It peaked at Number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and Number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, which were the exact same positions at which Springfield’s version peaked in 1964.Īs I mentioned in the introduction to this series, how we rate cover songs compared to the originals is subject to the whims of our experiences, specifically which version we heard first and with whom we associate the song. The strings and horns of Springfield’s version are still there, but by adding amped-up electric guitar, the band applied the same ’70s radio rock sound that it would apply to its cover of “Rebel Rebel.” But for all the attempts to appeal to a rock audience, the song still has the bubblegum pop essentials of a Bay City Rollers song: sweet harmonies and “ooh ahh” backing vocals.
The Bay City Rollers covered the song in 1976 for the album “Dedication,” calling it “I Only Wanna Be With You.” The band kept the upbeat tempo of Springfield’s version, maintaining the tension between Hawker’s lyrics and Raymonde’s arrangement. It might sound macabre to suggest, but the lopsided power struggle between two partners has continued to be rich material for radio-friendly pop songs, including The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” and Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”
The narrator could also be a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, putting up with her cruel and abusive lover because “you’ve had a hold on me/No matter what you do.” Or, the narrator could be both obsessed and abusive, like Kathy Bates’ character in “Misery.” For all we know, she’s singing this song to someone she has tied up in her house, held captive. The narrator could be a stalker obsessed with the object of her affection, not realizing that the relationship doesn’t exist except in her mind. I said, no matter, no matter what you do, I only want to be with you No matter what you do, I only want to be with you That ever since we met you’ve had a hold on me ‘Cause you started something, can’t you see Now hear me darling, I just want to be beside you everywhereĪs long as we’re together, honey, I don’t care But on their own, the words suggest a romance that isn’t based on love or respect, but abuse or obsession: The Telegraph’s obituary for Hawker noted that he “brought a blend of toe-tapping optimism and rhyming wit to songs that detailed love on the rocks.” When paired with strings, drums and horns, Hawker’s lyrics sound almost sweet. But for lyricist Mike Hawker and arranger Ivor Raymonde, “I Only Want To Be With You” was career-defining. This was one of many success for Springfield, who has been dubbed Britain’s “best ever pop singer” and had a prolific, wide-ranging career that included pop, soul, and R&B.
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