The Things We Do for Love (song)

"The Things We Do for Love" is a song by British band 10cc, released as a single in 1976. It later featured on the album Deceptive Bends released in 1977 and was the group's first release after the departure of band members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme.

The song originated during the How Dare You! sessions, but was unpopular with Godley and Creme. Eric Stewart recalled, "While we were recording it, Kevin was coming out with some heavy statements like, 'I don't want to do any more crap like this,' after I played 'The Things We Do for Love' to him and Lol."

Record World called it a "well crafted tune with a crisp, pop sound". Cash Box called it a "pop record that combines the best of a strong Beatles influence with solid rock ’n’ roll and the luxuriant harmonies that characterized [10cc's] past efforts".

Track listing

 * UK 7" single
 * A. "The Things We Do for Love" – 3:32
 * B. "Hot to Trot" – 4:28

Personnel

 * Eric Stewart - lead & backing vocals, electric lead guitar, piano, organ
 * Graham Gouldman - bass, electric & acoustic rhythm guitars, tambourine, handclaps, backing vocals
 * Paul Burgess - drums, tambourine, handclaps, gong

Chart performance
The song was a hit in various countries worldwide, reaching No. 1 in Canada, as well as peaking at No. 6 in the UK, No. 5 in Australia, No. 13 in the Netherlands, No. 2 in Ireland and No. 5 in the US, where it reached gold status and became the band's best-selling single.

Amy Grant version
"The Things We Do for Love" was covered by Amy Grant for the soundtrack to the 1996 film Mr. Wrong. Her version reached number 24 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart. It was a bigger hit in Canada, where it reached number 41 on the Pop singles chart and number eight Adult Contemporary. It is ranked as the 96th biggest Adult Contemporary hit of 1996.

Tina Arena version
Australian singer Tina Arena released her version in November 2014, with money raised going towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Australian department store David Jones Limited used the song in their 2014 Christmas campaign.

Track listing
1-track download
 * 1) "The Things We Do for Love" - 3:08

4-track download
 * 1) "Last Christmas" - 3:59
 * 2) "The Things We Do for Love" (pop mix) - 3:21
 * 3) "Only Lonely" - 3:22
 * 4) "You Set Fire to My Life" (acoustic mix) - 4:22

Other versions
The song was covered in 2007 by American alternative rock band Lazlo Bane for their '70s covers album Guilty Pleasures.