Cher – Believe

About the song

Released in 1998, “Believe” marked one of the most extraordinary comebacks in pop music history. At age 52, Cher reinvented herself with this high-energy dance anthem — and in doing so, she didn’t just top charts around the world; she changed pop music forever.

“Believe” was the lead single from her 22nd studio album of the same name, and it became her biggest commercial success. It reached No. 1 in over 20 countries, including the US and UK, and made Cher the oldest female artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100 — a record she still holds.

But “Believe” is more than a hit — it’s a cultural milestone.

The sound and innovation:

Musically, “Believe” is a synth-driven Eurodance track packed with pulsing beats, dramatic strings, and a chorus that begs to be shouted in neon-lit clubs. But its most revolutionary feature? Auto-Tune.

At the time, the vocal effect used in “Believe” — especially during the chorus — was unlike anything listeners had heard before. Producers Mark Taylor and Brian Rawling pushed the pitch-correction tool to an extreme setting to create a robotic, fluttering vocal style. This technique, later dubbed the “Cher effect,” was the first major use of Auto-Tune as a creative tool, rather than just a corrective one.

It paved the way for an entire generation of artists — from T-Pain to Kanye West to Daft Punk — to experiment with digital voice manipulation.

The message:

Lyrically, “Believe” is a defiant anthem of resilience and moving on after heartbreak. The line:

“Do you believe in life after love?”

— became iconic almost instantly. It’s not a question just about romance — it’s about survival, self-worth, and emotional independence.

Cher’s delivery is powerful, even through the digital glaze. You don’t just hear strength in her voice — you feel it, layered with years of lived experience, reinvention, and unapologetic confidence.

Impact and legacy:

“Believe” became a cultural touchstone — the ultimate gay club anthem, a karaoke staple, and a feminist rallying cry. It won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and helped revive interest in Cher’s entire catalog. For an artist who had already been a pop icon in the ‘60s, a TV star in the ‘70s, and an Oscar-winning actress in the ‘80s, “Believe” made her the queen of the ‘90s club scene as well.

It also marked a rare moment where pop, technology, and raw human emotion collided perfectly.

Final thoughts:

“Believe” isn’t just a comeback — it’s a declaration. Cher took heartbreak, technological experimentation, and decades of reinvention, and fused them into a song that feels as empowering today as it did in 1998.

Yes, it’s glossy and synthetic. But it’s also honest, gutsy, and unforgettable. With “Believe,” Cher didn’t just ask the question — she answered it, proving that life after love isn’t just possible…

It can be absolutely spectacular.

Video

Lyrics

 

“Believe”

After love, after love
After love, after love
After love, after love
After love, after love
After love, after love
After love, after love

No matter how hard I try
You keep pushing me aside
And I can’t break through
There’s no talking to you

It’s so sad that you’re leaving
It takes time to believe it
But after all is said and done
You’re gonna be the lonely one
Oh, oh

Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”
Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”

What am I supposed to do?
Sit around and wait for you?
Well, I can’t do that
And there’s no turning back

I need time to move on
I need love to feel strong
‘Cause I’ve had time to think it through
And maybe I’m too good for you
Oh, oh

Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”
Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”

Well, I know that I’ll get through this
‘Cause I know that I am strong
And I don’t need you anymore
Oh, I don’t need you anymore
Oh, I don’t need you anymore
No, I don’t need you anymore

Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”
Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”

Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”
Do you believe in life after love?
I can feel something inside me say
“I really don’t think you’re strong enough. No.”

(Do you believe in life after love?)