“People Will Say We’re In Love”

“People Will Say We’re In Love” is one of several charming duets by Ray Charles and Betty Carter from the 1961 album Ray Charles & Betty Carter. Over a hip and jazzy brass-led band, Betty begins with the first verse, high and beautiful and pure and vulnerable as usual. Ray’s vocals are lighthearted, but he is miked close, and there is a warm gravity and nearness to his voice. It’s a really successful balance.

The lyrics are coy, depicting the two as an increasingly amorous couple getting worried about their actions in public: people seem to be noticing and “are suspecting things”. It’s reminiscent of “Wake Up Little Susie” by the Everly Brothers in a way – what are people going to be saying about us? There is a noisy brass middle section but even so the overall feel of “People Will Say We’re In Love” is dictated by the soft brushed drums and subtle, bouncy rhythm that persists throughout.

Listen to “People Will Say We’re In Love”

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