“Thin Line Between Love And Hate” is a classic R&B song that was originally recorded by The Persuaders. The song was written by the group’s lead singer, Richard Poindexter, and its producer, Robert Poindexter. It was released in 1971 and became a hit, reaching number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with a woman who ultimately betrays him. The lyrics describe the “thin line” between love and hate and the emotional turmoil that comes with being in a relationship that is both passionate and destructive.
The first verse of the song sets the stage:
It’s a thin line between love and hate
It’s a thin line between love and hate
It’s five o’clock in the morning
And you’re just getting in
A knock upon the door
A voice sweet and low says (who is it?)
She opens up the door
And she lets you in
And never once asks where have you been
She says, hold it
Are you hungry, did you eat yet?
Let me hang up your coat, take your hat off, baby, and make yourself at home, oh, baby.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “it’s a thin line between love and hate” three times, emphasizing the central theme of the lyrics.
The second verse continues the story:
You walk over to the table
You say honey, let me explain
But she cuts you off
And says, darlin’, I don’t want to hear nothing
Just go on and pack your bags
Just leave it to me
You see, ain’t nothing in this world
The sweetest woman ever seen
She can be the meanest
If you make her be
I’m telling you
It’s a thin line between love and hate
The Meaning
The lyrics of “Thin Line Between Love And Hate” explore the complex and often conflicting emotions that can arise in a romantic relationship. The song suggests that love and hate are not necessarily opposites but can coexist in a relationship.
The lyrics also suggest that the line between love and hate is “thin,” meaning that it can be easily crossed. The emotional intensity of a romantic relationship can make it difficult to maintain a balance between love and hate, and the song’s lyrics suggest that this balance can be fragile.
The Legacy
“Thin Line Between Love And Hate” has become a classic of the R&B genre and has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Pretenders, H-Town, and Annie Lennox. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of its lyrics and the emotional resonance of its theme.
The song’s title has also become a popular phrase in popular culture, used to describe the delicate balance between love and hate in a variety of contexts.
Conclusion
“Thin Line Between Love And Hate” is a classic R&B song that explores the complex emotions that can arise in a romantic relationship. The song’s lyrics suggest that love and hate are not necessarily opposites but can coexist in a relationship, and that the line between them is “thin” and easily crossed. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of its lyrics and its enduring relevance to the human experience.
