About The Song
“An Old Fashioned Love Song” is a song written by Paul Williams and recorded by Three Dog Night, released on November 15, 1971, as the first single from their sixth studio album Harmony on Dunhill Records. The song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, marking another hit in the band’s early 1970s success streak. It followed their No. 1 hits “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” and “Joy to the World,” solidifying their reputation as a top pop-rock act.
The recording took place in Los Angeles, produced by Richard Podolor, with a smooth pop arrangement featuring Chuck Negron on lead vocals and the band’s signature harmonies. The session included musicians like Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards and Michael Allsup on guitar, with a prominent piano and string section adding a nostalgic feel. The track runs 3:23 on the album, with the single version matching this length for radio play. Harmony, released in November 1971, reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200, reflecting the band’s commercial peak.
The lyrics celebrate a timeless romantic connection, with lines like “Just an old fashioned love song / Coming down in three-part harmony.” Williams wrote the song quickly, inspired by a request for a simple love tune, and later noted, “I wanted it to feel like a classic, something that could have been sung decades ago.” The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt delivery contrasted with the band’s more upbeat hits, showcasing their versatility. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1972, though it lost to The Carpenters’ “It’s Going to Take Some Time.”
The music video, though not officially released in 1971, features live performance footage from that era, later included in compilations like Celebrate: The Three Dog Night Story, 1965–1975. Three Dog Night, formed in 1967 by vocalists Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton, was known for covering songs by diverse writers, and this track highlighted their ability to deliver sentimental ballads. The song was a staple in their 1971-1972 tour setlist.
The track was released in multiple formats, including 7-inch vinyl, with B-sides like “Jam.” It was performed live with a 14-piece band during the early 1970s tours and appeared on various compilations, including The Best of Three Dog Night (1982). The production involved minimal overdubs, with the band aiming to capture a warm, live sound, reflecting the era’s soft-rock trend.
Video
Lyric
Just an old fashioned love song
Coming down in three-part harmony
Just an old fashioned love song
One I’m sure they wrote for you and meTo weave our dreams upon and listen to each evening
When the lights are low
To underscore our love affair with tenderness
And feel the glowJust an old fashioned love song
Coming down in three-part harmony
Just an old fashioned love song
One I’m sure they wrote for you and meTo weave our dreams upon and listen to each evening
When the lights are low
To underscore our love affair with tenderness
And feel the glowDon’t let me go
Just an old fashioned love song
Coming down in three-part harmony
Just an old fashioned love song
One I’m sure they wrote for you and meJust an old fashioned love song
One I’m sure they wrote for you and me