Lyric line[[s) that make you go WOW!

[lockhartgary]

I had to go for a drive this morning and I decided to burn a few cds to listen to on the way. One was Tempts vs Tops and the other was Supremes vs Marvelettes.

Today was one of those days where I listened more intently to the lyrics and was floored by some of them.

I'll Turn to Stone:
I would be like a statue in the park
Cold and alone like a man without a heart

Love Child:
Don't think that I don't need you
Don't think I don't want to please you
But no child of mine will be bearin'
The name of shame I been wearin."

Ask the Lonely:
The young and foolish laugh at love
So they run away
Confident and sure that fate
Will bring another love their way

My Whole World Ended:
How can I face tomorrow,
When yesterday is all I see?
I just don't wanna face tomorrow, if you're not sharing it with me.

Wow, some great stuff there.
What are some of your picks?

[marv2]

Lockhartgary! I cannot even believe you did this! As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I was going to post this part of the lyrics to "I'll Turn to Stone"

I would be like a statue in the park
Cold and alone like a man without a heart


Of all the songs possible, you pick this one. Amazing!

[arr&bee]

Great post..as the tears creep down my face i can't believe i've been replaced[shake me-wake me]...i'll never get no one to take your place,i'll just have to face life with out you[i need a change]...girl to restore the faith you had in me i'm beggin you down on my knees[please return your love]...put a toothbrush in my hand and let me be a travellin man[i'm a roadrunner]...your paths may never cross again so make sure you take the same bend[a folk in the road]...i can't seem to find a dime won't you let me have a paper this time[paperboy]...a closet full of glad rags all tucked away in a pad that's swank[you're the one]...the one thing i'll never understand how you found the nerve to take a pen in your hand[truly yours]...you accepted their decision without any type of defense they said if we waited a few more years that would make a little more sense[i've lost everything i've ever loved]...your every wish girl is my command so that's why i can't seem to understand[girl why you wanna make me blue].

[marv2]

Here is another one of my favorites. When Obama first became President, I use to think of these lyrics to "Stoned Love"

And life is so short, put the present time at hand
Oh yeah, and if you're young at heart, rise up and take your stand
And to the man on whose shoulder the world must depend
I pray for peace and love, amen

[marv2]

Great post..as the tears creep down my face i can't believe i've been replaced[shake me-wake me]...i'll never get no one to take your place,i'll just have to face life with out you[i need a change]...girl to restore the faith you had in me i'm beggin you down on my knees[please return your love]...put a toothbrush in my hand and let me be a travellin man[i'm a roadrunner]...your paths may never cross again so make sure you take the same bend[a folk in the road]...i can't seem to find a dime won't you let me have a paper this time[paperboy]...a closet full of glad rags all tucked away in a pad that's swank[you're the one]...the one thing i'll never understand how you found the nerve to take a pen in your hand[truly yours]...you accepted their decision without any type of defense they said if we waited a few more years that would make a little more sense[i've lost everything i've ever loved]...your every wish girl is my command so that's why i can't seem to understand[girl why you wanna make me blue].

You guys are hitting it today!

[lockhartgary]

Arr@bee and Marv, those are some great ones!

Ball of Confusion:
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation,
humiliation, obligation to our nation
Ball Of Confusion that's what the world is today

And Dennis' rapid fire delivery raises the WOW factor to another level! And talk about having your finger on the pulse of current events!

[marv2]

Arr@bee and Marv, those are some great ones!

Ball of Confusion:
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation,
humiliation, obligation to our nation
Ball Of Confusion that's what the world is today

And Dennis' rapid fire delivery raises the WOW factor to another level! And talk about having your finger on the pulse of current events!

I was in the 5th Grade when my Mom brought home the new single by the Temptations called "Ball of Confusion". It had a picture sleeve that was black and white and the lyrics to the song printed on it. After about a month, I was able to keep up with Dennis and all of those "big words" [[to me at the time) whenever we played the record or it came on the radio. LOL!

