Real Love Song

Album: Moral Panic (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song originated with an Kuala Lumpur interviewer asking Nothing But Thieves why they hadn't recorded more tunes about romantic relationships. The band replied they felt that the topic was overworked and rarely captures the harsh realities of love.

    However, the band decided to take on board the interviewer's observation and record a "real love song." Rather than writing an idealistic Hollywood-esque tune about romance, Nothing But Thieves' version is "about the darker side of love - the painful, unrequited kind. It's love lost or love never gained."
  • Nothing But Thieves recorded the song for their third album, Moral Panic. The record finds the band reuniting with producer Mike Crossey (The 1975, Arctic Monkeys and Wolf Alice), who also helmed their second set.
  • Basak Erol, a Turkish-American director based in London, shot the video. The trippy, animated clip showcases the dreamlike story of three characters seeking love in the wrong places combined with gritty performance footage of Nothing But Thieves.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.