About the song
Released in November 1963, “I Only Want to Be With You” was the debut solo single of Dusty Springfield, marking the beginning of one of the most iconic careers in pop and soul music. The song was included in her first studio album, A Girl Called Dusty (1964), and became an instant hit, reaching No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. With its joyful energy, orchestral arrangement, and Springfield’s distinctive, warm vocals, the song perfectly captured the swinging sound of the early 1960s while introducing her as a solo star after her time with The Springfields.
A Defining Song of the British Invasion
While “I Only Want to Be With You” is often remembered as a pop classic, it also holds a special place in music history as one of the first songs of the British Invasion to break into the American charts—predating The Beatles’ arrival in the U.S. by several months. Produced by Johnny Franz and arranged by Ivor Raymonde, the song blends elements of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production style, early Motown, and classic pop, creating a rich, upbeat sound that appealed to a wide audience.
The song’s playful, romantic lyrics tell the story of falling in love at first sight, with Springfield’s voice effortlessly delivering both excitement and sincerity. The chorus, with its irresistible melody and layered instrumentation, makes it instantly recognizable and eternally catchy:
“I only want to be with you, it doesn’t matter what you do…”
Dusty Springfield’s Unique Appeal
One of the reasons Dusty Springfield stood out in the 1960s was her ability to bridge traditional pop with deeper, more soulful influences. Her vocal style had a natural depth and emotional pull that set her apart from many of her British contemporaries. While “I Only Want to Be With You” leaned more towards the bright, orchestral pop sound of the era, it hinted at the soulful direction she would later embrace with songs like “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” and her masterpiece album Dusty in Memphis (1969).
Cultural Impact and Enduring Popularity
Over the years, “I Only Want to Be With You” has remained a timeless classic, covered by numerous artists, including The Bay City Rollers (1976), The Tourists (1979) featuring Annie Lennox, and Samantha Fox (1989). It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its continued presence in popular culture.
Despite the many versions, Dusty Springfield’s original recording remains the definitive one, capturing the energy and optimism of the early British pop explosion. It was the song that launched her solo career, paving the way for her to become one of the most influential female vocalists of all time. Today, it still stands as a joyful, infectious anthem of love, nostalgia, and the golden age of 1960s pop.
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Lyrics
I don’t know what it is that makes me love you soI only know I never want to let you go‘Cause you started something, oh, can’t you see?That ever since we met you’ve had a hold on meIt happens to be true, I only want to be with youIt doesn’t matter where you go or what you doI want to spend each moment of the day with youWell, look what has happened with just one kissI never knew that I could be in love like thisIt’s crazy but it’s true, I only want to be with youYou stopped and smiled at meAsked if I’d care to danceI fell into your open armsAnd I didn’t stand a chanceNow, listen, honey, I just want to be beside you everywhereAs long as we’re together, honey, I don’t care‘Cause you started something, oh, can’t you see?That ever since we met you’ve had a hold on meNo matter what you do, I only want to be with youOh, you stopped and you smiled at meAsked if I’d care to danceI fell into your open armsI didn’t stand a chanceNow hear me darling, I just want to be beside you everywhereAs long as we’re together, honey, I don’t care‘Cause you started something, oh, can’t you see?That ever since we met you’ve had a hold on meNo matter what you do, I only want to be with youI said, no matter, no matter what you doI only want to be with you