About the song
In the pantheon of Motown’s most iconic recordings, few songs have stood the test of time quite like “I Can’t Help Myself”. Written and produced by the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland team, this 1965 single by the Four Tops has become an enduring anthem of love and desire, captivating audiences for generations with its infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and the inimitable vocals of lead singer Levi Stubbs.
Released on the Motown label, “I Can’t Help Myself” was a game-changer for the Four Tops, catapulting them to the top of the charts and cementing their status as one of the most beloved and respected vocal groups of the 1960s. The song’s success was nothing short of phenomenal, topping the Billboard R&B chart for nine weeks and reaching No.1 on the Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks, a feat that solidified its place as one of the decade’s biggest hits.
With its catchy, upbeat rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, “I Can’t Help Myself” has become a staple of popular culture, inspiring countless covers and adaptations over the years. From its original release to its enduring presence in modern advertising and popular culture, this song remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of Motown’s music and the Four Tops’ unique sound.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history and composition of “I Can’t Help Myself”, exploring the song’s creation, its impact on the music industry, and its enduring legacy as a beloved classic of American popular music.
Composition and Reception
The song’s composition is a masterclass in Motown’s signature sound, with a melodic and chordal progression that echoes the Supremes’ 1964 hit “Where Did Our Love Go”. According to AllMusic critic Ed Hogan, the title “I Can’t Help Myself” is an oblique acknowledgment by Dozier that he could not resist recycling his previous hit.
The song’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, with Billboard describing it as a “spirited, fast-paced wailer performed in [the Four Tops’] unique style.” Cash Box praised the song as “a rollicking hand-clappin’ thumper about a fella who is delighted ’cause he’s head-over-heels with the gal of his dreams.” Record World predicted that the song would “help themselves right up the charts with this grinding number about love.”
Legacy and Impact
Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song at No.483 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, a testament to its enduring influence and popularity. The song has been covered extensively since its release, including versions done for several television commercials. In 2019, Applebee’s used the song for one of their advertisements, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the song’s personnel, instrumentation, and production, as well as its impact on the music industry and its enduring legacy as a beloved classic of American popular music.
Video
Lyrics
Ooh, sugar pie, honey bunch
You know that I love you
I can’t help myself
I love you and nobody else
In and out my life (in and out my life)
You come and you go (you come and you go)
Leaving just your picture behind (ooh-ooh)
And I’ve kissed it a thousand times (ooh-ooh)
When you snap your finger or wink your eye
I come a-running to you
I’m tied to your apron strings (I can’t help myself)
And there’s nothing that I can do, ooh
I can’t help myself (ooh-ooh)
No, I can’t help myself, oh
Sugar pie, honey bunch (sugar pie, honey bunch)
I’m weaker than a man should be
I can’t help myself
I’m a fool in love, you see
Wanna tell you I don’t love you
Tell you that we’re through, and I tried
But every time I see your face (can’t help myself)
I get all choked up inside
When I call your name, girl, it starts to flame
(Burning in my heart, tearing it all apart)
No matter how I try
My love, I cannot hide
‘Cause sugar pie, honey bunch (sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I’m waiting for you (waiting for you)
Can’t help myself
I love you and nobody else, ooh
Sugar pie, honey bunch (sugar pie, honey bunch)
Do anything you ask me to (ask me to)
Can’t help myself
I want you and nobody else, ooh
Sugar pie, honey bunch (sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I love you (love you)
Can’t help myself
No, I can’t help myself, ooh
Sugar pie, honey bunch (sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I love you