[TomatoTom123]

My Whole World Ended:
How can I face tomorrow,
When yesterday is all I see?
I just don't wanna face tomorrow, if you're not sharing it with me

What a line!!!!!!!

[marv2]

"I will build you a castle with a tower so high
It reaches the moon
I'll gather melodies from birdies that fly
And compose you a tune
I'll give you lovin' warm as Mama's oven
And if that don't do
Then I'll try something new"

I'll Try Something New by The Miracles

[daviddesper]

"Many a day I proudly stated, the man for me ain't been created."

"Four leaf clover, needle in a haystack, whatever he may be, one thing's for certain he knows how to TCB."

"If I have to sleep on your doorstep all night and day, just to keep you from walking away."

I am sure I could think of many others. The Motown writers were awesome!!!

[nativeNY63]

Mr. Ruffin: "...half a man..."/"...my whole world ended..."[[snippets of two Temps hits.)

[nativeNY63]

2Pac [[Dear Momma) - "Ain't a woman alive that can take my momma's place"! Rakim - " I nominated my dj the president"!

[WaitingWatchingLookingForAChance]

"Now you've gotten wise. Yeah you know how love can build you up one moment and the next, CUT you down to size... [[wait for it) And then you discover, all she told you was a bunch of lies"

Gladys Knight & The Pips- Didn't You Know [[You'd Have To Cry Sometime)

That lyric is absolute perfection, but it's that pause Gladys takes before delivering the most brutal cut of all; the guy was a absolute A-hole and what did he get for it? He found out he got played too.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Really cool thread, Gary!

MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS - "What Am I Going To Do Without Your Love":

"I just sit at home by myself like part of the household fixtures
These arms of mine, don't you know, are holding, clinging to your picture, cryin' I need you.

THE MARVELETTES - "I CAN'T TURN AROUND":

"Baby, I'm on a ship that's goin' down
But I can't turn around.

DIANA ROSS - "I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You":

"A tear for a souvenir"

MARVIN & TAMMI - "You're All I Need To Get By":

"You're all the joy's under the sun wrapped up into one"

[Philles/Motown Gary]

MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - "SWEET DARLIN' ":

"You're that bright, warm sunshine that fills my every day
You're the sweet soul music that sets my heart at play
You're the string around my mind that spins it like a top
You're such a good bad habit, I just don't wanna stop
You've got my mind in a ball-and-chain
Your good lovin's driving me insane
Like a moth I can't avoid the flame
Sweet Darlin' "

[[Courtesy of Richard Morris)

[lockhartgary]

Temptations - [[I Know) I'm Losing You
When I look into your eyes
A reflection of a face I see
I'm hurt, downhearted and worried girl
Cause that face doesn't belong to me
Oh, it's all over your face
Someone's taking my place
Ooh baby, I'm losing you

Temptations - My Baby
Enough gold in her personality to set Fort Knox to shame
This golden girl belongs to me
Let no guy try to stake his claim on my baby

[nativeNY63]

TP's, Turn Off The Lights- "Rub me down with some burning hot oils, baby!"
Now don't get me wrong. I realize back then Claiol Hot Oil treatment [[Vo5 had one too) was hip. Today? TD would be arrested for First Degree Battery!! Not PC, Mr. TP!!😂

[Philles/Motown Gary]

THE MARVELETTES - "The Day You Take One [[You Have To Take The Other)"

A little bad comes along with every good
You've gotta take the bitter with the sweet
True love never runs smooth like we think it should
But true love can't be beat!

