About the song

**I’ll Turn to Stone** by The Four Tops is a classic soul song that has stood the test of time. Released in 1966, this track showcases the group’s signature harmonies and emotive vocals, making it a beloved favorite among music enthusiasts of all ages.

The Four Tops, consisting of Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence “Butch” Jones, emerged from Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1950s. Their sound, a blend of doo-wop, R&B, and soul, resonated with audiences and propelled them to stardom. The group’s ability to harmonize seamlessly and deliver heartfelt performances set them apart from their contemporaries.

“I’ll Turn to Stone” is a poignant ballad that explores the devastating effects of heartbreak. The song’s opening lines, “I’ll turn to stone, if you ever leave me,” immediately convey the depth of the narrator’s emotional turmoil. Stubbs’ powerful vocals capture the raw pain and vulnerability of a man who is utterly consumed by his love for another.

The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective. The instrumentation is stripped down, allowing the vocals to take center stage. The gentle rhythm and soulful melodies create a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics. The bridge, in which Stubbs sings, “I’ll be a fool, for loving you so,” adds a layer of self-doubt and regret to the narrative.

“I’ll Turn to Stone” is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the group’s exceptional vocal abilities, the song’s emotional depth, and its timeless melody. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Four Tops or discovering their music for the first time, this classic track is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Lyrics

You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
From the day that I learned your name
Everything’s been re-arranged
You came into my life like no one ever can, ooh my, my
Now you say the feelings have changed
That you’ve been hurt and loved once
And you don’t want to be hurt and loved again
But how could you put a hold on your heart
That’s when the hurt starts
That’s when the hurt starts, my, my
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
Why should I be judge by his mistakes?
Especially when there’re so much state, baby
Your heart, my heart falls apart
Oh, baby, baby, baby, that’s when the hurt starts
That’s when the hurt starts, my, my
Breaking up is such a hard thing to do
When you know you’ve got love that’s still true
It’s not fair to me, it’s not fair to you
Oh baby, baby, baby, baby, think it through
I want you to think it through, baby
I want you to think it through, baby
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love
Don’t you try it, you can’t deny it
You can’t hold back on love

By Tam Le