It was originally a 1960 French song titled "J'ai le mal de toi", and it was first recorded in English by Kathy Kirby in 1965.
Originally written by Jack Diéval with French lyrics by Michel Rivgauche the song was introduced as 'J'ai le mal de toi'.
[3] 7-inch EP Ma chance c'est toi / Le Tyrolien / J'ai le mal de toi / Toi et ton sourire (1965, Polydor 27 190) 7-inch EP Je t'appelle encore / Modesty / Parlez-moi de lui / Baisse un peu la radio (1966, Barclay 70 997) 7-inch jukebox promo single (1966, Barclay 60718) "Parlez-moi de lui" / "Baisse un peu la radio" by Dalida[7][8] Produced by Snuff Garrett and released on January 29, 1972 as the second single from Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves, perhaps the most well-known version of "The Way of Love" was recorded by Cher.
Her version spent three weeks within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak of number 7 and ultimately selling almost one million copies.
Allmusic wrote a favorable retrospective review: "some great moments, among them a career highlight in the two-and-a-half-minute opening track, "The Way of Love."