[TomatoTom123]

Temptations - [[I Know) I'm Losing You
When I look into your eyes
A reflection of a face I see
I'm hurt, downhearted and worried girl
Cause that face doesn't belong to me
Oh, it's all over your face
Someone's taking my place
Ooh baby, I'm losing you

Good one! :)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

THE TEMPTATIONS - "GLASSHOUSE"

My girl came home and she caught me with Alice
And she threw me out the door
Now, now
But the real reason she was so mad is that she was with Alice before!
Say what?
See that? People are always doin' that
If you're livin' in a glasshouse
Don't you throw no stones
It's a shame.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

STEVIE WONDER - "I Was Made To Love Her"

I was knee-high to a chicken
When that love bug bit me
I had the fever with each passing year
Even if the mountain tumbles
If this whole world crumbles
By her side I'll still be standing there
'Cause I was made to love her

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey lockhartgary, these are fun, man! Once you start, you can't stop! Motown's lyricists were, without a doubt, the best in the business! [[But we already knew that!)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES - "The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage"

Just a minute ago your love was here
All of a sudden it seemed to disappear
The way you wrecked my life was like sabotage
The love I saw in you was just a mirage

MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - "Honey Chile"

You're shiftless and you're lazy
Just like that hound-dog Daisy
I had when Grandma raised me
Honey Chile
When Granny got too old to scold me
Dear old auntie warned me
You sure was no good for me
Honey Chile

[Philles/Motown Gary]

YVONNE FAIR - "Walk Out The Door If You Wanna"

Ten years, one wig, and a house full of kids
That's all I get from marriage to you
Seven days a week you're running the streets
Take me for granted, Daddy
I can't stand it
You can walk out the door if you wanna
I'm gonna march on down to the corner
Hey I'm gonna drop a dime on that boyfriend of mine
Tell him I'm free -- come on and get me!

[rovereab]

I tried to pick out a line or two from You're All I Need To Get By but failed. The lyrics to the whole song are just beyond fantastic to me, really hitting my soul. Love, support and inspiration all in one song. It is possibly the best love song ever for me. Add the outstanding vocals by Marvin and Tammi and "bingo".

Like the sweet morning dew,
I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see you were my destiny.
With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride.
I'll sacrifice for you dedicate my life for you.
I will go where you lead always there in time of need.
And when I lose my will you'll be there to push me up the hill.
There's no, no looking back for us, we got love sure 'nough, that's enough.
You're all, you're all I need to get by.
Like an eagle protects his nest for you I'll do my best,
Stand by you like a tree, dare anybody to try and move me.
Darlin' in you I found strength where I was torn down
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door.
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher.
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal.
'Cause we, we got the right foundation and with love and determination.
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more.
All, all the joys under the sun wrapp'd up into one.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Rovereab, I agree. Marvin & Tammi's "You're All I Need To Get By" is one of the most beautiful records Motown ever released. In one of the Motown books, it was reported that when Ashford & Simpson played "You're All I Need" at the weekly Quality Control meeting, Berry broke tradition by not bothering to take a vote on its release. Instead, as soon as the song finished playing, he ordered, "SHIP IT!", which further proves what a gem it is! I would love to have seen the look of pride on Nick & Val's face at that moment! I think of that every time I play this masterpiece, which is often.

[rovereab]

Rovereab, I agree. Marvin & Tammi's "You're All I Need To Get By" is one of the most beautiful records Motown ever released. In one of the Motown books, it was reported that when Ashford & Simpson played "You're All I Need" at the weekly Quality Control meeting, Berry broke tradition by not bothering to take a vote on its release. Instead, as soon as the song finished playing, he ordered, "SHIP IT!", which further proves what a gem it is! I would love to have seen the look of pride on Nick & Val's face at that moment! I think of that every time I play this masterpiece, which is often.

Given Tammi's health situation it makes the words sung by Marvin even more heartfelt, especially when he ad-libs "Tammi listen". So much emotion in the singing, lyrics and production. Absolute magic!

