Too Afraid to Love You

Album: Brothers (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Co-producer Mark Neill told the story of the song in a track-by-track on The Black Keys Fan Lounge: "This is born out of a crazy idea about a harpsichord. In the Spring of last year (2009) we were talking about the instruments we were going to bring to the recording. I said I'd bring all this stuff, and I've got some magic tambourines, but I told him (vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach ) 'Look, tell the Management I want a harpsichord down there.' And there was silence on the phone for a minute and then he goes, 'Cool!' [laughs]. Much to my surprise, after much double-checking and goading, finally it did show up mid-way through the session from Nashville. Immediately I just turned the lights down in the studio and shoo'ed everybody out. Dan sat down, we talked a little bit, and then I shut up and he just started writing that song. Beautiful. It's not a ballad, it's, I dunno, it's soul music! It's beautiful."

Comments: 1

  • Kajuna Mx from Puebla, MexicoThe drumming in this song is killer, not too complicated, but it just perfectly fits the song. Carney is a genius.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."