Winehouse’s Plaintive “Will You Still Love Me” A Question For Everyone
Amy Winehouse’s rendition of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (the one below, more on that shortly) is my favorite recording by Amy Winehouse, perhaps my favorite recording ever.
To me, it epitomizes who Amy was, as a person and a talent. Strong, yet vulnerable. Emotional, passionate. And not afraid to live life fully, no matter the consequences. It takes courage. Spectacularly dazzling us with her light — in the blink of an eye. Long enough to grab our attention, before leaving us. Before we had a chance say goodbye. Missing her forever. The impermanence of life. Blessing us with the experience of her gift in our lifetime.
No doubt when Amy Winehouse recorded this song she was pouring out her heart and soul to her romantic love at the time. Theirs was a tumultuous relationship that was believed to contribute to her downfall. Highlighting the risks that are tethered with love, particularly a destructive love. Opening, then closing, opening, then closing, our hearts. Never knowing whether we can fully trust.
As what often happens in our day-to-day, moving through the world. Opening, then closing, opening, then closing, our hearts. Never knowing whether we can fully trust. As we go about our day. Today. Tomorrow. The next day, and so on. Every day of our lives. A rollecoaster of sorts. Never really settling into the comfort and relief of feeling love all the time. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel love all the time?
This arrangement is particularly moving in its simplicity and somberness. The crackling warmth of analog. A tempered, steady touch of timpani. Wise, yet plaintive, brass lines that wrap around, comfort unsteadiness, uncertainty. And Amy’s raw, honest vocals lifting us up, singing truth in our hearts and souls.
Apparently, the vocals in this arrangement are taken from a track off the “Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason” digital version of the soundtrack. That arrangement is beefed up, more commercial. Whereas the vinyl version of the soundtrack — I’m still trying to figure this out — is supposed to include this arrangement.
If I could have only one vinyl recording, it would be this one.
May love reign in our hearts always. In memory of Amy Winehouse. Have a beautiful Sunday.
LYRICS:
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”
(originally by The Shirelles)
Tonight you’re mine completely
You give your love so sweetly
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Is this a lasting treasure
Or just a moment’s pleasure?
Can I believe the magic of your sighs?
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Tonight with words unspoken
And you say that I’m the only one, the only one, yeah
But will my heart be broken
When the night meets the morning star?
I’d like to know that your love
Is love I can be sure of
So tell me now, cause I won’t ask again
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Will you still love me tomorrow?
(Will you still love me tomorrow?)