[arr&bee]

I started so many letters hoping you'd feel the same way i do,but i had to tear them up because i started crying too-[tearstained letter-the temptations]..come on and try this new smoke it ain't classified as dope[funky space reincarnation-marvin gaye]i can't find sleep at night i'm either watching tv or walking,i can't find any conversation that means more to me than talking[i can't find-smokey]

[lockhartgary]

Given Tammi's health situation it makes the words sung by Marvin even more heartfelt, especially when he ad-libs "Tammi listen". So much emotion in the singing, lyrics and production. Absolute magic!

And didn't they record their vocals separately? If so, the ad-lib becomes even more amazing, considering Tammi wasn't there with Marvin.

[motownlover1964]

Smokey & the Miracles -- Ooh Baby Baby

I'm just about at the end of my rope
But I can't stop trying I can't give up hope
'Cause I feel that one day I'll hold you near
Whisper I still love you
Until that day is here I'm crying

[rovereab]

And didn't they record their vocals separately? If so, the ad-lib becomes even more amazing, considering Tammi wasn't there with Marvin.

Has that ever been proven? If true then it would suggest that Marvin cut his track first but left a "message" for Tammi. I do recall someone on here, several years back, saying that she was in a wheelchair in the studio and that it took a long time for her contribution to be finished.

[arr&bee]

Knowing you're going away, hurts me more an more each day-[i'll always love you-the spinners]...but i felt much older cause i had to shoulder the trouble you'd bring-[who will take the blame-the miracles]...since you've gone and left me everything beautiful has died-[darling come back home-eddie kendricks]...the tears keep rolling down my cheek i start to cry each time i speak-[the tears-the supremes]...it's such a gas to be dancing on glass-[chicago disco-major lance]...hey that's the girl for you so what are you gonna do-[all i do is think of you-the jackson 5]...i'll be your slave for the rest of my days,love you more in so many ways-[forever-the marvelettes]...friends said it couldn't be done but all his faith i know i've won-[third finger left hand-martha and the vandellas].

[lucky2012]

We got Ling Ting Tong from China
Long Tall Sally from Carolina
We got 007, the private eye,
And he's bringin' all the guys from "I Spy"
All the soul brothers, jitterbuggers

Hip cats and fancy hats and
Pretty girls with pretty smiles
All decked out in the latest styles
and Farmer Jim and Guitar Slim and
Betty Boop and Oop-Boop-a-Doop
and Mohair Sam from Alabam
and Minnesota Fats from Hobo Flats
Breath-takin' Hip-shakin' Cuties now
Talkin' bout the Fascinatin' Devastatin' Beauties now!

They all be gathering here, from far and near
for the Function at the Junction
Brother, you'd better come on right now

[arr&bee]

My hands are clean,my heart is so pure the world is sick i am the cure-[power-the temptations]...for my baby i work part time down at the neighborhood five an dime-[nothing's too good for my baby-stevie wonder]...keep on lovin me baby don't you change your mind-[keep on lovin me-marvin an tammi]...here's your old teddy bear,that you won for me at the state fair-[come and get these memories-martha and the vandellas]...why waste time lookin at your waistline-[first i look at the purse-the contours]...my heart said to me,don't walk head on into misery-[here i go again-the miracles]...you are under my power it is the power of love-[my baby must be a magician-the marvelettes]...and only time will tell it's not a dying ember-[my love for you-the miracles]...and when they try to kiss you,you always say goodbye you always tell em no but never tell em why-[pucker up butter cup-jr.walker and the all-stars].

[Philles/Motown Gary]

JR. WALKER & THE ALL STARS - "Hip City"

"Don't put Detroit down
It's the home of "The Motown Sound"

[Philles/Motown Gary]

THE TEMPTATIONS - "All I Need"

This heart of mine carries a heavy load
When I think about how I've hurt you so
After you've been, been so good to me
I've been unfaithful, darling
I've caused you misery
A feeling of guilt, how it tortures me
And only you my darling, can set me free
And darling all, all I need is just to hear you say you forgive me
Forgive me baby
All, all I need is to have you touch my hand
Say you understand

[arr&bee]

When we meet i feel guilty,cause i want for you to long for me like i long for you[i love you secretly-the miracles].

