About the song
Ah, 1959. Eisenhower was in the White House, Alaska and Hawaii were the new kids on the block, and rock and roll was still shaking things up. Amidst the crooners and the burgeoning girl groups, there was a vocal quartet that had been honing their harmonies since the late 40s: THE CLOVERS. Known for their smooth blends and infectious energy, they delivered a string of hits throughout the 50s, but perhaps none as enduring and iconic as “LOVE POTION NO. 9”.
This wasn’t your typical love song. Penned by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller (responsible for classics like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock”), “LOVE POTION NO. 9” is a playful, almost comical tale of romantic desperation. Our protagonist, a hapless fellow struggling in the game of love, seeks the help of Madame Rue, a “gypsy with the gold-capped tooth.” Her solution? A mysterious concoction, brewed right there in the sink, promising to turn his love life around.
What ensues is a whirlwind of unintended consequences. Fueled by the potent potion, our hero finds himself uncontrollably kissing everything in sight, from lampposts to policemen. The results are chaotic, hilarious, and ultimately, a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of love (and questionable elixirs).
“LOVE POTION NO. 9” is a perfect example of what made THE CLOVERS so special. Their tight harmonies, delivered with a mix of sincerity and tongue-in-cheek charm, bring the story to life. The song’s infectious doo-wop rhythm, punctuated by handclaps and driving bassline, makes it impossible to resist tapping your toes. And let’s not forget the lyrics – witty, relatable, and packed with vivid imagery that paints a picture of a bygone era.
But beyond its catchy melody and humorous narrative, “LOVE POTION NO. 9” captures a universal experience: the yearning for connection, the sometimes clumsy pursuit of love, and the unexpected twists and turns that come with the journey. It’s a song that continues to resonate with audiences across generations, reminding us that even in matters of the heart, a little laughter goes a long way.
So, pour yourself a glass of something smooth (perhaps not Love Potion No. 9), settle in, and let THE CLOVERS transport you back to a time when love was in the air and doo-wop ruled the radio waves.
Video
Lyrics
I took my troubles down to Madame Rue
You know that gypsy with the gold-capped tooth
She’s got a pad on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
Sellin’ little bottles of Love Potion Number Nine
I told her that I was a flop with chicks
I’ve been this way since ninteen-fifty-six
She looked at my palm and she made a magic sign
She said “what you need is Love Potion Number Nine”
She bent down and turned around and gave me a wink
She said “I’m gonna mix it up right here in the sink”
It smelled like turpentine, it looked like India ink
I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink
I didn’t know it was day or night
I started kissin’ everything in sight
But when I kissed a cop at Thirty-Fourth and Vine
He broke my little bottle of Love Potion Number Nine
I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink
I didn’t know it was day or night
I started kissin’ everything in sight
I had so much fun that I’m going back again
I wonder what happen with love potion number ten?
Love Potion Number Nine
Love Potion Number Nine
Love Potion Number Nine