About the song

“Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” by Irma Thomas is a soulful anthem that delves deep into the complexities of love and heartache. Written by Jeannie Seely, Randy Newman, Judith Arbuckle, and Pat Sheeran, this timeless ballad has resonated with audiences since its release.

Irma Thomas, often referred to as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” recorded “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” for her album “Time Is on My Side” in 1964. The song showcases Thomas’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery, solidifying her status as a pioneering figure in rhythm and blues music.

While not achieving significant chart success upon its initial release, “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” has endured as a cult classic, earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its inclusion in various films and television shows has introduced it to new generations, ensuring its longevity in the musical landscape.

Despite its simplicity, the song’s poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melody strike a chord with listeners of all ages, evoking feelings of love, longing, and vulnerability. Irma Thomas’s interpretation imbues the song with a raw emotional intensity that is both captivating and unforgettable.

“Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” stands as a testament to the enduring power of soul music to convey universal emotions and experiences. Irma Thomas’s rendition continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its status as a timeless classic in the pantheon of love songs.

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Lyrics

Anyone
Anyone
Anyone
Anyone
You can blame me
Try to shame me
And still I’ll care for you
You can run around
Even put me down
Still I’ll be there for you
The world
May think I’m foolish
They can’t see you
Like I can
Oh but anyone
Who knows what love is
Will understand
Anyone
Anyone
Anyone
I just feel so sorry (anyone)
For the ones
Who pity me
‘Cause they just don’t know
(Anyone) Oh they don’t know what happiness and love can be
I know
I know to ever let you go
It’s more
Than I
Could ever stand
Oh but anyone
Who knows what love is
Will understand
Oh (anyone) they’ll understand
(Anyone) If they try love they’ll understand (anyone)
(Anyone) Oh try to understand (anyone)
(Anyone)