Title: When She Was My Girl
Artist: Four Tops
Release Date: July 1981
Album: Tonight! (1981)
Writers: Larry Weiss, Sandy Linzer
Genre: Soul, R&B
Chart Performance:
- “When She Was My Girl” reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981.
- The song became one of the Four Tops’ later hits, showcasing their ability to adapt to evolving musical styles.
Musical Style:
- “When She Was My Girl” is characterized by a smooth blend of soul and R&B, reflecting the sound of the early 1980s.
- The arrangement incorporates lush instrumentation, including strings and horns, while maintaining the classic Four Tops vocal harmonies.
Songwriting and Composition:
- Written by Larry Weiss and Sandy Linzer, the song captures the essence of romantic nostalgia.
- The lyrics reflect on the singer’s feelings of longing and reminiscence for a past love, providing a poignant narrative.
Cultural Impact:
- “When She Was My Girl” marked the Four Tops’ return to commercial success in the early 1980s and introduced their classic sound to a new generation of listeners.
- The song demonstrated the group’s enduring appeal and versatility in adapting to contemporary R&B trends.
Usage in Media:
- While not as extensively featured in media as some of their earlier hits, “When She Was My Girl” has been included in compilations and retrospectives of the Four Tops’ discography.
- The song’s timeless theme of love and heartache continues to resonate with audiences.
Legacy:
- “When She Was My Girl” remains a notable entry in the Four Tops’ catalog, representing their ability to navigate changing musical landscapes.
- The song’s success in the 1980s affirmed the group’s status as one of Motown’s enduring and influential acts.
In summary, “When She Was My Girl” by the Four Tops is a soulful ballad that marked a successful return for the group in the early 1980s. With its lush arrangement, emotive vocals, and nostalgic lyrics, the song stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of the Four Tops’ musical legacy.
She used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl
When she was my girl
I held her near
Told her how much I cared
When she was my girl
When she was my girl
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
I spend the night
Dreaming how she used to be
When she was my girl
When she was my girl
When 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 gone
She used to be
Everything to me
When she was my girl
When she was my girl
She, 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