Roxette – It Must Have Been Love

Roxette – “It Must Have Been Love”: A Heartfelt Ballad That Endures the Test of Time

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Swedish duo Roxette became an international sensation with their blend of pop rock and heartfelt ballads. One of their most iconic songs, “It Must Have Been Love,” has stood the test of time as one of their greatest hits. Released in 1987 as part of their album “Look Sharp!” and later featured in the soundtrack for the 1990 film Pretty Woman, this emotional ballad resonates with listeners across generations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the song’s origins, its emotional depth, and why “It Must Have Been Love” continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Origins of “It Must Have Been Love”

Roxette, consisting of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle, found immense success in the late ’80s with their unique mix of catchy melodies and poignant lyrics. While the duo had already established themselves as prominent figures in Swedish pop music, “It Must Have Been Love” propelled them to worldwide fame.

Originally, “It Must Have Been Love” was written as a Christmas song and was titled “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted).” However, the song evolved from its festive theme into a powerful ballad about the end of a relationship. When the song was re-recorded for the Pretty Woman soundtrack in 1990, it became a massive international hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Roxette’s most beloved tracks.

The Lyrics: Love, Loss, and Reflection

“It Must Have Been Love” is a deeply emotional song that reflects on the pain and heartbreak of a lost love. The lyrics speak to the intense feeling of reminiscing about a past relationship and the realization that, while the love may have been real, it ultimately ended in sorrow.

The song begins with the lines:

“It must have been love, but it’s over now”

This opening sets the tone for the rest of the song, capturing the bittersweet sentiment of realizing that something once beautiful has come to an end. The chorus repeats the heart-wrenching notion that the love felt in the past “must have been love,” but now it’s gone, leaving only memories.

The lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, loss, and the difficult process of moving on. The way the song conveys the emotional rollercoaster of love, from the highs of infatuation to the lows of separation, resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the end of a meaningful relationship.

The Power of Marie Fredriksson’s Vocals

One of the defining aspects of “It Must Have Been Love” is the incredible vocal performance by Marie Fredriksson. Her voice is full of emotion, perfectly capturing the sorrow and vulnerability that the song’s lyrics convey. From the delicate opening notes to the soaring high notes in the chorus, Marie’s vocal delivery brings the song to life in a way that makes it impossible not to feel the heartache in each line.

Her ability to convey such raw emotion with her voice is one of the reasons why the song continues to have such a lasting impact. It’s a performance that resonates with listeners on a deep, personal level, making “It Must Have Been Love” not just a song, but an experience.

Why “It Must Have Been Love” Continues to Endure

1. Relatable Themes of Love and Loss: The song’s universal themes of heartbreak, reflection, and the bittersweet nature of love are timeless. Everyone has experienced the end of a relationship or a loss of love, and “It Must Have Been Love” gives voice to those emotions. The vulnerability in the lyrics allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.

2. Iconic Sound and Melody: The song blends elements of pop rock with a sweeping ballad arrangement, featuring lush orchestration and a memorable melody. The instrumentation complements the emotional weight of the song, making it the perfect backdrop for the powerful lyrics and Marie’s impassioned vocals.

3. Pop Culture Legacy: “It Must Have Been Love” was featured prominently in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The movie itself became a cultural phenomenon, and the song’s association with the film solidified its place in pop culture history. Even decades after its release, the song still evokes memories of the movie and continues to be recognized by fans of both the film and Roxette.

4. Enduring Popularity: Despite being released in the late ’80s, “It Must Have Been Love” remains a staple on radio stations and playlists, especially when it comes to ’80s and ’90s music. The song has also been covered by numerous artists, and its presence in various media over the years has ensured its lasting appeal.

Conclusion

“It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette is more than just a pop ballad — it’s a powerful, emotional anthem that captures the complex feelings of love, loss, and longing. With its timeless message and unforgettable melody, the song continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.

Marie Fredriksson’s heart-wrenching vocal performance, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics and orchestral arrangement, makes “It Must Have Been Love” a standout in Roxette’s catalog and a beloved classic in the world of pop music. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past love or simply enjoying a beautiful piece of music, “It Must Have Been Love” is a song that speaks to the heart and soul.

Lyrics: It Must Have Been Love

(It must have been love but it’s over now) 

Lay a whisper on my pillow
Leave the winter on the ground
I wake up lonely, there’s air of silence
In the bedroom and all around

Touch me now, I close my eyes and dream away

It must have been love but it’s over now
It must have been good but I lost it somehow
It must have been love but it’s over now
From the moment we touched, ’til the time had run out

Make-believing we’re together
That I’m sheltered by your heart
But in and outside I’ve turned to water
Like a teardrop in your palm

And it’s a hard winter’s day, I dream away

It must have been love but it’s over now
It was all that I wanted, now I’m living without
It must have been love but it’s over now
It’s where the water flows, it’s where the wind blows

It must have been love but it’s over now
It must have been good but I lost it somehow
It must have been love but it’s over now
From the moment we touched, ’til the time had run out

Yeah, it must have been love but it’s over now
It was all that I wanted, now I’m living without
It must have been love but it’s over now
It’s where the water flows, it’s where the wind blows

(Must have been love but it’s over now)
(Must have been love but it’s over now)