (Making love, love)
Out of nothing at all (Making love)
Out of nothing at all (Making love)
Out of nothing at all (Making love, love, love)