[Philles/Motown Gary]

MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS and
DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES

"Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things"

Funny how precious memories linger on
So long after you've gone
Oh precious memories that only make me cry
But I keep holdin' on, oh why do I
Oh, because...
Love, love, love makes me do these things
Speak your name softly each night while holding your picture tight
When you took my heart, you took my soul
& it's far beyond control

[jboy88]

Smokey & the Miracles -- Ooh Baby Baby

I'm just about at the end of my rope
But I can't stop trying I can't give up hope
'Cause I feel that one day I'll hold you near
Whisper I still love you
Until that day is here I'm crying
Pretty much 75% of Smokey Robinson’s composition merit an OMG!

Although she may be cute, she’s just a substitute- Tracks of my tears

The feeling we used to get, whenever our lips met, like smoke from a cigarette, it’s Fading Away!

The stain that it contained- No More Tearstained Makeup

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Pretty much 75% of Smokey Robinson’s composition merit an OMG!

Although she may be cute, she’s just a substitute- Tracks of my tears

The feeling we used to get, whenever our lips met, like smoke from a cigarette, it’s Fading Away!

The stain that it contained- No More Tearstained Makeup

Jboy, you can sure say that again! Smokey is still rightly, without doubt, "America's greatest living poet"!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

KIM WESTON - "Take Me In Your Arms [[Rock Me A Little While)"

I said I wouldn't beg
I said I wouldn't plead
Here me now, Baby
I'm begging you PLEASE!
Take me in your arms, rock me
Rock me a little while
Hold me, Darling
Rock me, rock me a little while

[arr&bee]

What are you gonna do come the day i just turn my head and walk away[when i'm gone-brenda holliway]..when the babies came they knew your name[if you're ever in the neighborhood-the miracles].

[Philles/Motown Gary]

BRENDA HOLLOWAY - "Just Look What You've Done"

Now helplessly I stand, watching love walk away
There's nothing I can do, nothing I can say
To you our love was just a passing thing
But to me, my darling, it was everything
Where did it go? The love I always turned to
Where did it go? Where do I go without you?
When I needed you, you were always there
I'm nothing now without your love to share
Just look what you've done
You've turned my dreams to dust
I thought you needed me, but now I find that you're leaving me
Oh, you've turned my heart to stone
Without you by my side, where will I get the strength to carry on?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

THE ISLEY BROTHERS
THE SUPREMES
TAMMI TERRELL

"This Old Heart Of Mine [[Is Weak For You)"

If you leave me a hundred times
A hundred times I'll take you back
I'm yours whenever you want me
I'm not too proud to shout it
Tell the world about it 'cause I love you
This is old heart, darling, is weak for you

[sophisticated_soul]

No More Water In The Well - The Temptations

You take my love for granted like water
Water you spill and you waste
Though love is thicker than water
It spills quicker than water
And you'll lookup one of these days
And there'll be no more water in the well, baby no more
[[No more, no more, no more):[[

[Philles/Motown Gary]

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES

"Whole Lot Of Skaking In My Heart [[Since I Met You)"

The guys I used to run around with
tell me I've changed and I'm acting kinda strange
But they don't realize that since I met you
my whole life has been rearranged
Ooh, you make me feel kinda insecure
'Cause my heart I can no longer control
And you've got me rockin', jumpin' and stompin'
Don't know which way I'm supposed to go
My heart is all tied up in knots
I walk around daily in a state of shock
'Cause I got a whole lot of shakin' in my heart since I met you, girl

[lockhartgary]

If I Were Your Woman - Gladys/Pips

She tears you down darling
Says you're nothing at all
But I'll pick you up darling
When she lets you fall
'Cause you're like a diamond
But she treats you like glass
Yet you beg her to love you
But me you won't ask

[TomatoTom123]

So many!!!!!! :D

[Ngroove]

To be honest, the first Motown song that I've heard that completely buggered my eyes in shocking surprise was Rick James' "High On Your Love".

