Mary Wells – You Beat Me To The Punch

Introduction to “You Beat Me To The Punch” by Mary Wells

Mary Wells, a pioneering figure in the Motown era, delivered a timeless classic with her 1962 hit, “You Beat Me To The Punch”. This infectious tune, penned by songwriting duo Holland-Dozier-Holland, showcases Wells’s dynamic vocal abilities and her ability to convey heartfelt emotions through her music.

Background

“You Beat Me To The Punch” is a quintessential example of early-1960s soul music, characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Wells’s powerful, soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet realization of being second best.

Wells’s delivery is both vulnerable and assertive, capturing the emotional turmoil of the protagonist who has been outdone by a rival in the pursuit of love.

The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, featuring a driving bassline, energetic drums, and a soulful horn section. Wells’s vocal performance is a highlight, as she effortlessly transitions between soulful ballads and energetic uptempo sections.

Her voice is filled with emotion and conviction, making the song’s message all the more impactful.

“You Beat Me To The Punch” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s popularity helped to establish Wells as a leading figure in the Motown scene, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

That day
I first saw you passing by
I wanted
To know your name, but I was much too shy

But I was looking at you so hard
Until you must’ve had a hunch
So you came up to me and asked me my name

You beat me to the punch that time (you beat me to the punch)
You beat me to the punch, oh-oh-oh-oh (you beat me to the punch)
You beat me to the punch (you beat me to the punch)

Oh-oh-oh, after
I hadn’t known you for it seems like a long, long time
I wanted
Wanted to ask you, would you please, please be mine

Whenever you came around, my heart would pound
So you must have had a hunch
So you came up to me and asked me to be yours

You beat me to the punch one more time (you beat me to the punch)
You beat me to the punch, oh-oh-oh-oh (you beat me to the punch)
You beat me to the punch, yeah (you beat me to the punch)

Since I love you, I thought you would be true
And love me tender
So I let my heart surrender
To you, yes, I did
But I found out beyond a doubt
One day, boy, you were a playboy
Who would go away and leave me blue