About the song
“You’re My Everything” is a timeless classic recorded by The Temptations in 1967 for Berry Gordy’s renowned Motown label. As a standout single from their album *The Temptations with a Lot o’ Soul*, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number three on the U.S. R&B chart and number six on the U.S. Pop chart. Its success further solidified The Temptations’ status as one of the leading groups of the Motown era, known for their harmonious vocals and emotionally resonant performances.
The song is notable for being one of the first tracks co-written by Motown songwriter Rodger Penzabene, who would go on to contribute to other memorable hits for the group. “You’re My Everything” also holds significance as the second A-side led by the smooth tenor voice of Eddie Kendricks, a key member of The Temptations whose falsetto vocals were a defining feature of the group’s sound. This track followed the 1966 hit “Get Ready,” marking another instance where Kendricks took the lead, with David Ruffin, the group’s primary lead singer at the time, providing a powerful contribution on the bridge and the song’s outro.
The single was paired with a B-side cover of The Miracles’ “I’ve Been Good to You,” also led by Kendricks. This release was unique in that both sides of the single charted, a rare achievement that underscored The Temptations’ versatility and broad appeal. The B-side reached number twenty-four on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 charts, further highlighting the group’s ability to resonate with audiences across different musical styles.
“You’re My Everything” has been covered by several artists over the years, including Gladys Knight & The Pips in 1968, Fred Hughes the same year, and Lloyd Charmers in 1974. These covers attest to the song’s enduring popularity and its impact on the soul and R&B genres.
For older and educated audiences, “You’re My Everything” represents a cherished piece of musical history, a reminder of the golden age of Motown and the incredible talents that defined it. The Temptations, with their impeccable harmonies and emotive delivery, captured the hearts of many with this song, making it a lasting favorite in their extensive catalog. The song’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and the group’s dynamic vocal interplay continues to resonate, proving that some songs truly stand the test of time.
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Lyrics
You surely must know magic, girl, ’cause you changed my life
It was dull and ordinary
But you made it sunny and bright
I, I was blessed the day I found you, gonna build my whole world around you
You’re ev’rything good, girl and you’re all that matters to me
When my way was dark and troubles were near
Your love provided the light so I couldn’t see, girl
Just knowing your love was near when times were bad
Kept the world from closing in on me, girl
I was blessed the day I found you, gonna build my whole world around you
You’re ev’rything good, girl and you’re all that matters to me
You’re part of ev’ry thought I think each day
Your name is in ev’ry phrase my lips say
Ev’ry dream I dream is about you
Honey I couldn’t live without you
Baby, baby, baby, you’re my ev’rything
You’re my ev’rything
Yes, you are, you’re my ev’rything
Girl, you’re the girl I sing about in ev’ry love song I sing
(You’re my everything)
You’re my winter, baby, my summer, my fall and spring
(You’re my everything)
I was blessed the day I found you, gonna build my whole world around you
You’re ev’rything good, girl and you’re all that matters to me
You’re my ev’rything
You’re my everything
You’re my ev’rything
You’re my everything
You’re my ev’rything
Oh, you’re my ev’rything
You’re my ev’rything
You’re my ev’rything