On that bridge part, when Rick was spontaneously shouting in the middle of the bridge choruses "GET HIGH!" or "GET A LITTLE STONED!", just completely cracks me up...and I thought the theme of "High" was supposed to be just another metaphor for a love jones, hahaha.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

So many!!!!!! :D

You bet'cha, Tom! And, lyrically speaking, we've barely tapped the surface of ye old Motown vaults!

[arr&bee]

Silly lilly you know she don't really love you with a love that's true[the one who really loves you-mary wells]..tho love is thicker than water,it spills quicker than water[no more water in the well-the temptations]..just like push can turn to shove,like can turn to love[if you can want-the miracles]..in the light of day though our faces meet,someone else might see so we never speak[you-marvin gaye]..a day without the shining sun is a day without your lovin baby,one look and we'll feel as one that's how easy we communicate[gotta hold on to this feeling-jr.walker and the all stars]..send one your love with a dozen roses make sure she know it comes straight from the heart[send one your love-stevie wonder].

[144man]

Freddie Gorman and Janie Bradford collaborated to write the best lyrics ever on a Motown song. Published by Jobete, "Rose", by the Originals, is unreleased and must be lying somewhere in the Motown vaults. Thankfully, a version was released on ABC by Lamont Dozier, and I take these lyrics from there.

"From the corner of the streets I found her.
I picked a thorn and grew a rose.
I tamed the wild life around her,
And the book of her past was surely closed.
Rose, don't ever go away now.
Rose, my bouquet.

We tilled the soil of our fertile love.
We picked the grapes and drank the wine.
We harvested the fruit of our understanding.
And the garden of her love was sacred and all mine.
Rose, now I'm twice the man
That I was before our love began.

But you had to go.
The past was too strong for us to hold on.

Then the wind came from the wrong direction,
Blowing away all my love and my protection.
I woke up one morning with the early dawn
Just to find her gone,
Like a butterfly takes to the sky - gone,
Without a warning, never said goodbye - gone.
Rose was gone - gone.

Now the winter of love chills my life
Leaving my heart scarred and torn.
For Rose has become a [????] of the street
And a thorn once again is a thorn.
*Rose, the petals are closed.
The rosebush is bare.
There's only memories growing there."

[* Repeat & fade]

[nativeNY63]

Loose Ends--sister why'd you take my heart to wipe your feet on

[rovereab]

These lines from Let Somebody Know are so relevant for the busy times within which we live:

Let somebody know what you really love
Show somebody just what you're made of
Always in a rush, don't you see the sign?
You can always take the time
[[Let somebody know)

[arr&bee]

Well it's a brand new place i've found where people go from miles around[going to a go-go-the miracles]..just like a flower loves the rain i'll try to never cause you pain[would i love you-the miracles]..that last goodbye brings a flow of tear,oh how it hurt to lose the one you hold dear[there's no love left-the isley bros.]..if you want to learn how to love me,i'll teach you in my own private school[you met your match-stevie wonder].

[sophisticated_soul]

Spoken: Darling, I wonder, are all these Tears In Vain . . .fade out

[arr&bee]

The feeling we used to get whenever our lips met like smoke from a cigarette is fading away[fading away-the temptations]..but fun turned into love for both of us so now we share the forbidden lovers curse[agony and the ectasy-smokey].

