About The Song
Luther Ingram – If Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want to Be Right, is a classic R&B/Soul song written by Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, and Raymond Jackson. The song was originally written for The Emotions, but it was performed by Luther Ingram, whose original recording topped the R&B chart for four weeks and rose to number 3 on the Hot 100.
The song is known for its passionate and soulful lyrics about a man who is cheating on his wife. The song’s meaning is best addressed through its lyrics, which express the complexity of love and the pain that can come with it. The chorus declares that the singer wouldn’t rather live a life without their lover, even if loving them is wrong.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
If being right means being without you
I'd rather live a wrong doing life
Your mama and daddy say it's a shame
It's a downright disgrace
Long as I got you by my side
I don't care what your people say
Your friends tell you it's no future
In loving a married man
If I can't see you when I want to
I'll see you when I can
[Chorus]
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
[Verse 2]
Am I wrong to fall so deeply in love with you
Knowing I got a wife and two little children
Depending on me too
And am I wrong to hunger
For the gentleness of your touch
Knowing I got somebody else at home
Who needs me just as much
And are you wrong to fall in love
With a married man
And am I wrong trying to hold on
To the best thing I ever had
[Chorus]
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Are you wrong to give your love
To a married man
And am I wrong trying to hold on
To the best thing I ever had
[Chorus]
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
If loving you is wrong I don't wanna be right
[Outro]
I don't wanna be right
If it means being without you
I don't wanna be right
If it means sleeping at night
I don't wanna be right
If loving you is wrong