A reimagining of the iconic Motown classic, this rendition became a hit for The Temptations in 1966. What sets this version apart from the original is the distinctive Keith Richards guitar riff, which underwent significant processing. The Rolling Stones also covered another Temptations track, “Just My Imagination,” in 1978.
Initially, The Stones had intended to include Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away” as the sole cover song on “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll.” However, they decided to replace it with this rendition.
In an interview with Paul McCartney, he takes credit for introducing Mick Jagger to this particular song, stating, “There were two songs I introduced Mick to that The Stones ended up doing. One was ‘She Said Yeah,’ and the other was ‘Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.’ Mick might deny it – ‘What? I never saw him, never met him’ – but I distinctly recall inviting him into a small music room and playing it for him. He loved it and went on to perform it. We’ve made a few tweaks to the track, but it still retains my memory of the original.”
Billy Preston is the one behind the piano in this rendition, known for his contributions to funkier tunes. The piano plays a crucial role in bringing the song together, making it greater than the sum of its parts. Jagger’s performance in this rendition is also noteworthy. Despite the extensive airplay it receives, it’s surprising that the song only reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Rolling Stones performed this song live for the first time in nearly fifteen years during a show at Ford Field, Detroit, on November 15, 2021. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” had not been included in their set list since their performance at London’s O2 Arena in 2017. Addressing the audience, Jagger remarked, “Since we were very young, we’ve always had a deep appreciation for Motown. So, we couldn’t visit Detroit without performing a Motown number, right?”
Did You Know?
- The Song: “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” was originally written and recorded by The Temptations in 1966. The Rolling Stones covered it the same year, infusing their unique style into this Motown classic.
- Mick Jagger: Mick Jagger, the charismatic lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones, delivered a powerhouse performance in “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.” His passionate rendition added a new dimension to the song, making it an instant hit.
- Influence: The Rolling Stones’ version of the song is a testament to their ability to draw from diverse musical influences and make them their own. It’s a fusion of rock, soul, and rhythm that captures the spirit of the ’60s.
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Lyrics
I know you wanna leave me
But I refuse to let you go
If I have to beg, plead for sympathy
I don’t mind, ’cause it means that much to meAin’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, don’t you goWell I heard a crying man is half a man
With no sense of pride
If I have to cry to keep ya I don’t mind weepin’
If weepin’ gonna keep ya by my sideAin’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, don’t you goIf I have to sleep on your doorstep all night and day
Just to keep you from walkin’ away
Let my friends laugh, for this I can stand
‘Cause I wanna I keep ya, yeah, yeah, I canAin’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, don’t you goAin’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, don’t you goI got a love so deep in the pit of my heart
Every day it grows more and more
I’m not ashamed to come and plead with you, baby
If pleadin’ keeps you from walkin’ out the doorAin’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, don’t you goAin’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, don’t you go