A Song for the Lovers


"A Song for the Lovers" is the first solo single from English singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft, following the break-up of his band The Verve. The opening song off his album, Alone with Everybody; "A Song for the Lovers" was originally written by Ashcroft for the Verve's studio album Urban Hymns. Three different versions were recorded, but the song ultimately did not make the final cut. It was inspired by Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart".
"A Song for the Lovers" peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Ashcroft's highest-charting solo single alongside "Break the Night with Colour". Outside the UK, the song became a moderate hit in Europe and Oceania, peaking at number nine in Italy, number 11 in Ireland, number 42 in New Zealand, and number 59 in Australia. The single also sold well in Canada, peaking at number six on the Canadian Singles Chart.

Music video

The music video for "A Song for the Lovers" premiered in May 2000 and was directed by Academy Award-nominated director Jonathan Glazer. The video has a narrative style, shot in real-time with an element of diegetic sound unusual in most music videos. Diegetic sound was used previously by Glazer for "Rabbit in Your Headlights".

Track listings

UK CD, 12-inch, and cassette single
  1. "A Song for the Lovers"
  2. " A Country Thing, City Thing, Blues Thing"
  3. "Precious Stone"European CD single
  4. "A Song for the Lovers"
  5. " A Country Thing, City Thing, Blues Thing"

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the Alone with Everybody album booklet.
Studios
Personnel