10CC - I'm Not in Love - Lyrics Meaning

In May 1975, the U.K. band 10CC released their single "I'm Not in Love" to rave reviews. It reached #2 on the U.S. Billboard charts in June 1975. Written by bandmates Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, the song is well-known for its unique ethereal-sounding backing track.

"I'm not in love, so don't forget it

It's just a silly phase I'm going through..."

During an interview with BBC Radio Wales, according to Eric Stewart the inspiration for the song came about after a conversation with his wife when she asked him why he didn't tell her more often that he loved her. Stewart felt that overuse would diminish its significance - that it would be far more credible if used sparingly.

Out of that conversation, however, Stewart started wondering about other ways he could say "I love you." He thought to himself, "I say I'm not in love, but here are all the reasons why I am." He then took that idea into the studio where he and Gouldman penned the song. (Interestingly, in 2007 Gouldman claimed that the conversation was between him and his wife Gloria.)

The song has since been covered by more than thirty other artists including Tori Amos and The Pretenders.