Music News: “Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart” — The Supremes’ High-Energy Motown Gem That Still Gets Hearts Racing
Nearly sixty years after its release, “Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart” by The Supremes continues to shine as one of the most infectious and energetic recordings of the Motown era. Bursting with irresistible rhythms, vibrant orchestration, and the unmistakable voice of Diana Ross, the song perfectly captures the excitement, confusion, and irresistible pull of falling in love. While it is sometimes overshadowed by chart-toppers like “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love,” many longtime Motown fans consider this recording one of the group’s most underrated masterpieces—a joyful reminder of why The Supremes became one of America’s most influential female vocal groups.
Background
Released in 1966, “Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart” was written and produced by the legendary Motown songwriting team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the creative force responsible for many of the label’s greatest hits. By the mid-1960s, The Supremes had already become Motown’s biggest stars, consistently dominating the Billboard charts with an extraordinary string of No. 1 singles. Although “Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, it demonstrated that the trio could continue evolving their sound while maintaining the polished style that made them household names. Its success further strengthened Motown’s reputation as the home of sophisticated, crossover pop and soul music that appealed to audiences of every generation.
Introduction
What makes this song particularly memorable is its playful metaphor for the overwhelming feeling of being hopelessly in love. Rather than describing romance with traditional imagery, the lyrics compare love to an itch that simply cannot be ignored—a clever idea that immediately catches the listener’s attention. 🎤 Diana Ross delivers the playful lyrics with remarkable charm and confidence, while Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard provide the rich harmonies that became one of The Supremes’ defining trademarks.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
The love bug done bit meDidn’t mean for him to get meWoo, get up in the morningAnd I’m filled with desireNo, no, I can’t stop the fireLove is real live wireOoh, it’s a burning sensationFar beyond imaginationLove is like an itching in my heartTearing it all apartJust an itching in my heartAnd, baby, I can’t scratch itKeeps me sighing, ooh—oo—oohKeeps me yearningNo mama can’t help meNo daddy can’t help meI’ve been bitten by the love bugAnd I need some informationTo help me out of this situationNow, when you’re ill you take a pillWhen you’re thirsty, drink your fillWhat you gonna do, oh yeahWhen love gets a hold, a hold on youLove is like an itching in my heartAnd, baby, I can’t scratch itLove is a nagging irritationCausing my heart complicationLove is a growing infectionAnd I don’t know the correctionGot me rocking and a—reelingAnd I can’t shake the feelingLove is like an itching in my heartTearing it all apartJust an itching in my heartAnd, baby, I can’t scratch itKeeps me silent, keeps me tiredKeeps me yearning, keeps me burningKeeps me tossing, keeps me turningKeeps me yearningI’ve been bitten by the love bugAnd I need some informationTo help me out of this situationLove is a nagging irritationCausing my heart complicationI’ve been bitten by the love bug