When Smokey Sings
ABC Lyrics


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Debonair lullabies in melodies revealed
In deep despair or lonely nights
He knows just how you feel
The slyest rhymes, the sharpest suits
In miracles made real

Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
You know you're right just to hold her tight
He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
And every thing's good in the world tonight

When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
The front door might slam
But the back door it rings
And smokey sings, he sings

Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire
Should I say yes, I match his best
Then I would be a liar
Symphonies soothe the rage
When lovers hearts catch fire

Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
You know you're right just to hold her tight
He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
And every thing's good in the world tonight

When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything, yeah
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
Smashing the hell
With the heaven she brings
Then smokey sings, he sings
(But if he couldn't sing)

Luther croons
Sly's the original, originator
James screams
Marvin was the only innovator
But nothing can compare, nothing can compare
When smokey sings

When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
She threw back the ring
When smokey sings




Smokey sings
Smokey sings

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of ABC's "When Smokey Sings" are a tribute to Smokey Robinson, the legendary singer-songwriter and producer who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Motown in the 1960s. The song speaks to the power of Smokey's music to transport listeners to another place, offering solace and comfort in moments of despair, loneliness, or heartbreak. The first verse paints a picture of Smokey as a suave and stylish figure, whose music can work miracles and make everything right in the world - the "debonair lullabies in melodies revealed." The chorus, "When smokey sings, I hear violins. When smokey sings, I forget everything," captures the overwhelming emotional impact his music had on people. It's a universal feeling that anyone who has ever been moved by a song can relate to.


The second verse refers to the commercial appeal of Smokey's music, which was often marketed as being "for sale or rent or hire." The singer admits that if he tried to match Smokey's eloquence, he would be lying, suggesting the singer's talent is unmatched. The final lines of the verse reference the power of symphonies to soothe the soul, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. Again, the image is one of Smokey's music being a balm for the wounded spirit.


The bridge of the song acknowledges other great soul singers like Luther Vandross, Sly Stone, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye but concludes that "Nothing can compare when Smokey sings." This tribute points to the profound impact that Smokey Robinson had on the musical landscape, and how his music continues to resonate with people today.


Line by Line Meaning

Debonair lullabies in melodies revealed
When Smokey sings, his smooth and enchanting voice is like a lullaby that puts the listener in a trance.


In deep despair or lonely nights
He knows how to evoke emotions so that the listener is comforted during the darkest and loneliest times.


He knows just how you feel
His songs resonate with people because he understands their emotions and sings about the things they can relate to.


The slyest rhymes, the sharpest suits
Smokey Robinson's songs are a perfect blend of elegant and intelligent lyrics with suave style.


In miracles made real
He has the ability to make the impossible possible through his music.


Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
When listening to Smokey's music, the listener feels like they're flying, feeling the warmth on a sweet summer night.


You know you're right just to hold her tight
Smokey's songs make the listener want to hold their loved one tight and appreciate the present moment.


He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
Smokey's music has the power to smooth things out and make problems disappear.


And everything's good in the world tonight
His music creates a feeling of happiness and contentment, making everything seem perfect.


When Smokey sings, I hear violins
Smokey Robinson's voice has the power to create a romantic atmosphere, just like a symphony orchestra with violins.


When Smokey sings, I forget everything
His music can help a person forget their problems and focus on the beauty of the moment.


As she's packing her things
A woman is leaving the artist's life, indicating heartbreak or the end of a relationship.


As she's spreading her wings
She is now free to pursue her own happiness.


The front door might slam
The end of a relationship can be painful and over-dramatized with the slamming of doors.


But the back door it rings
Love can come back again, even after a bitter end.


And Smokey sings, he sings
Smokey provides comfort and hope to the artist during a difficult time.


Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire
Lyricism and smooth sophistication can be bought or sold, but Smokey's talent comes from within.


Should I say yes, I match his best
The singer admires Smokey's abilities and wonders if they could ever measure up.


Then I would be a liar
The singer realizes that trying to match Smokey's skills would be dishonest and inauthentic.


Symphonies soothe the rage
Music can calm one's anger or frustration and make them feel better.


When lovers hearts catch fire
When two lovers meet, passionate emotions ignite, and Smokey's music can capture and amplify that feeling.


Luther croons
Luther Vandross is a singer who can produce a powerful emotional response with his music.


Sly's the original, originator
Sly Stone, the leader of the funk rock band Sly and the Family Stone, is a musical pioneer in his own right.


James screams
James Brown's music is characterized by his high-energy and theatrical vocals.


Marvin was the only innovator
Marvin Gaye was a singer-songwriter and producer who revolutionized soul music and reinvented himself throughout his career.


But nothing can compare, nothing can compare
Smokey Robinson's music is unique, and no one can quite match his charm and sophistication.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK ANDREW WHITE, MARTIN DAVID FRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@TheLastOfTheFinest80

This song itself is proof of why the 80s is the greatest decade ever.

@Notworthy72

I agree!!

@slaughterhouse5585

Totally!

@aclark903

But it is a tribute to #60s #Motown production.

@GC0077

Fk yeah!!!

@erossinema8797

@A Clark Well the 1960s were incredible musically, as well.

61 More Replies...

@chrisluster8122

No cursing, no nudity, no vulgar lyrics... just awesome tuned and still SEXY. That's for ALL 80's tunes. Can't recreate this kind of music now in the 21st Century. Way TOO much chaos.

@clariesage7236

Not for all 80's tunes, that's a bit too nostalgic in memory.... there were some popular songs with vulgar lyrics

@trashyraccoon2615

Yeah, tons of 80s videos had scantily clad women. It’s actually LESS in fashion now than it was back then

@stephenpmurphy591

​@clariesage7236 C'mon comparing 80s music to 2022-23 music nooooooooo! WAP is tacky,a hooker who drugged her John's & robbed them is now glorified.

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