About The Song
In the early 1960s, Detroit was a hub for some of the finest music, particularly from the Motown scene. A prime example of this musical excellence is “You Really Got a Hold on Me” (also known as “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”) by The Miracles. When it comes to classic tunes, this one stands out.
The song conveys the notion that love is a complex emotion; even in the face of mistreatment, the protagonist remains deeply in love. The legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Smokey Robinson wrote this song, drawing inspiration from Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home Me,” in which the singer expresses a desire for the one who left to return. “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” became a hit for Robinson and The Miracles on the Tamla (Motown) label in 1962-63. It served as the lead track on their 1963 album, “The Fabulous Miracles.”
The song climbed to the top, securing the #1 spot on the R&B chart and reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Originally released as the B-Side to “Happy Landing,” “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” surpassed its counterpart in popularity. The track earned a spot on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s prestigious list of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, including The Beatles on their album “With the Beatles” and in their film “Let It Be.” Other notable covers include versions by The Supremes, The Temptations, The Zombies, the Jackson 5, Mickey Gilley, She & Him, and Phil Collins.
The Miracles, the performers of this iconic song, comprised Smokey Robinson (lead vocal), Claudette Rogers Robinson (Smokey’s wife), Pete Moore, Ronnie White, and Bobby Rogers. The musical arrangement featured Marv Tarplin on guitar, accompanied by The Funk Brothers, renowned session musicians who provided backup for numerous Motown recordings.
Video
Lyric
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, tighterI 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)