“Lovefool” by The Cardigans is a breezy, bittersweet pop song that became a massive international hit in 1996. It’s known for its deceptively cheerful sound paired with lyrics full of emotional desperation, showcasing the band’s unique ability to blend sugar-coated pop with darker undercurrents.
The song was released in August 1996 as the lead single from their album First Band on the Moon and was written by band members Peter Svensson (music) and Nina Persson (lyrics). Musically, “Lovefool” features bouncy basslines, catchy guitar riffs, and playful rhythms, anchored by Persson’s soft, sweet vocals. Her delivery makes lines like “Love me, love me, say that you love me” sound charming—even though the song is actually about unrequited love and emotional manipulation.
Lyrically, it captures the voice of someone willing to be lied to, just to feel loved, which gives the song its emotional punch beneath the pop sheen. That contrast between melancholy and melody became part of The Cardigans’ signature style.
“Lovefool” gained massive exposure after being featured on the soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo + Juliet (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes), which helped launch the song—and the band—into global pop consciousness. The re-released 1997 single charted highly around the world, reaching No. 2 in the UK, No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, and top 10 in several other countries.
Though The Cardigans explored different, often darker musical directions afterward, “Lovefool” remains their most iconic hit—an enduring ’90s pop classic that masks heartache with charm and bright, danceable polish.
Two versions of the music video for “Lovefool” were produced: the European and American version (scroll down for second video).