Love Sneaking Up On You
“Love Sneaking Up On You”- 1994
Music & Lyric: Tom Snow, Jimmy Scott
Song History: Recorded by Bonnie Raitt and written by Tom Snow and Jimmy Scott. It was released in 1994 on Bonnie’s Longing In Their Hearts album. It was on the Billboard Year End Hot 100 Singles of 1994.
Author’s Note: Some songs come slowly. This one started life in the spring of 1993 in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was fully grown three months later in Los Angeles. Jimmy Scott was visiting me in Santa Fe and suggested we try to write something while he was there. I was a little reluctant since I thought of Santa Fe as a place to recharge and take a break from writing but Jimmy prevailed . We came up with a funky Al Green-ish chord progression and melody but couldn’t find a title or chorus. Liking what we had so far we promised each other to revisit the tune in the future. A few weeks later I got a call from Jimmy with the title: “Love Sneaking Up On You”. That was all we needed. When I got back to L.A. we wrote the chorus, finished the lyric, and cut the demo. Jimmy was a favorite collaborator of mine. A soft spoken Englishman with a bluesy streak who wrote for the love of it. He definitely brought out my funky side. And Bonnie put the icing on the cake. Okay, so I’m mixing metaphors….
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The thing I love most about Tom’s music is you can play it in the morning and it’ll be there all the rest of the day, stuck inside your head…over and over, I really do love it! …just wish I could remember that next verse…..
Wish I could remember that next verse, too! Thanks for the sweet words, MK!
T.
Hey Tom! This is one of my favorite songs of yours. I was wondering who wrote the music, and especially the slide guitar parts? You or Jimmy?
Thanks, Richard. JImmy and I always wrote music and lyrics together. Jimmy came up with the title on this one, though. I pretty much took the lead on the music but, for the most part our collaborations were really a 50/50 proposition. Bonnie is responsible for the slide guitar. Glad you like!
Cheers,
Tom
Oh, Bonnie wrote the guitar parts, or just played it?
She thought ’em up and played them. Big talent, Ms. Raitt!
Yes indeed! Thanks for the info.
My names aryana. I am auditioning for the voice uk. I have chosen love sneakin up on you as my audition song. I love it!! Hope I do you all proud x
Thank you, Aryana. I’m honored that you chose my song. All the best luck to you an knock ’em in the aisles!! Cheers, Tom
Was co-writer Jimmy Scott born in England? Does he live there now?
Yes, Jimmy was born in England. Lives in Thailand now.
hey tom I love this tune i was thinking it was written by my fellow canuck Shirley Eikhard they have a great groove on the this tune… Bonnie’s new album is great too you are correct she is a talent…
keep on writing great tunes…
mike
Thanks, Mike! Appreciate the kind words. Wish I’d written “..Something To Talk About”. A real Bonnie standard. Kudos to Shirley!!
Ironic that Bonnie’s new album is titled Slipstream and the re release of your album, “Country” is on Slipstream records. Oh the days of Rose Avenue.
That’s cool that you put the two together. I never would have caught it. I take it you are referring to Rose Avenue in Venice, CA? Ken, thanks so much for the comment and the fact that you even know of “Country.” I’m always slightly amazed (and touched) when I hear from people who know of the band’s existence. Forgive me for asking but did our paths cross way back when? If you are indeed the Ken Stern of NPR fame I’m doubly honored and somewhat chagrined at my possible loss of memory re “the days of Rose Avenue.” Whatever the case, all the best to you. Tom
We knew each other back in the days of Rose Avenue in Venice. We were friends, but, not close friends. Maybe more acquaintances then friends. Would not expect you to remember me. Maybe you would if you saw my face. I look pretty much the same now as then. I was a friend of S. Fondiler. I always thought the music you guys did was terrific. Not the Ken Stern of NPR.
Saw Bonnie sing this at the Greek in L. A…. This track has to be one of the Funkiest tracks ever… EVER!!!!
No way you can not groove once that Bass and Drums start pumpin’…
Thanks, Gary. Bonnie has really put her “stamp” on the tune. She’s such a great artist. Always evolving. So lucky for me and my cowriter, Jimmy Scott, to have this recording. Appreciate your kind words! Tom
Man, this sounds like Lowell George influence.. credit where credit is do.. long live the original Little Feat!
Credit due, yes. Just as Lowell would credit Allen Toussaint for his influence on him. Lowell was also, among other things, Bonnie’s slide guru. You had to be there. Richie Hayward was a close friend. He introduced me to my wife of 41 years, Mary Belle, in 1972. Long live the original Little Feat, indeed. BTW- The original Little Feat was, in fact: Lowell, Richie, Billy and Roy Estrada (bass). Thanks for your comment. Cheers, Tom
due!