Bad Company – Ready for Love

About The Song

“Ready for Love” was written by Mick Ralphs, performed by Bad Company, and released in June 1974 as part of their self-titled debut album Bad Company on Island Records in the UK and Swan Song Records in the US. Though not released as a single initially, it gained popularity through album play and later peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 when re-released in 1975.

The song was recorded at Headley Grange in Hampshire, England, and mixed at Island Studios, produced by Eddie Kramer. The track features Paul Rodgers on lead vocals, Mick Ralphs on lead guitar, Boz Burrell on bass, and Simon Kirke on drums, with Ralphs’ soulful guitar work at the core. It runs 5:00 on the album version.

The lyrics express longing and readiness for love, with lines like “Walk down that street to the place in my dreams.” Ralphs originally wrote the song for Mott the Hoople, where it appeared on their 1972 album All the Young Dudes, but re-recorded it with Bad Company, adding Rodgers’ powerful vocals to enhance its emotional depth.

The recording retained a raw, blues-rock edge, recorded live with minimal overdubs, showcasing the band’s tight chemistry. The song’s slow build and extended guitar solo became a hallmark, appealing to fans of both hard rock and soulful ballads.

Upon release, “Ready for Love” helped propel Bad Company to quadruple platinum status, with its popularity growing through radio airplay and live performances. It has appeared on compilations like 10 from 6 (1985) and The Original Bad Co. Anthology (1999), often extended in live settings.

Bad Company, formed in 1973 by former members of Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson, promoted the album with extensive tours. The music video, though not widely released in 1974, includes live footage from that era, later compiled in retrospectives like the 2006 DVD Live at Wembley.

The track has been covered by artists like Hinder and featured in films like Nights in Rodanthe (2008). Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of rock intensity and romantic sentiment, earning it a place among classic rock favorites.

Video

Lyric

Walk down that street to the place in my dreams
Walk down that street to the place in my dreams
Where all the people we meet
Are living only for the love that they need

I’m ready for love
Oh, I’m ready for love
And when I find her, I’ll know
And I’ll take her in my arms, oh yeah

And never let her go, no, no, no
And never let her go, no, no, no

Walk down that street to the place in my dreams
Walk down that street to the place in my dreams
Where all the people we meet
Are living only for the love that they need

I’m ready for love
Oh, I’m ready for love
And when I find her, I’ll know
And I’ll take her in my arms, oh yeah

And never let her go, no, no, no
And never let her go, no, no, no

(Instrumental break)

Walk down that street to the place in my dreams
Walk down that street to the place in my dreams
Where all the people we meet
Are living only for the love that they need

I’m ready for love
Oh, I’m ready for love
And when I find her, I’ll know
And I’ll take her in my arms, oh yeah

And never let her go, no, no, no
And never let her go, no, no, no