Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – You Really Got A Hold On Me

About The Song

You've Really Got A Hold On Me - song and lyrics by The Miracles | Spotify

You Really Got a Hold on Me” is more than just a song; it’s a soul-stirring tapestry woven with yearning vocals, driving rhythms, and lyrics that lay bare the intoxicating power of love’s grip. Written and composed by the inimitable Smokey Robinson, the song became the Miracles’ signature tune, catapulting them to international stardom and cementing their place as Motown legends.

Robinson’s inspiration struck while he was in New York on Motown business in 1962. Hearing Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me,” he was struck by the raw vulnerability in Cooke’s vocals. This, coupled with his own longing for his then-fiancée Claudette Rogers, fueled the emotional depth of “You Really Got a Hold on Me.”

The song’s magic lies in its relatable paradox. Robinson confesses his helplessness against the overwhelming force of his love, surrendering to its intoxicating pull: “I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t think, I can’t pray/You’re on my mind all night and day.” Yet, within this vulnerability lies a powerful undercurrent of joy. He’s not a prisoner of his love, but a willing captive, enthralled by its transformative power: “My feet can’t move, my tongue’s tied down/But I don’t wanna be free, no, no, no.”

“You Really Got a Hold on Me” broke racial barriers, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a global phenomenon. Its influence is undeniable, inspiring countless covers by artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Stevie Wonder. It’s been featured in numerous films and television shows, forever etched in pop culture history.

More than just a catchy tune, “You Really Got a Hold on Me” is a timeless testament to the transformative power of love. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, regardless of generation or background, capturing the intoxicating vulnerability and exhilarating surrender that love inspires. So, let the music wash over you, feel the rhythm пульсировать, and lose yourself in the magic of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ masterpiece.

Video

Lyrics

I don’t like you, but I love you
Seems that I’m always thinkin’ of you
You treat me badly, I love you madly
You’ve really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)

Baby, I don’t want you, but I need you
Don’t wanna kiss you, but I need to
You do me wrong now, my love is strong now
You’ve really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)

Baby, I love you and all I want you to do
Is just hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Tighter, tighter

I wanna leave you, don’t wanna stay here
Don’t wanna spend another day here
I wanna split now, I can’t quit now
You’ve really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)

Baby, I love you and all I want you to do
Is just hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
(Please, squeeze)

You really got a hold on me
(You really got a hold on me)
I said you really got a hold on me
(I said you really got a hold on me)
You know, you really got a hold on me
(You know, you really got a hold on me)
You know, you really got a hold on me
(You know, you really got a hold on me)

I said you really got a hold on me
(I said you really got a hold on me)
You know, you really got a hold on me
(You know, you really got a hold on me)