About the song
Background of “Is This What I Get for Loving You?” by The Ronettes
- Release: The song was released as a single on Philles Records in June 1965. It charted moderately, reaching #75 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- Songwriters: The song is a collaboration between three big names in music history: Phil Spector (famous for his “Wall of Sound” production style), Carole King (legendary singer-songwriter), and Gerry Goffin (Carole King’s songwriting partner).
- Departure from the Norm: Unlike The Ronettes’ usual upbeat love songs (“Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You”), “Is This What I Get for Loving You?” tackles a different side of love: the heartbreak and insecurity that comes with a relationship on the rocks.
Themes in “Is This What I Get for Loving You?”
- Heartbreak and Insecurity: The song explores the pain and fear that arise when a relationship seems to be falling apart. The lyrics express the singer’s worry about losing her love and confront rumors of infidelity.
- Vulnerability: This song marked a shift for The Ronettes, showcasing a more vulnerable and mature side compared to their previous energetic and optimistic love songs.
- Female Perspective: The song gives voice to a woman’s emotional turmoil in a relationship, a theme that resonated with many female listeners.
Video
Lyrics
There’s been a lot of talk aroundThat you’ve been seen with a certain partyAnd now I’m so afraid I’m losing youOh baby, don’t tell me you don’t want my loveI couldn’t give it to just anybodyBaby, won’t you tell me it’s not true?
Don’t leave me babyDon’t tell me it’s overAfter I trusted youAnd did my best to make you happy
Is this what I get for loving you, baby? (Oh, is this what I get)Is this what I get for loving you, baby?There was a night when you held me tightAnd you said you’d always love me (you said you’d always love me)You said you’d never hurt me (you said you’d never hurt me)
What would there be left for meIt’s such a cruel world to be alone inI always needed you to look out for meAnd baby, I’m gonna miss your loving armsThey’re the only arms I feel at home inDon’t you know how lonely I’m gonna be
Don’t leave me babyDon’t tell me it’s overAfter I trusted you and did my best to make you happy
Is this what I get for loving you, baby? (Oh, is this what I get)Is this what I get for loving you, baby?There was a night when you held me tightAnd you said you’d always love me (you said you’d always love me)You said you’d never hurt me (you said you’d never hurt me)
Don’t leave me baby
Is this what I get for loving you, baby? (Is this what I get)Is this what I get for loving you, baby?There was a night when you held me tightAnd you said you’d always love me (you said you’d always love me)You said you’d never hurt me (you said you’d never hurt me)
You know I love you, baby