About the song
Let’s take a moment to step back in time, to an era when a powerful, velvet-smooth voice and a lush orchestral arrangement were the main ingredients for a hit song. We’re talking about the world of classic balladeers, and few have ever mastered that domain quite like the legendary Engelbert Humperdinck. Today, we’re focusing on a beautiful, understated gem from his vast catalog: How I Love You.
By the time this song was released in 1974, Engelbert Humperdinck was a well-established global phenomenon. He had already captivated audiences with hits like “Release Me” and “The Last Waltz,” building a reputation as a masterful crooner with an undeniable charm. His appeal wasn’t about flash or gimmick; it was about the sheer quality of his voice—a rich, resonant baritone that could effortlessly convey depth and sincere emotion. “How I Love You” arrived perfectly in sync with his signature style, a testament to the timeless appeal of a pure, heartfelt love song.
What makes this particular track so special is its elegant simplicity. There’s no complex lyrical metaphor or complicated narrative. The song, written by Richard Cook, is a direct, honest, and almost breathtakingly simple declaration of affection. The title itself gives away the entire plot: it is a straightforward expression of profound love. But it’s the way the music and the vocal performance combine that truly sets it apart. The arrangement is exquisite—sweeping strings, a gentle rhythm, and a subtle build that swells at just the right moments to amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics. It’s the kind of song that would be perfect for a first dance or a quiet evening of reflection.
And then there’s the delivery by Engelbert Humperdinck himself. His voice on “How I Love You” is nothing short of impeccable. He sings with a tenderness that feels incredibly personal, as if he’s whispering a secret to the listener. He has an innate ability to make a grand, orchestrated ballad feel intimate and real. He isn’t shouting his love from the rooftops; he’s sharing it in a way that feels dignified and deeply sincere. For those who grew up listening to his music, this song is a comforting classic that embodies a certain era and a certain kind of romance. It’s a beautiful, timeless example of a master of his craft doing what he does best: creating a song that doesn’t just entertain, but truly touches the heart. It is a perfect showcase of why he has remained a beloved figure for so many decades.
Video
Lyrics
You hold me in your eyes
In your own special way
I wonder how you know
The things I never say
I can’t imagine life
Without you by my side
The power of your love
Is all I need tonight
I know there have been times
That I have caused you pain
I’d turn them all around
If I could start again
There’s something I must say
I know it’s overdue
The sweetest thing I’ve known
Or ever called my own
Begins and ends with you
How I love you
How I love you
The softness of your lips
The color of your hair
The memory of your touch
Remains when you’re not there
The echoes of your laughter
When I’m feeling blue
The meaning of my life
It all begins with you
So come into my arms
Lay down by my side
The moon is always there
To keep our love alight
I’ve reached so very high
For everything that’s mine
And at the top is you
I want you for all time
And dream forever you
How I love you
How I love you
The softness of your lips
The color of your hair
The memory of your touch
Remains when you’re not there
The echoes of your laughter
When I’m feeling blue
The meaning of my life
It all begins with you
So come into my arms
Lay down by my side
The moon is always there
To keep our love alight
You know me like a book
You’ve read a thousand times
We know each other’s hearts
We read each other’s minds
These feelings are always new
How I love you
How I love you
The softness of your lips
The color of your hair
The memory of your touch
Remains when you’re not there
The echoes of your laughter
When I’m feeling blue
The meaning of my life
It all begins with you
