Roxette – It Must Have Been Love: Lyrics and Music Video

"It Must Have Been Love" is one of Roxette’s most famous and beloved ballads, released initially in 1987 and later re-released in 1990 as part of the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie Pretty Woman. The song became a worldwide hit and cemented Roxette’s status as one of the most successful pop duos of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Key Details:

• Release Date:
  • Original release in 1987 (as a Christmas-themed single).
  • Re-released in 1990 for the Pretty Woman soundtrack.
• Album: The 1990 version was included in the Pretty Woman soundtrack and also later added to Roxette’s greatest hits compilations.
• Writers: The song was written by Per Gessle, one half of Roxette.
• Producers: Clarence Öfwerman.

Themes and Meaning:

• Heartbreak and Regret: The song’s lyrics deal with the aftermath of a broken relationship. It captures the emotional pain of losing someone and reflects on what might have been. The title phrase “It must have been love, but it’s over now” embodies the bittersweet nature of realizing that something once meaningful has ended.
• Nostalgia and Longing: The song expresses a sense of longing for a past love and the melancholy that comes with reflecting on the end of a relationship. It’s filled with emotional vulnerability, yet there’s also a sense of closure.

Lyrics Overview:

The chorus conveys the central sentiment of the song:

• “It must have been love, but it's over now / It must have been good, but I lost it somehow.”

These lines reflect the bittersweet nature of romantic relationships, where love is cherished but can fade or end, leaving behind both fond memories and heartache.

Musical Style:

• Pop Ballad: The song is a classic power ballad, blending soft rock elements with pop production. The arrangement is lush, with prominent use of piano, strings, and a strong vocal performance by Marie Fredriksson, the lead vocalist of Roxette.
• Vocal Performance: Marie Fredriksson’s delivery is emotionally charged and heartfelt, adding depth and sincerity to the song’s already poignant lyrics. Her vocal range and power make the song memorable, especially during the climactic chorus.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance: "It Must Have Been Love" became one of Roxette’s biggest international hits. It reached:
  • #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
  • Top 10 in several other countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

The song's inclusion in the Pretty Woman soundtrack helped elevate its popularity even further, as the movie itself was a massive success in 1990.

Background and Creation:

• Original Version (1987): The song was originally released as a Christmas-themed track titled “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)” in 1987, but it wasn’t a major hit at the time.
• Reworked for Pretty Woman: When Roxette was approached to contribute a song for the Pretty Woman soundtrack, they reworked the 1987 version, removing the Christmas references and updating the production. This 1990 version is the one that became a worldwide hit.

Role in Pretty Woman:

• Movie Soundtrack: "It Must Have Been Love" is featured in a pivotal scene in Pretty Woman, where the protagonist Vivian (played by Julia Roberts) and Edward (played by Richard Gere) begin to realize that their relationship is coming to an end. The song’s placement in the film helped solidify its association with heartbreak and romantic tension.

Legacy and Influence:

• Signature Song: "It Must Have Been Love" remains one of Roxette’s most enduring and recognizable songs. It has become synonymous with 1990s pop ballads and is often played on radio stations focusing on classic hits from that era.
• Cultural Impact: The song’s appearance in Pretty Woman helped it achieve iconic status, and it continues to be associated with the film. It is also regularly covered by other artists and featured in various media, making it one of the most enduring ballads of the late 20th century.
• Roxette's Global Success: The song's success helped Roxette establish themselves as an international act, contributing to their broader fame beyond Sweden and Europe. Along with hits like "Listen to Your Heart", "The Look", and "Joyride", "It Must Have Been Love" is one of the key tracks that define Roxette’s legacy in pop music.

In Summary:

"It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette is a classic power ballad about love, loss, and heartbreak. Originally released in 1987 and later re-released for the Pretty Woman soundtrack in 1990, the song became a global hit and remains one of Roxette’s most iconic tracks. With its emotionally charged lyrics, powerful vocals by Marie Fredriksson, and lasting association with the romantic drama of Pretty Woman, the song continues to be a timeless favorite in the world of pop ballads.