You Had Me From Hello

This was written as part of a challenge to come up with possible inspirations for songs.



He watched her from across the room, surrounded by her admirers. It didn’t matter how many times he saw her, the sight always hit him hard – and had from the very first. As if sensing his eyes on her she looked up. As their gazes locked, she smiled, and he felt that familiar ache in his chest. God how he loved that woman!

“Hey man, you’re late. I was beginning to wonder if you were coming. What kept you?” Richie asked.

“I was trying to get down this tune I’ve got floating around in my head.” No way would he ever tell the truth – that they were late because Beth couldn’t decide what to wear. He’d gladly take the blame.

“Yeah? What’s this one about?” Richie’s mind was already processing possible riffs and melodies.

Jon shrugged. “Don’t know yet. I don’t have any lyrics, just the tune.”

“That’s not the way you usually write.”

“I know, but I just can’t get this melody out of my head.”

“Ballad or up tempo?”

“Ballad.”

“Well, at least this one will be a happy love song.”

“Why do you say that?”

Richie nodded at the woman across the room. “You’re in a better place now.” Jon grinned and nodded in agreement.

The rest of the guys joined them and they were discussing studio dates and half listening to the band, when Jon felt her hand slip into his.

“Come dance with me.” She murmured in his ear.

Following her out onto the dance floor he took her into his arms and was once again amazed at how well they fit together. Although they had been together over a year it never felt old. Holding her close felt so right. It felt like home.

Rejoining the group, Beth glanced over at Denise O’Brien. “What a beautiful dress Denise. I wish I could wear that colour, but it washes me out.”

Jon snorted. “Baby, you’d look beautiful in a burlap bag!”

She grinned and kissed him. “You’re delusional, but thank you.”

Conversation turned to their friend and his new fiancée, in whose honour the party was being held.

“I was beginning to wonder if Steve was ever going to take the plunge.” April Rashbaum commented. “He and Sue have been together for eight years. I don’t know if I could have waited that long.”

Her husband snorted. “Don’t kid yourself Ap. Steve wasn’t the hold out. From what I’ve heard it was Sue that wasn’t sure. Why does it take women so long to decide anyway?”

“What do you mean women? Men take just as long, if not longer.” Beth argued.

Jon shook his head. “No way baby. Men pretty much know right away if it feels right.”

“Oh, so you’re the exception then?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it took you nearly three weeks to call me after our first date. I wouldn’t call that ‘right away’.”

“That was giving you time to think about it. It’s true.” He insisted when she snorted in disbelief. “Baby, you had me from hello.”

Suddenly he froze and tilted his head as though listening to something very intently. She knew that look and knew that what he was hearing was not the conversation around them, but the voice inside his head. When he started patting his pockets and looking around, she smiled indulgently and opened her purse, took out a pen and a small notebook and handed them to him. He grinned, kissed her soundly and started scribbling.


You Had Me From Hello
Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Andreas Carlsson

At the mirror you fix your hair
And put your makeup on
You’re insecure what clothes
To wear I can’t see nothing wrong
To me you look

So beautiful when you can’t make up your mind
It’s half past eight, it’s getting late
It’s ok, take your time

Standing here my hands in
My pockets
Like I have a thousand times
Thinking back it took
One breath
One word to change my life

The first time I saw you it felt
Like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello

When we walk into
A crowded room it’s like we’re all alone

Everybody tries to kidnap
Your attention
You just smile
And steal the show

You come to me
And take my hand
We start dancing slow
You put your lips up to my ear
And whisper way
Down low

From the first time I saw you it felt like
Coming home
If I never told you
I just want you to know
You had me from hello

And when you’re laying down
Beside me
I feel your heartbeat to remind me..

The first time I saw you
It felt like coming home
If I never told you
I just want you to know
You had me from hello
From hello