A Sweetly Cynical and Undeniably Catchy Anthem, a Wry Celebration of Love’s Compromises and Absurd Devotions.
By late 1976, the world of 10cc was in the throes of a dramatic internal crisis. The band, once hailed as a quartet of art-pop geniuses, had been violently split down the middle by the departure of founding members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. This moment was a high-stakes trial by fire for the remaining duo of Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. The question hanging over them was monumental: could the core pop magic of 10cc survive the collapse of its original lineup? Their answer came in the form of a shimmering, perfect pop confection that became a victorious single and the flagship of their 1977 album, Deceptive Bends. That song was “The Things We Do For Love.” It was an immediate international smash, climbing the charts in both major markets, peaking at an impressive number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and achieving the same position on the competitive Billboard Hot 100 in the US. This success was not just a hit; it was a dramatic declaration of resilience.
The story of “The Things We Do For Love” is the narrative of a phoenix rising from the ashes of creative uncertainty. Stewart and Gouldman knew that their first post-split single needed to be undeniably brilliant yet accessible, a melodic counter-punch to the skepticism of the music world. The song, written primarily by Eric Stewart, is a masterpiece of pop craftsmanship precisely because it is so beautifully observed. The lyrical drama unfolds not through grand gestures, but through the gentle, sometimes absurd, compromises that define long-term devotion. It is a witty, affectionate monologue that acknowledges the tiny sacrifices we make—the sleepless nights, the forgotten duties, the endless running around—all justified by the simple, overwhelming reality of love.
The meaning of the song is rooted in this refusal to be overly sentimental. It offers a gently cynical, yet ultimately celebratory, look at romance. It’s an affectionate wink to the listener, admitting that love often requires us to behave slightly foolishly. The music itself is the main character in this triumphant narrative. The production, supervised by Stewart and Gouldman, is immaculate—clean, bright, and utilizing layered harmonies and shimmering electric piano (Wurlitzer) that instantly evoke a feeling of warm nostalgia. The song’s structure is flawless, building its irresistible momentum through a driving yet elegant bassline and a chorus so effortlessly catchy it feels less written and more simply discovered. The sonic polish of “The Things We Do For Love” served as a dramatic proof of concept: the essence of 10cc’s melodic genius was not lost but had simply been focused, capable of transforming simple domestic truths into glittering international hits.
For those of us who navigated the tumultuous seas of 1970s pop music, “The Things We Do For Love” is a cherished, nostalgic memory. It stands as a testament to the power of artistic resilience and the undeniable genius of its writers. It proved that even when faced with the collapse of a creative partnership, the most compelling drama can be found in a perfect melody and a universal truth. It is a timeless, deeply emotional, and magnificently constructed piece of musical history, celebrating the absurd, wonderful compromises we all embrace for the sake of love.