There's A Ghost In My House

Album: The Motown Story (1967)
Charted: 3
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In spite of its title, there is nothing supernatural about this song. Co-written with Brian Holland, Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier, this uptempo track about a love that is no more flopped in the US but was a big hit in the UK. In R. Dean Taylor: raising a ghost, an article/interview published in the July 6, 1974 issue of Melody Maker, Taylor said it was originally recorded on Tamla Motown several years previously, but the label never did anything to promote it. They weren't really interested in him as an artist because they had a name for being a black label. He added: "I hope it will eventually be strong for white artists too, but I can't wait for that. I can't hang around. I could be 68 years old." He was "staggered but delighted" when "Ghost" started leaping up the British charts having been adopted by the Northern Soul and disco circuit.

    Although recorded early on in his career, it remains one of the white Canadian's two biggest hits. The original B-side was "Let's Go Somewhere." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • In 1987 longstanding Manchester alternative rock band The Fall covered this to record their first UK Top 40 hit (#30).

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.