Expert: Bong Santos - 4/15/2008

Question
80's I think. Lyrics are: is it love that we're really after, why don't you tell me. Is it love, is it really love.

Answer
Dear Mike,

Your clues point me to this song, IS IT LOVE by MR. MISTER, the same group whose members were leading session musicians who gave us the classic 80's tune BROKEN WINGS. It was also culled from the album WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD and was its third single. IS IT LOVE reached No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100 Chart on May 31, 1986, following the No. 1 performances of BROKEN WINGS and KYRIE. For the record, MR. MISTER were RICHARD PAGE (vocals/bass), STEVE GEORGE (keyboards/backing vocals), PAT MASTELLOTO (drums) and STEVE FARRIS (guitars). Here;s its lyrics:

IS IT LOVE / MR. MISTER

I say I love you, I hold you near me
You say I scare you, well that's your fear
I know the message my heart is sending
But you don't read it, you keep me guessing

Is it love, is it love you're after
Is it love, is it, is it love

The broken record goes round and round
Within a circle, without a sound
I'm under water, in overdrive
You hide in laughter, what's on your mind

Is it love, is it love you're after - why don't you tell me
Is it love, is it, is it love
Is it love, is it love you're after - why can't you tell me
Is it love, is it really love

(Instrumental)

Is it love, is it love you're after - why can't you tell me
Is it love, is it, is it love
Is it love, is it love you're after
Hey girl, I got to know, is it really, really love
Is it love, is it really love - hey

Is it love, is it love you're after - why don't you tell me
Is it love, is it, is it love
Is it love, is it love you're after
Everybody's lookin' for the magic love to come along and hope we'll find it
Is it love, is it really love... (to fade)

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines