About The Song
You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me was written by Smokey Robinson, the song became a Top 10 hit for The Miracles in 1962. It’s recognized as one of their most covered tunes, receiving accolades such as a Grammy Hall of Fame Award and selection for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The lyrics depict a complex emotional struggle, with Robinson expressing conflicting feelings towards a love interest. Lines like “I don’t like you, but I love you” reveal the depth of this emotional conflict.
“You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” portrays a scenario where despite mistreatment by the love interest, the protagonist remains devoted. Smokey Robinson wrote the song during negotiations in New York City, drawing from personal experiences of love and adversity. With its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, the song continues to resonate with audiences, exemplifying the enduring influence of Motown music.
Lyrics
I don't like you
But I love you
Seems that I'm always
Thinking of you
Oh, oh, oh
You treat me badly
I love you madly
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
Baby
I don't want you
But I need you
Don't want to kiss you
But I need to
Oh, oh, oh
You do me wrong now
My love is strong now
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
Baby
I love you and all I want you to do
Is just hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Tighter
Tighter
I want to leave you
Don't want to stay here
Don't want to spend
Another day here
Oh, oh, oh, I want to split now
I can't quit now
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
Baby
I love you and all I want you to do
Is just hold me (please)
Hold me (squeeze)
Hold me, hold me
You've really got a hold on me
(You've really got a hold on me)
I said you've really got a hold on me
(I said you've really got a hold on me)
You know you've really got hold on me
(You know you've really got a hold on me)