Love Potion Number 9 – The Searchers

Introduction

Before The Beatles painted the sixties with mop-tops and Merseybeat, another British band, The Searchers, cast a spell with a quirky concoction called “Love Potion Number 9.” Originally brewed in 1959, the song wasn’t their creation, but rather a cover of a doo-wop hit by The Clovers. Yet, The Searchers’ rendition, released in 1964, became the definitive version, catapulting the track to international fame.

The story unfolds with our lovelorn protagonist, down on his luck in the romance department. Seeking solace, he stumbles upon the enigmatic Madame Rue, a gypsy with a secret elixir: Love Potion Number 9. Skeptical but desperate, he gulps down the suspicious brew, a potent mix of turpentine and India ink. The results are instantaneous and hilarious – our hero, infused with the potion’s magic, begins smooching everything in sight: dogs, lampposts, even the mailman’s shoe.

“Love Potion Number 9” isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a comedic romp through the absurdity of infatuation. The lyrics, punctuated by playful “whoo-hoos” and infectious guitar riffs, paint a picture of a love-struck fool whose affections are as indiscriminate as they are temporary. Yet, beneath the surface of humor lies a relatable yearning for connection. Who among us haven’t wished for a magic potion to cure our romantic woes?

So, as the opening guitar riff twangs and the protagonist declares, “I took my troubles down to Madame Rue,” prepare to be swept away by a musical whirlwind of laughter, longing, and the irresistible charm of a love potion brewed for pure fun. Whether you’re a doo-wop aficionado or simply a sucker for a good love story (gone hilariously wrong), let “Love Potion Number 9” cast its spell and remind you that sometimes, the cure for love woes might just be a healthy dose of silliness.

Video

Lyrics

I took my troubles down to Madame Ruth
You know that gypsy with the gold-capped tooth
She’s got a pad down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
Sellin’ little bottles of Love Potion Number 9

I told her that I was a flop with chics
I’ve been this way since 1956
She looked at my palm and she made a magic sign
She said, “What you need is Love Potion Number 9”

She bent down and turned around and gave me a wink
She said, “I’m gonna make it up right here in the sink”
It smelled like turpentine, it looked like Indian ink
I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink

I didn’t know if it was day or night
I started kissin’ everything in sight
But when I kissed a cop down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
He broke my little bottle of Love Potion Number 9

I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink

I didn’t know if it was day or night
I started kissin’ everything in sight
I had so much fun that I’m goin’ back again
I wonder what happened with love potion number 10

Love Potion Number 9
Love Potion Number 9
Love Potion Number 9