[Philles/Motown Gary]

THE TEMPTATIONS - "You've Got To Earn It"

To get stones from a rock, you've got to break it
To get bread from dough, you've got to bake it
To get water from a faucet, you've got to turn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it

To get fire from a match, you've got to strike it
To get the feeling from a kiss, you've got to like it
To get ashes from wood, you've got to burn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it
You've got to treat me kind, all the time
Throw the other guys right out of your mind, yeah, yeah

Now listen, to make broken things work, you've got to fix them
To make two things one, you've got to mix them
To get butter from milk, you've got to churn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it
If you deserve it you can get it
I'll be glad to see you with it
Just show me that you love me
And that you're thinking of me
You can get it in a hurry

[Philles/Motown Gary]

MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS -
"I SHOULD BE PROUD"

[NOTE: Berry Gordy reportedly withdrew this single out of embarrassment, although I never understood why. Martha's emotional delivery pretty much summed up the perspective of most Americans at the time.]

I was under the dryer when the telegram came:
"Private John C. Miller was shot down in Vietnam"
Through my tears I read: "No more information at this time
He's missing in action somewhere on the Delta Line"
They say that I should be proud
He was fightin' for me
They say that I should be proud
Those too blind to see
That he wasn't fightin' for me
My Johnny didn't have to die for me
He was fightin' for the evils of society

Now I prayed night & day that my Johnny wouldn't die
Love, faith & hope was all that kept me alive
Then 6 weeks later came that cold & heartless letter:
"Private John Miller killed in action, number 54327"
They say that I should be proud
He was keepin' me free
They say that I should be proud
Those too blind to see
That he wasn't fightin' for me
My Johnny didn't have to die for me
He was fightin' for the evils of society

SPOKEN:
They shipped him home with medals of honor & glory
Even our local paper ran a front-page story

The whole town came to praise him and said how honored I should be
But I don't want no Silver Stars --
Just the good man they took from me
Yet they tell me I should be proud
He was fightin' for me
They say that I should be proud
Those too blind to see
That he wasn't fightin' for me
My Johnny didn't have to die for me
He's a victim of the evils of society
I should be proud of my Johnny

[nativeNY63]

Heartaches I Can Surely Heal - David Ruffin

Heartaches I can surely heal. My love for you is strong.

[TomatoTom123]

THE TEMPTATIONS - "You've Got To Earn It"

To get stones from a rock, you've got to break it
To get bread from dough, you've got to bake it
To get water from a faucet, you've got to turn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it

To get fire from a match, you've got to strike it
To get the feeling from a kiss, you've got to like it
To get ashes from wood, you've got to burn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it
You've got to treat me kind, all the time
Throw the other guys right out of your mind, yeah, yeah

Now listen, to make broken things work, you've got to fix them
To make two things one, you've got to mix them
To get butter from milk, you've got to churn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it
If you deserve it you can get it
I'll be glad to see you with it
Just show me that you love me
And that you're thinking of me
You can get it in a hurry

I love those lyrics! :)

[TomatoTom123]

"It's Growing" by The Temptations

Like a snowball rolling down the side of a snow-covered hill, it's growing
Like the size of a fish that the man claims broke his reel, it's growing
Like a rosebud blooming in the warm of the summer sun, it's growing
Like a tale by the time it's been told by more than one, ooh, it's growing

Everyday it grows a little more than it was the day before
My love for you just grows and grows
Wo-oh-oah, how it grows and grows
And where it's gonna stop I'm sure, nobody knows

one of my faves :)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I love those lyrics! :)
Me, too; Tom! It's pure Smokey!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

"It's Growing" by The Temptations

Like a snowball rolling down the side of a snow-covered hill, it's growing
Like the size of a fish that the man claims broke his reel, it's growing
Like a rosebud blooming in the warm of the summer sun, it's growing
Like a tale by the time it's been told by more than one, ooh, it's growing

Everyday it grows a little more than it was the day before
My love for you just grows and grows
Wo-oh-oah, how it grows and grows
And where it's gonna stop I'm sure, nobody knows

one of my faves :)

You're so right, Tom! Another Smokey masterpiece! In the bridge, when it changes key, the interplay between David and The Andantes is pure Motown magic!

[144man]

"Came the telegram
Mama passed away while making home-made jam."

