To Be a Lover

"To Be a Lover" is a song written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones as "I Forgot to Be Your Lover".

Billy Idol version

In 1986, singer Billy Idol reworked the track for his third studio album Whiplash Smile. It went to number 6 in the United States, number 2 in New Zealand, number 3 in Australia, number 7 in Canada and number 18 in Italy. It was covered by Bruce Springsteen in 2022 for his 21st studio album Only the Strong Survive.

Formats and track listings
7″: Chrysalis - IDOL 8 (UK)
"To Be a Lover" – 3:50
"All Summer Single" – 4:33

12″: Chrysalis - IDOLX 8 (UK)
"To Be a Lover (Mother of Mercy Mix)" – 6:45
"To Be a Lover" – 3:50
"All Summer Single" – 4:33

 Also available as a picture disc (IDOLP 8)

12″: Festival Records - X 14449 (Australia and New Zealand)
"To Be a Lover (Rock 'n' Roll Mix)" – 7:11
"To Be a Lover (Mother of Mercy Mix)" – 6:45
"All Summer Single" – 4:33

Category:1968 songs
Category:1986 songs
Category:Billy Idol songs
Category:Bruce Springsteen songs
Category:The Black Keys songs