“Hooked on a Feeling” by B.J. Thomas is one of those songs that brings an instant sense of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to a time when love songs ruled the airwaves and the essence of romance was captured with simplicity and sincerity. Released in 1968, the song became a defining hit for Thomas, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and solidifying his place as one of the standout voices of the late 60s. Even after all these years, the song continues to evoke memories of youth, first loves, and that exhilarating rush of being “hooked” on someone.
What sets “Hooked on a Feeling” apart is its infectious melody and B.J. Thomas’s signature smooth vocals. Right from the first note, Thomas’s voice feels warm and inviting, with a tenderness that draws you in. The arrangement is simple, yet effective—layered with bright instrumentation, including lush strings and a gentle rhythm that captures the carefree and lighthearted essence of falling in love. It’s the kind of song that makes you smile without even realizing it, embodying the pure joy that comes with feeling infatuated and deeply connected to another person.
Though “Hooked on a Feeling” has been covered by many artists over the years—most famously by Blue Swede in 1974 with its distinctive “ooga chaka” chant—B.J. Thomas’s version is the one that feels the most intimate and genuine. His interpretation is less about flash and more about emotional resonance. The song speaks to the simple, yet powerful experience of being in love, the way it consumes your thoughts, fills your heart, and leaves you in a state of blissful obsession. It’s a feeling we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives, and Thomas captures it perfectly.
One of the things that makes this song so timeless is its universal appeal. “Hooked on a Feeling” doesn’t rely on complex metaphors or grandiose declarations. Instead, it reflects the straightforward truth of love—it’s something that can completely take over, leaving you spellbound, and sometimes a little helpless, in the best way possible. For listeners who grew up during the late 60s, this song likely conjures up memories of slow dances, first dates, and long summer nights where love felt new and exhilarating.
For older audiences, B.J. Thomas and this song, in particular, represent an era when pop and country music were seamlessly blending, giving birth to a new sound that was both soft and soulful. The song’s lasting popularity is a testament to its relatability and the timelessness of its message. Even today, it remains a favorite for those who want to capture that youthful feeling of being totally “hooked” on someone.
Whether you’re hearing “Hooked on a Feeling” for the first time or rediscovering it years later, it remains a classic. B.J. Thomas’s gentle yet powerful voice makes the experience of love feel both deeply personal and universal. It’s a song that reminds us all of that unique sensation when love first takes hold, and suddenly, the world feels brighter and more beautiful because of that one special person.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I can’t stop this feeling deep inside of me
Girl, you just don’t realize what you do to me
When you hold me in your arms so tight
You let me know every thing’s all right, aha hah
I, I’m hooked on a feeling
I’m high on believing
That you’re in love with me
Lips as sweet as candy
The taste stays on my mind
Girl, you keep me thirsty
For another cup of wine
I got it bad for you girl but I don’t need a cure
I’ll just stay addicted if I can endure
All the good love when we’re all alone
Keep it up girl, yeah, you turn me on
I, I’m hooked on a feeling
I’m high on believing
That you’re in love with me
All the good love when we’re all alone
Keep it up girl, yeah, you turn me on
Ah aha, I’m hooked on a feeling
I’m high on believing
That you’re in love with me