About the song
Background of “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” by Bruce Springsteen
This song wasn’t originally written by Springsteen. It’s a cover of a lesser-known soul tune by Frank Wilson, a songwriter and producer for Motown Records in the 1960s.
- Wilson wrote and recorded the song in 1965, but Motown shelved it.
- Years later, a test pressing found its way to a Northern Soul club in England, sparking interest in the song.
- It wasn’t until 2022 that Springsteen included his cover of “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” on his album Only the Strong Survive, a collection of soul covers.
Themes in “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”
The song is a straightforward declaration of love and devotion. The lyrics use repetitive questions (“Do I love you?”) and emphatic answers (“Indeed I do”) to convey the singer’s complete dedication to their partner.
Here are some of the key themes:
- Unwavering Devotion: The lyrics leave no doubt about the singer’s feelings. They’re willing to give everything and promise the partner’s happiness.
- Complete Commitment: The song emphasizes the singer’s desire to be with their loved one constantly, “from morning until late at night.” There’s a sense of wanting to protect and cherish the other person.
- Soulful Expression: The cover by Springsteen infuses the song with his signature heartland rock energy, adding a layer of passion and sincerity to the classic soul message.
Video
Lyrics
C’mon
Here I am on bended kneesI lay my heart down at your feet (do I love you?)All you have to do is askI’ll give until there’s nothing left (do I love you?)As long as there is life in meYour happiness is guaranteedI’ll fill your heart with ecstasy, darling
Do I love you? (Tell me now)Do I love you? (Ooh, ooh)Do I love you?Indeed, I doOh darling, indeed, I do
The very thing that I want mostIs just to have and hold you close (do I love you?)From morning until late at nightYou fill my heart with pure delight (do I love you?)Whenever I lay me down to sleepI pray the Lord your soul to keepAnd bring it on home safe to me, darling
Do I love you? (C’mon darling)Do I love you? (Ooh, aah)Do I love you?Indeed, I doSweet darling, indeed, I do
C’mon
Now whenever I lay me down to sleepI pray the Lord your soul to keepAnd bring you on home safe to meDarling
Do I love you? (Oh, tell me now)Do I love you? (Oh Darling)Do I love you?Indeed, I doSweet darling, indeed, I do
Oh baby, indeed, I doCome on baby, indeed, I doOoh ooh, indeed, I doOh darling, indeed, I do