Ritchie Valens – We Belong Together

Ritchie Valens – We Belong Together

About The Song

“We Belong Together” is a classic love song performed by Ritchie Valens, capturing the sentiments of young romance and longing in a time when rock and roll was defining a generation. Released in the late 1950s, Valens’ rendition became widely appreciated and contributed to his legacy as one of the early Latino pioneers of rock and roll. Valens, who rose to fame with hits like “La Bamba” and “Donna,” infused his music with a unique blend of Latin rhythm and classic rock melodies, which resonated with a broad audience despite his short career.

Originally, “We Belong Together” was written and recorded by Robert Carr, Johnny Mitchell, and Hy Weiss in 1958 and quickly became popular among young listeners due to its heartfelt lyrics and simple, catchy melody. The song explores the theme of undying love, with lyrics that speak of a lover’s desire to be united with their partner despite any obstacles. Lines like “You’re mine, and we belong together” and “Yes, we belong together, for eternity” express deep emotions and dedication, mirroring the innocence and intensity of young love in the 1950s.

Ritchie Valens’ cover of “We Belong Together” brought a fresh, energetic feel to the song, showcasing his unique vocal style. Valens’ voice was soulful and expressive, conveying the emotion of the lyrics in a way that deeply resonated with listeners.

While Valens’ rendition of “We Belong Together” did not achieve the same commercial success as his hits “La Bamba” and “Donna,” it still holds a significant place in his discography and in the history of rock and roll. Ritchie Valens’ career was tragically cut short in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, a day that became known as “The Day the Music Died” due to the simultaneous loss of other rock icons Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson. His early death left fans mourning a talented artist who had just begun to make his mark on the music world.

The song, like many of Valens’ recordings, did not reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, which were in their early years of existence in the late 1950s. Nevertheless, his work and his version of “We Belong Together” gained posthumous appreciation, becoming beloved by later generations. Valens was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, acknowledging his contributions to the genre.

Video

Lyrics

You’re mine
And we belong together
Yes, we belong together
For eternity
You’re mine
Your lips belong to me
Yes, they belong to only me
For eternity
You’re my, my baby
And you’ll al-al-always be
I swear by everything I own
You’ll always, always be mine
You’re mine
And we belong together
Yes, we belong together
For eternity
Etern-ternity