“How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes
Many would call it madness, but Rimes would certainly call it love as she sings her heart out about loving her significant other so much that living without them is not an option.
This feeling of vulnerability is what love is all about. That is, to give yourself fully to a person that they become your entire world. Life will definitely not be the same should they leave – in fact, it can cause one to take a disastrous turn.
Now, does this mean that “How Do I Live” is only for lovers? While it may be intended to, I believe it could also be a love song from a parent to their child, especially after bringing them into the world. Many would feel they couldn’t possibly love anyone more than their offspring, and the love will only grow stronger as the years go despite the hardships they may face.
Simply put, this is a song showcasing how life is much more meaningful with said loved one present in the narrator’s life.
When was “How Do I Live” released?
“How Do I Live” officially hit the airways on May 23 of 1997. Its release was made possible by Curb Records.
Achievements
This pop tune was a massive hit locally and internationally. It peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 and ranked at #7 on the official singles chart in the UK. Furthermore, the track ranked within the top-10 on singles charts in other parts of the globe including Norway and the Netherlands.
It is almost impossible to talk about “How Do I Live” without mentioning its country version, which was performed by American singer Trisha Yearwood. And a very interesting fact about both songs is that they were issued on the same day. Trisha’s version was used in the blockbuster film “Con Air’, starring seasoned US actor Nicolas Cage.
The single’s impressive sales in the US earned it triple-Platinum certification from the RIAA. It was also awarded Platinum certification in the United Kingdom.
In 1998 Rimes and Trisha’s versions were both shortlisted for Grammy’s “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” award but the award ultimately went to Trisha.
“All the Good Ones Are Gone” and “Did I Shave My Legs For This?”, songs by Pam Tillis and Deana Carter, respectively, were also nominated for the abovementioned award.
Did LeAnn Rimes write “How Do I Live”?
Rimes played no role in composing this pop tune. The entire writing credit for the track goes to renowned US songwriter Diane Warren. To note, Warren is behind several other smash hits including Celine Dion’s 1996 popular single “Because You Loved Me“.
The song’s production was overseen by American record producer Mike Curb. He received production assistance from the following other producers:
- Chuck Howard
- Wilbur C. Rimes
Covers
Since its release, the track has been recorded by various well-known artists. For instance, in 2006 Taiwanese collective F.I.R. created their version of the song, which featured on their third studio project “Flight Tribe”. Prior to that, in 1999, German composer James Last released a cover of the song. Other popular renditions of the track have been performed by these acts:
- Debra Michaels (in 1997)
- Sam Levine (in 1998)
- Rochelle (in 1999)
- Sean Erwin (in 2013)
- Georg Erixon (in 2018)
Interesting to note:
Rimes was only fourteen years old at the time she recorded this tune.
