About The Song
“Liar” is a song written by Russ Ballard, originally recorded by his band Argent in 1969 on their album Argent. Three Dog Night covered the song, releasing it on October 26, 1970, as the lead single from their third studio album Naturally on Dunhill Records. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, marking a significant hit that showcased the band’s ability to transform rock compositions into mainstream successes.
The recording took place in Los Angeles, produced by Richard Podolor, with a dynamic rock arrangement featuring Chuck Negron on lead vocals and the band’s tight harmonies. The session included musicians like Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards and Michael Allsup on guitar, with a powerful rhythm section driving the song’s intensity. The track runs 3:55 on the album, with the single version slightly edited for radio play. Naturally, released in November 1970, peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, reinforcing Three Dog Night’s rising popularity.
The lyrics depict a man confronting a deceptive lover, with lines like “I won’t let you turn around and tell me now you’re sorry.” Ballard wrote the song during his time with Argent, intending it as a raw emotional outburst, but Three Dog Night added a polished, dramatic flair. Ballard later commented in a 1970 interview, “They took my raw frustration and turned it into something bigger, something that hit the charts,” reflecting the band’s reinterpretation for a broader audience.
The music video, though not officially released in 1970, features live performance footage from that era, later included in compilations like Celebrate: The Three Dog Night Story, 1965–1975. Three Dog Night, formed in 1967 by vocalists Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton, was known for covering songs by diverse writers, and this track highlighted their knack for infusing rock with emotional depth. The song was a key part of their 1970-1971 tour setlist.
The track was released in multiple formats, including 7-inch vinyl, with B-sides like “I Can Hear You Calling.” It was performed live with a 14-piece band during the early 1970s tours and appeared on various compilations, including The Best of Three Dog Night (1982). The production involved minimal overdubs, with the band aiming to capture a live, urgent energy, aligning with the song’s theme of confrontation and betrayal.
Video
Lyric
I won’t let you turn around and tell me now you’re sorry
After all that we’ve been through, I won’t give in
You played the game, you know there’s no one else above me
I can feel your love decrease, but I can’t let you goLiar, liar, you know you lied
You cheated and wasted all my time
Liar, liar, you know you lied
I can’t believe you, you’re a liarYou told me that you loved me, but how come I can feel
The pain inside my heart every time you’re near
I’ve given you my life, but what do I get in return?
Just a kick in the face and a lot of bad dreamsLiar, liar, you know you lied
You cheated and wasted all my time
Liar, liar, you know you lied
I can’t believe you, you’re a liarOh, I gave my life to you
I was so naive
Now you laugh in my face, you’re a liarLiar, liar, you know you lied
You cheated and wasted all my time
Liar, liar, you know you lied
I can’t believe you, you’re a liar