About the song
“Being with You,” the iconic 1981 hit by Smokey Robinson, resonates as a timeless testament to love’s allure and heartache. Rising to prominence during the spring of ’81, this soulful ballad held sway over charts worldwide, capturing the essence of Robinson’s lyrical prowess and melodic charm.
Smokey Robinson, already a legend in the music industry as a founding member of The Miracles and a prolific songwriter, embarked on a solo career that showcased his distinctive voice and unparalleled songwriting finesse. “Being with You” emerged as the centerpiece of his Gold-certified album of the same name, catapulting Robinson to new heights of solo success.
The song’s journey to the top was meteoric. It soared to number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart in the United States, maintaining its reign for an impressive five weeks. On the Billboard Hot 100, it reached a commendable second place, narrowly edged out by Kim Carnes’ ubiquitous hit “Bette Davis Eyes.” This marked Robinson’s highest solo chart position on the Billboard pop charts, solidifying his enduring influence across genres.
Internationally, “Being with You” achieved equal acclaim, clinching the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart. Robinson’s crossover appeal was further underscored by the release of a Spanish version titled “Aqui Con Tigo,” demonstrating his ability to connect with diverse audiences on a global scale.
The song’s narrative is enriched by an intriguing backstory. As recounted by Casey Kasem on American Top 40, “Being with You” found itself in a poignant tussle with Kim Carnes’ chart-topper. Remarkably, Robinson had originally penned a song for Carnes, inspired by her rendition of his earlier hit “More Love.” Yet, fate intervened when Robinson’s producer convinced him to record the song himself, leading to the ironic twist where Robinson’s own rendition vied for supremacy against Carnes’ reigning hit.
“Being with You” endures as a testament to Robinson’s enduring artistry and the universal themes of love and longing. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, affirming its place in the pantheon of classic love songs. As Smokey Robinson croons about the joys and complexities of being with someone special, his voice transcends time, inviting audiences to embrace the enduring magic of love.
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Lyrics
I don’t care what they think about me
And I don’t care what they say
I don’t care what they think
If you’re leaving, I’m gonna beg you to stay
I don’t care if they start to avoid me
I don’t care what they do
I don’t care about anything else
But being with you, being with you
Honey don’t go, don’t leave this scene
Be out of the picture and off of the screen
Don’t let them say, “We told you so”
They tell me you’ll love me and then let me go
I’ve heard the warning voice from friends and my relations
They tell me all about your heartbreak reputation
I don’t care what they think about me
And I don’t care what they say, no
I don’t care what they think
If you’re leaving, I’m gonna beg you to stay
I don’t care if they start to avoid me
I don’t care what they do
I don’t care about anything else
But being with you, being with you
People can change, they always do
Haven’t they noticed the changes in you?
Or can it be that like love, I am blind?
Do I want it so much ’til it’s all in my mind?
One thing I know for sure is really, really real
I never felt before the way you make me feel
I don’t care what they think about me
And I don’t care what they say
I don’t care what they think
If you’re leaving, I’m gonna beg you to stay
I don’t care if they start to avoid me
I don’t care what they do
I don’t care about anything else
But being with you, being with you
Being with you, being with you
I don’t care about anything else
But being with you, being with you
I wanna be with you
I don’t care if they start to avoid me
I don’t care what they do