♫ I Second That Emotion ♫

Posted on by under Bits 'n Pieces, music, music history

I was craving some Motown tonight, but I hate to keep playing the same ones over and over … I know you guys get bored with it, even though I never do.  Anyway, long story short, I went in search of some that I haven’t played here yet and found a great one!

Originally by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, this one has kind of a fun beginning.  According to what Smokey wrote in his autobiography, he and Motown producer Al Cleveland were out shopping at Hudson’s, a Detroit department store. Robinson found a set of pearls for his wife, Claudette. “They’re beautiful.” he said to the salesperson. “I sure hope she likes them.” Cleveland then added “I second that emotion.” Both songwriters laughed at Cleveland’s malapropism; he had meant to say “I second that motion.”  And that was the sole inspiration for the song … isn’t it funny how some of these songs started out?

According to SongFacts …

Robinson and Cleveland wrote a third verse for this song, which pushed the length to 3:15. Acutely aware that songs longer than 3 minutes were often denied airplay, Motown head Berry Gordy had them eliminate the verse and bring the song down to 2:38, which was much more palatable for radio programmers. Robinson was OK with altering the song, as he had tremendous respect for Gordy’s judgment and wanted the song to be a hit. He felt that he could tell a story in a song in whatever time he was allotted – even under 3 minutes.

This was released in 1967 and covered two years later in a collaborative by The Supremes and The Temptations.  I’m playing both versions here, though predictably, Smokey’s is my favourite!  I’m playing the studio version of his, for while I love seeing Smokey and the Miracles perform, the sound quality of the studio version is so much better.

Smokey & the Miracles’ version charted at #2 in Canada, #4 in the U.S., and #27 in the UK, while the Supremes/Temptations version charted at #2 in the UK, #20 in Iceland, and not at all in Canada or the U.S. as best I can find.

I Second That Emotion

Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

Maybe you’ll wanna give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat
And maybe you’ll go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse that none at all

Oh, little girl, in that case I don’t want no part
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin’ me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion, oh

Maybe you’ll think that love would tie you down
And you don’t have the time to hang around
Or maybe you think that love was made for fools
And so it makes you wise to break the rules

Oh, little girl, in that case I don’t want no part
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin’ me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion

Oh, oh
Oh, oh

Oh, little girl, in that case I don’t want no part
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin’ me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
(Oh, little girl, I second that emotion)
(Oh)

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Alfred Cleveland / William Robinson Jr.

I Second That Emotion (Original Artist Re-recording) lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Discover more from Filosofa's Word

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

33 thoughts on “♫ I Second That Emotion ♫”

  2. Smokey for me too. I love the Supremes, but hearing the two versions, the simpler version of Smokey’s has much more appeal. The other night I watched a fascinating documentary on the history of Motown. So many familiar ~ and great~ songs, however I never understood the full history before.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Agreed! The Supremes were great and they had many that forever live in my memory and heart, but Smokey owns this one! I must go in search of that documentary! I absolutely love Motown … it’s always my ‘go-to’ source when I need a pick-me-up!

      Like

  7. Pingback: ♫ I Second That Emotion ♫ | Filosofa’s Word | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

    • 🎈Happy 153rd Birthday, Dear Carolyn!!! 🎈 I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner that it was your birthday … I thought I had it in my calendar, but apparently not! 153!!! WOW … I can’t imagine! And you look great for your age!!! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

        • I had to remind Betsy after reading Tippy’s post and she turned red in the face with embarrassment that she had forgotten such an important date! No, I don’t think people will forget … and should it begin to fade, I’m sure Tippy will remind us! 🤣

          Like

        • I like Michael Jackson’s music, but am somewhat offput by his behaviour. Still, that shouldn’t take away from his musical talent. And I really enjoy watching videos of the Jackson Five when Michael was just a little dude! 😊

          Liked by 1 person

          • He was so cute, and had such a hard childhood. I am not surprised that he did everything to avoid looking like his father. And it is understandable, that when you never went through all the stages of childhood and youth something gets stuck in you that you cannot catch up with anymore, no matter how hard you try.

            Like

Comments are closed.