The Four Tops: A Timeless Ballad of Lost Love
The Four Tops have long held a revered position in the pantheon of soul music. Their harmonious blend of voices and their ability to convey raw emotion have made them enduring icons.
Background
Released in 1981 as part of the album Tonight!, the song marked a significant departure from the group’s earlier Motown sound.
While the Four Tops had always excelled in delivering soulful ballads, “When She Was My Girl” unveiled a more mature and introspective side to their artistry. The track, penned by Larry Gottlieb and Marc Blatte, resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a number-one R&B hit and a Top 10 pop success.
The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity. It is a stripped-down ballad, relying heavily on the power of the vocal performance and the evocative lyrics.
The arrangement is understated, allowing the vocal harmonies of Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton to take center stage. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a rich, soulful tapestry that is both comforting and heartbreaking.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
She used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl, um hm
When she was my girl[Verse 2]
I held her near
Told her how much I cared
When she was my girl, um hm
When she was my girl[Chorus]
When 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, gone[Verse 3]
I spend the night
Dreaming how she used to be
When she was my girl
When she was my girl