WOW!...but not in a good way.

[arr&bee]

Every time you need some affection,the one you love goes in another direction and you sit there in a daze reminising when you know some other lips he's been kissing[come round here-the miracles].

[Motown Eddie]

Classic Motown had So many great lyrics! My picks for now-
"Child this part of my life hasn't been very pretty
See, I've been born & raised in the slums of the city" [[from "Cloud Nine"-The Temptations).

"War-what is it good for?
Absolutely Nothing" [[from-"War"-Edwin Starr also The Temptations)

"No Matter how hard you try, you can't stop me now" [[from Message From A Black Man"-The Temptations also The Spinners).

[nativeNY63]

Another David Ruffin wower: I swear to my blood, to you my love.
I'll not change a single grain of sand.
Being in love with a common man. - Common Man

[arr&bee]

This little girl of mine i wanna say she's so fine,and each and every day i make sure she has her way[the girl's alright with me-the temptations].

[144man]

A masterpiece of sarcasm:

"Look what Man has done,
Discovered the Moon was only stone.
I was so happy believing it was made of cheese,
Or something for lovers to dream on...
...Genius, isn't he?".

Genius I - Valerie Simpson.

[144man]

I like the contrasts drawn in the Miracles' "You've Really Got A Hold On Me".

"I don't like you but I love you...
Although you treat me badly, I love you madly...
I don't want you but I need you...
Although you do me wrong now, my love is strong now...
I've gotta go now, I just can't stay...
But although I want to split now, I just can't quit now..."

The Miracles' "The Man in You" has a couple of great bridges with "Every man has to understand" and "All you guys have to realise".

There's a nice throwaway line in the fade out of The Temptations' "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" which goes "So if you're looking for a lover, don't judge a book by its cover."

[nativeNY63]

Classic Steveland Morris - "Uptight [[Everything''s Alright)"
No football hero. Or smooth Don Jaun. Got empty pockets. I'm a poor man's son."

[Philles/Motown Gary]

STEVIE WONDER - "Music Talk"

Oh the language of music Is known around the world
It's the language that's understood by people everywhere
Soon you'll hear the trumpets begin to blow
Oh listen to the trombones playing way down low
Well everybody seems to be playing
With a lot of soul
Fellas do you mind if I join in and play along

Everybody yeah

Just a little bit of drums!

People I think the drummer has found a new groove
Listen close and you will hear the saxophones move
If you're feelin' what you're hearing,
well don't you know
Oh, it's just the music, that pretty little music talking to your soul
It can make you blue or it can make you feel so glad
It's the best way of talking that man has ever had
Everybody around the world sing it now

[Ngroove]

"Take Me Girl, I'm Ready" - Junior Walker & The All Stars
[[J. Bristol, L. Ware, P. Sawyer)

I'll be a yo-yo on your finger
You can bounce me up and down, Honey
I'll do anything to win ya
But don't let me hit the ground.

[Circa 1824]

"You think I don't feel love. But, what I feel for you is real love."

[nativeNY63]

4 Tops [[Levi) - Standing in the shadows of love. Waiting for the heartache to come.

[Circa 1824]

Now I see how she schemed and finally
Worked her way in between
She planted seeds of mistrust here and there
Causin' us to fight unaware
Her comforting way when I would cry
Shadowed the look of triumph in her eye
Just like a snake on a limb of a tree
A friend is an enemy you can see

[Philles/Motown Gary]

MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - "You're The Loser Now"

Now that I've grown up
You're down on bended knee
But you're beggin' and pleadin' won't bring me back
After all you've done to me
You said we had a winning team
But it was I who paid the price
The one thing that I've learned so well
Is not to be a loser twice
With a child's heart it was hard
So hard to forget you
But as you see, Boy
It ain't hard now, no no
It's a waste of time
To try and change my mind
I'm not the same young girl
That you left behind
You're the loser now
You're the loser now, my baby