About the song
In the world of music, there are few acts that have managed to transcend time and trends, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. The Four Tops, a legendary American vocal group, is one such act that has been a staple of popular music for over five decades. With a career spanning multiple generations, the group has released countless hits that have become synonymous with the Motown sound. Among their many iconic songs, “When She Was My Girl” stands out as a testament to their enduring legacy.
Released in 1981, “When She Was My Girl” marked a significant milestone in the Four Tops’ career, as it was their first single released on Casablanca Records. The song’s impact was immediate, as it shot to the top of the charts, peaking at No. 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts. Internationally, the song reached No. 9 in Canada, No. 6 in New Zealand, and became their first top 10 hit in the UK in nine years, reaching No. 3.
This remarkable success can be attributed to the song’s infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and the group’s signature harmonies. The song’s lead vocals, delivered by Levi Stubbs and Renaldo “Obie” Benson, are a masterclass in vocal chemistry, while the background vocals by Abdul “Duke” Fakir and Lawrence Payton add depth and texture to the track. The song’s music contractor, Frank DeCaro, played a crucial role in shaping the song’s sound, which has become an unmistakable 80s flair.
The song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success, as it has become a beloved classic among fans of the group and Motown enthusiasts alike. In 2022, Bruce Springsteen recorded the song for his studio album, Only the Strong Survive, further cementing its place in music history. As we delve into the story behind “When She Was My Girl,” we’ll explore the song’s creation, its impact on the music industry, and its enduring legacy as a timeless classic.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the song’s history, its chart performance, and its impact on the music industry. We’ll also examine the song’s enduring legacy, including its influence on future generations of musicians and its continued popularity among fans today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Four Tops or just discovering their music, “When She Was My Girl” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
She used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl (my girl)
When she was my girlI held her near
Told her how much I cared
When she was my girl (my girl)
When she was my girlWhen she was my girl
There was laughter and loving in my world
Everyday
When she was my girl
Oh, what joy she would bring
Now I’ve lost everything
She’s gone, gone, gone, gone, goneI spend the night
Dreaming how she used to be
When she was my girl (my girl)
When she was my girlWhen she was my girl
There was laughter and loving in my world
Yes it was
‘Cause she was my girl
Oh, what joy she would bring
Now I’ve lost everything
She’s gone, the big red girl has goneShe used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl (my girl)
My girlShe, she, my girl
She’s so foxy, can’t you see
And this girl belongs to me
She’s my girl
When we walk down the street
I would tell everyone we meet
This is my girl
She, she, my girl