About the song
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” is a classic 1966 hit single by the Temptations, released under Motown Records’ Gordy label. Produced by the renowned Norman Whitfield and written by Whitfield in collaboration with Edward Holland Jr., the song has since become one of the most iconic tracks in the Motown catalog. It showcases the Temptations’ signature blend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals, and the distinctive Motown sound that defined an era.
The song reached number 13 on the Billboard Pop Chart and dominated the Billboard R&B charts, where it held the number one spot for an impressive eight non-consecutive weeks. This commercial success was particularly significant given that it followed the relatively underwhelming performance of the Temptations’ previous single, “Get Ready.” The contrasting success of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” was pivotal, as it led to Norman Whitfield replacing Smokey Robinson as the Temptations’ main producer. Whitfield’s dynamic approach would go on to shape the group’s sound throughout the late 1960s and beyond, solidifying their place in music history.
The journey of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” to the top of the charts was not without its challenges. During Motown’s famous Friday morning Quality Control meetings—where potential singles were evaluated—Whitfield’s initial versions of the song were rejected twice. Berry Gordy, Motown’s founder, felt that the song was strong but lacked a compelling narrative. Determined to perfect the track, Whitfield arranged David Ruffin’s lead vocal just above his natural range, pushing Ruffin to strain his voice through multiple takes to hit the high notes. The result was a raw, emotionally charged performance that became a defining characteristic of the song. Ruffin’s effort during the recording session left him drenched in sweat, a testament to the intensity and commitment that went into creating this timeless hit.
Despite the enthusiasm of both the Temptations and Whitfield, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” faced stiff competition from another Temptations track, “Get Ready,” produced by Smokey Robinson. When both songs were presented at the same Quality Control meeting, “Get Ready” was chosen for release, much to Whitfield’s frustration. However, Berry Gordy offered a compromise, promising that “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” would be the next single if “Get Ready” failed to break into the Top 20 on the Billboard Pop Chart. When “Get Ready” fell short of this mark, Whitfield’s song was finally released, and it quickly proved to be a major hit.
The success of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” not only marked a turning point in the Temptations’ career but also in Motown’s evolution, as it signaled a shift toward a grittier, more intense sound in their music. The song’s legacy has been further cemented by notable covers, including those by the Rolling Stones in 1974 and Rick Astley in 1989, each bringing their own interpretation to the track.
In 2004, the song was ranked number 94 in the American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Songs” poll, largely due to its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film “The Big Chill.” This enduring recognition underscores the song’s lasting impact on both the music industry and popular culture.
For those who appreciate the rich history of Motown and the soulful artistry of the Temptations, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” remains a powerful reminder of the era’s musical brilliance. Its story of persistence, both in its production and its lyrical content, continues to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved classic that stands the test of time.
Video
Lyrics
I know you wanna leave me
But I refuse to let you go
If I have to beg and plead for your sympathy
I don’t mind, ’cause you mean that much to me
Ain’t too proud to beg and you know it (sweet darlin’)
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me, girl (don’t you go)
Now I heard a cryin’ man
Is half a man, with no sense of pride
But if I have to cry to keep you
I don’t mind weepin’ if it’ll keep you by my side
Ain’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
If I have to sleep on your doorstep
All night and day
Just to keep you from walkin’ away
Let your friends laugh, even this I can stand
‘Cause I wanna keep you, any way I can
Ain’t too proud to beg (sweet darlin’)
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
Now I’ve gotta love so deep, in the pit of my heart
And each day it grows more and more
I’m not ashamed to come, and plead to you baby
If pleadin’ keeps you from, walkin’ out that door
Ain’t too proud to beg and you know it (sweet darlin’)
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby (sweet darling’)