About the song
Background on “Love in the First Degree”
“Love in the First Degree” by Alabama wasn’t originally intended to be a major hit. Released in 1981, it became the band’s breakout song, reaching number one on the country charts and crossing over to pop success. The catchy melody and the lighthearted use of the “love as a crime” metaphor resonated with audiences. This song, along with their previous single “Feels So Right,” established Alabama’s signature sound that blended country and pop influences.
Themes in “Love in the First Degree”
- Uncontrollable Love: The song uses the legal concept of “first-degree” to express the intensity and all-consuming nature of falling in love. The narrator pleads guilty to this “crime” and throws himself at the mercy of the beloved.
- Playful Surrender: Despite the legal framework, the tone is light and playful. The narrator doesn’t fear punishment, but embraces the joy of being captivated by love.
- Commitment: The lyrics hint at a long-term commitment. The narrator is willing to face a “life sentence” with the person they love.
Video
Lyrics
I once thought of love as a prisonA place I didn’t want to beBut long ago I made a decisionTo be footloose and fancy freeBut you came and I was so temptedTo gamble on love just one timeI never thought that I would get caughtIt seemed like a perfect crime
Baby, you left me defenselessI’ve only got one pleaLock me away inside of your loveAnd throw away the keyI’m guilty of love in the first degree
I thought it would be so simpleLike a thousand times beforeI take what I wanted and just walk awayBut I never made it to the doorNow babe I’m not begging for mercyGo ahead and throw the book at meIf loving you’s a crimeI know that I’m as guilty as a man can be
Baby, you left me defenselessI’ve only got one pleaLock me away inside of your loveAnd throw away the keyI’m guilty of love in the first degree(Love in the first degree) Oh yeah, oh yeah
Baby, you left me defenselessI’ve only got one pleaLock me away inside of your loveAnd throw away the keyI’m guilty of love in the first degree
Love in the first degree oh yeaLove in the first degreeLove in the first degree oh yeaLove in the first degreeLove in the first degree