Can't Hide Love

Album: Gratitude (1975)
Charted: 39
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was originally recorded by the short-lived R&B group Creative Source, who issued it as their first single (as "You Can't Hide Love") in 1973. Their version bubbled under at #114 on the Hot 100, but when Earth, Wind & Fire recorded it two years later, the song fared much better, reaching #39.

    The Creative Source version was mid-tempo with their three female singers sharing the lead vocal. EW&F slowed the song down and split the vocal duties among Maurice White and Philip Bailey. They included the song on their double album Gratitude, where it was one of just four studio recordings (the others were taken from live shows).
  • The song is about a girl who is denying his feelings for the singer, who tells her that she can't hide the love she's feeling. It was written by Skip Scarborough, whose credits include "Love Or Let Me Be Lonely" by The Friends Of Distinction and "Love Ballad" by L.T.D. Earth, Wind & Fire wrote most of their own songs, but they were always on the lookout for others that could fit their style.
  • A concert favorite for Earth, Wind & Fire, this often involves some audience participation, especially during the long fadeout at the end of the song. In our interview with EW&F bass player Verdine White, he said: "When we play for our audiences and they know the song, they do that end without us. We just put the mike up there, our whole audience knows those whole chord changes."
  • Earth, Wind & Fire reworked the song in 2021 with producer Babyface and singer Lucky Daye. Babyface said the new version "reflects Lucky's unique voice and musical style, while still honoring the original."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

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.