About the song
The iconic sounds of Philadelphia soul, a genre that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. And what better way to experience the essence of this legendary era than with the O’Jays’ groundbreaking album, Back Stabbers? Released in August 1972 on Philadelphia International Records, this studio album marked a significant turning point in the group’s career, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Pop Albums chart and selling over 500,000 copies within a year of its release.
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Back Stabbers was a labor of love for the O’Jays, who poured their hearts and souls into every track. The album’s title track, “Back Stabbers,” was a game-changer, hitting #1 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 1, 1972. The following year, the album itself was certified Gold by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Back Stabbers has since become a landmark album of early 1970s soul, with critics hailing it as “the pinnacle of Philly soul.” In 2012, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album #318 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, a testament to its lasting impact on the music world. The album has also been voted #754 in the third edition of Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums, a further testament to its enduring influence.
This album is a must-listen for fans of Philadelphia soul and classic R&B, offering a glimpse into the O’Jays’ unique sound and style. With its smooth harmonies, infectious rhythms, and nostalgic charm, Back Stabbers is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day. So sit back, relax, and let the smooth sounds of the O’Jays transport you back to a bygone era of music magic.
Video
Lyrics
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
(They smilin’ in your face)
All the time, they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
All you fellas who have someone and you really care, yeah, yeah
Then it’s all of you fellas who better beware, yeah, yeah
Somebody’s out to get your lady
A few of your buddies, they sure look shady
The blades are long, clenched tight in their fists
Aimin’ straight at your back
And I don’t think they’ll miss
All the time, they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
I keep gettin’ all these visits from my friends, yeah, what they doin’ to me?
They come to my house again and again and again and again, yeah
So are they there to see my woman?
I don’t even be home but they just keep on comin’
What can I do to get on the right track?
I wish they’d take some of these knives out my back
All the time, they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
Ha, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, low down, dirty
Smilin’ faces smilin’ faces sometimes tell lies (back stabbers)
(They smilin’ in your face)
I don’t need low down, dirty bastards (back stabbers)
down, down, down, down, down
Down, down, down, down, down, down, down (back stabbers)
(They smilin’ in your face) might be your neighbor
Your next door neighbor, yeah (back stabbers)