About the song
The Four Tops’ “When She Was My Girl” is a classic Motown anthem that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1967, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing the group’s exceptional vocal harmonies and their ability to blend elements of soul, pop, and R&B.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a catchy, upbeat rhythm and a driving bassline. The Four Tops’ vocals then come in, delivering the lyrics with a blend of passion and nostalgia. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, painting a vivid picture of a man reminiscing about a past relationship.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its falsetto chorus, in which the group’s lead singer, Levi Stubbs, soars effortlessly above the music. The chorus’s repetitive refrain, “When she was my girl, I had the world,” emphasizes the song’s central theme of longing and nostalgia.
The song’s production is impeccable, featuring a tight rhythm section, lush strings, and a brass section that adds a touch of soulfulness. The Four Tops’ harmonies are as tight as ever, with each member contributing their unique vocal style to the overall sound.
“When She Was My Girl” is a testament to the enduring power of music. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and exceptional vocals have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the Four Tops’ legacy and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
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Lyrics
She used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl
When she was my girlI held her near
Told her how much I cared
When she was my girl
When she was my girlWhen she was my girl
There was laughter and loving in my world
Everyday
When she was my girl
Oh what joy she would bring
Now I’ve lost everything
She’s gone, gone, gone, gone, goneI spend the night
Dreaming how she used to be
When she was my girl
When she was my girlWhen she was my girl
There was laughter and loving in my world
Yes it was
Cause she was my girl
Oh what joy she would bring
Now I’ve lost everything
She’s gone, the big red girl has goneShe used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl
When she was my girlShe, she, my girl
She’s so foxy cant you see
And this girl belongs to me
She’s my girl
When we walk down the street
I would tell everyone we meet
This is my girl