Number One Songs—Torn Between Two Lovers

In 1976 the title track from her debut solo album Torn Between Two Lovers, co-written and produced by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, soared up the charts, reaching #1 in February, 1977.

Having a solid career at the time singing commercials in California, MacGregor's new fame brought on by "Torn Between Two Lovers" was a mixed blessing.

"Now I'm in a dilemma because I'm too well known to return to being an anonymous singer for a bank, but I'm not well known enough to get bookings. I never thought about being a success until 'Torn.' I was trying to make a career out of doing commercials. Now I can't...Success is so fickle...You're only as good as you're next hit."

While not autobiographical in the strict sense, "Torn Between Two Lovers" was a warning of things to come: In the wake of "Torn," she divorced her husband of five years in 1978.

"...Mary looked back at her moment in the spotlight. She says the song ultimately proved to be a strain -- 'not because I was sleeping with someone else, but because I was living with my career instead of with him. But those things happen.'

"Mary would never repeat the commercial success of 'Torn,' however she did crack the Top 40 one more time before the end of the decade with 'Good Friend,' which was featured on the soundtrack of the Bill Murray comedy Meatballs." —SuperSeventies.com

Torn Between Two Lovers Lyrics
(Words and Music by Phillip Jarrell and Peter Yarrow)

There are times when a woman
has to say what's on her mind,
even though she knows
how much it's gonna hurt.
Before I say another word,
let me tell you I love you.
Let me hold you close and say
these words as gently as I can...

There's been another man
that I've needed and I've loved,
but that doesn't mean I love you less.
And he knows he can't possess me,
and he knows he never will.
There's just this empty place inside of me
that only he can fill.

Torn between two lovers,
feeling like a fool.
Loving both of you is
breaking all the rules.
Torn between two lovers,
feeling like a fool.
Loving you both is
breaking all the rules.

You mustn't think you failed me
just because there's someone else,
you were the first real love
I ever had.
And all the things I ever said
I swear they still are true,
for no one else can have
the part of me I gave to you.

Torn between two lovers,
feeling like a fool.
Loving both of you is
breaking all the rules.
Torn between two lovers,
feeling like a fool.
Loving you both is
breaking all the rules

I couldn't really blame you
if you turned and walked away,
but with everything I feel inside
I'm asking you to stay...

Torn between two lovers,
feeling like a fool.
Loving both of you is
breaking all the rules.
Torn between two lovers,
feeling like a fool.
Loving you both is
breaking all the rules.

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