“Love Will Find Its Way To You” is a heartfelt ballad about enduring love and hope.
For many of us who came of age in the 1980s, the sound of a certain song can instantly transport us back to a simpler time. It was a time when pop music had a certain wholesome sincerity, and artists like Marie Osmond were a constant presence on the airwaves and in our hearts. In 1986, as the pop charts were dominated by synthesizers and drum machines, a ballad with a classic, timeless feel began to rise, offering a welcome respite from the decade’s more energetic sounds. That song was “Love Will Find Its Way To You,” a single from Osmond’s album, I’m Still Hoping. It wasn’t the biggest hit of her career, but its gentle melody and hopeful message resonated with listeners, earning it a spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 28. It also performed well on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaching number 7, a testament to its broad appeal.
This was a significant period in Marie Osmond’s career. She was already a seasoned veteran of the music industry, having started her career with her famous family, The Osmonds, and achieving massive success as a solo artist in the ’70s with hits like “Paper Roses.” By the mid-’80s, she was navigating the ever-changing music landscape, trying to find her place in a new decade. I’m Still Hoping was her ninth studio album, and it was a record that showed her maturity as an artist, moving away from her country roots and fully embracing a more polished, contemporary pop sound. “Love Will Find Its Way To You” was the perfect showcase for this evolution.
The story behind the song is a beautiful testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when all the right elements come together. Written by two of the most prolific songwriters of the era, J. D. Souther and Mike Reid, the song has a lyrical depth and a melodic richness that set it apart. J. D. Souther was a celebrated artist in his own right and a frequent collaborator with the Eagles, co-writing some of their biggest hits. Mike Reid was a former professional football player who became a successful country music songwriter, penning classics for artists like Ronnie Milsap. Their combined talents resulted in a song that is both lyrically poignant and musically sweeping.
Lyrically, “Love Will Find Its Way To You” is a reassuring promise. It speaks to the universal feeling of longing and the hope that, despite the distance or time, true love will always find a way to connect two hearts. The lyrics are a heartfelt conversation, perhaps from one lover to another, offering comfort and the assurance that their bond is unbreakable. The song’s meaning is timeless: it’s about holding on to faith in love, even when circumstances seem to conspire against it. For listeners in the ’80s, it was a a comforting message in a world that was rapidly changing, a beacon of hope in an often uncertain time.
Listening to it today, the song evokes a wave of nostalgia. The gentle piano intro, the subtle string arrangement, and Marie Osmond’s clear, emotional vocals all combine to create a soundscape that is both intimate and grand. It’s the kind of song you would slow dance to at a high school prom, or listen to while driving on a long, summer night with the windows down. It’s a snapshot of a moment, a memory captured in a melody. For those of us who grew up with it, “Love Will Find Its Way To You” isn’t just a song; it’s a feeling, a beautiful reminder that even in the face of time and distance, love truly does find its way. It’s a classic that stands the test of time, a shining example of the kind of enduring music that can touch our hearts and stay with us forever.