About The Song
“Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)” is a country-soul ballad single by American singer Charlie Rich, released in March 1975 by Epic Records (catalog 8-50087). Written by Charlie Rich with his wife Margaret Ann Rich and producer Billy Sherrill, the track served as the lead single from the album of the same name. Running 3:01, it showcases Rich’s velvety baritone over a luxurious countrypolitan arrangement that perfectly captures his mid-1970s “Silver Fox” peak.
The single debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart at No. 72 in late March 1975 and climbed steadily, reaching No. 1 for one week on June 21, 1975 — Rich’s ninth and final country chart-topper. It spent 13 weeks on the country chart. On the Billboard Hot 100, it entered at No. 92 in May and peaked at No. 19 (week of July 26, 1975). It performed strongly on the Adult Contemporary chart, hitting No. 3 and remaining listed for 16 weeks. In Canada, it topped the RPM Country Tracks for two weeks and reached No. 21 on the Top Singles chart. Cash Box ranked it No. 1 country for two weeks.
Recording took place in early 1975 at Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, produced by Billy Sherrill. The session featured the Nashville A-Team: pianist Hargus “Pig” Robbins delivering the signature descending intro, steel guitarist Pete Drake, bassist Henry Strzelecki, drummer Kenny Malone, and sweeping strings arranged by Bergen White. The Nashville Edition provided lush choral backing. Rich tracked his lead vocal in three takes, using his trademark breathy phrasing and subtle falsetto touches in the chorus. The B-side, “A Mellow Melody,” did not chart separately.
Epic Records heavily promoted the single during Rich’s 1975 tour, which included a European leg and headlining dates at the Wembley Festival in London. Initial U.S. pressings exceeded 400,000 copies, with total sales topping 900,000 by year-end. The track appeared on the album Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High) (KE 33454), released May 1975, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 135 on the Top LPs chart.
Structurally in E major with a gentle 6/8 sway at 70 BPM, the song builds from a soft piano opening to a soaring string-filled climax, featuring a key change to F in the final chorus. The mono 45 mix emphasizes vocal intimacy for radio, while the stereo album version widens the string section dramatically. Publishing was split among Rich’s House of Gold Music and Sherrill’s Algee Music (both BMI).
Reissues preserved the original on Epic/Legacy’s 1999 16 Biggest Hits, the 2006 Greatest Hits, and the 2011 box set The Essential Charlie Rich. Covers include a 1975 Swedish version by Kikki Danielsson and a 1990s take by country artist Billy “Crash” Craddock. The original Epic 45 with picture sleeve (showing Rich in a white suit) remains collectible, valued at $10–25 in near-mint condition.
The single marked the last No. 1 of Rich’s career and one of his final major crossover successes, arriving just months before his controversial 1975 CMA Awards appearance where he burned the envelope announcing John Denver as Entertainer of the Year.
Video
Lyric
[Verse 1]
Love me, love me all night long
Hold me, hold me, make me strong
Kiss me, kiss me, tell no lies
Every time you touch me, I get high[Chorus]
Every time you touch me, I get high
Every time you touch me, I get high
Like a leaf on a tree, you move me
Like a ship on the sea, you move me
Every time you touch me, I get high[Verse 2]
Love me, love me, make it right
Hold me, hold me, through the night
Kiss me, kiss me, don’t say goodbye
Every time you touch me, I get high[Chorus]
Every time you touch me, I get high
Every time you touch me, I get high
Like a leaf on a tree, you move me
Like a ship on the sea, you move me
Every time you touch me, I get high[Bridge]
Oh, the way you love me, baby
Makes me feel so good inside
And when you hold me, darlin’
I feel like I’m ten feet tall and a mile wide[Chorus]
Every time you touch me, I get high
Every time you touch me, I get high
Like a leaf on a tree, you move me
Like a ship on the sea, you move me
Every time you touch me, I get high[Outro]
Every time you touch me, I get high
Every time you touch me, I get high
(Fade out)