Dozens of artists have covered the song of the day since its original release in 1982, and despite its creepy synthesized hook, “Tainted Love” remains a popular part of pop culture today.

Fun Facts:

• While Soft Cell was the first band to break into the US Billboard charts with “Tainted Love,” the song was actually written by Ed Cobb and recorded by Gloria Jones in 1965 as a B-side.
• Soft Cell was composed of David Bell and Marc Almond, who met at Leeds Polytechnic. Mark handled vocals, and Marc was tasked with instrumentals.
• “Tainted Love” has been on the charts several times throughout the last century. British singer Gloria Jones placed on the UK charts first in 1965, followed by Soft Cell in the US. Then in 2001, shock rocker Marilyn Manson brought it back to life for a new generation.
• The song is a soundtrack staple and has been included in 22 (and counting) films over the years, including Coneheads, Showboy, 13 Going on 30, The Firm, Borat, and La La Land.

Lyrics:

(AZLyrics)

Sometimes I feel I’ve got to

Run away, I’ve got to

Get away from the pain you drive into the heart of me

The love we share

Seems to go nowhere

And I’ve lost my light

For I toss and turn, I can’t sleep at night

Once I ran to you (I ran)

Now I’ll run from you

This tainted love you’ve given

I give you all a boy could give you

Take my tears and that’s not nearly all

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love

Now I know I’ve got to

Run away, I’ve got to

Get away, you don’t really want any more from me

To make things right

You need someone to hold you tight

And you think love is to pray

But I’m sorry, I don’t pray that way

Once I ran to you (I ran)

Now I’ll run from you

This tainted love you’ve given

I give you all a boy could give you

Take my tears and that’s not nearly all

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love

Don’t touch me, please

I cannot stand the way you tease

I love you though you hurt me so

Now I’m gonna pack my things and go

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love (oh)

Touch me, baby, tainted love

Touch me, baby, tainted love

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love

Tainted love