Recorded in 1955, this song has become one of the most beloved melodies of all time. Some songs fade with the years—but a rare few seem to grow stronger. This timeless classic is one of them. Originally written for the 1955 film Unchained, the song tells the story of a prisoner torn between serving his full sentence or escaping to reunite with his family.
The music was composed by Alex North, with lyrics by Hy Zaret. Though the film itself faded into history, the song took on a life of its own. Over the decades, it has been recorded hundreds of times, but it was the powerful 1965 version by The Righteous Brothers that turned it into a global phenomenon.
Its popularity soared once again in 1990 after it was featured in the hit film Ghost. The unforgettable pottery scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore became one of the most iconic moments in movie history, sealing the song’s emotional legacy for a new generation.
Decades later, it remains a symbol of love, longing, and timeless music.