Among a number of groups who helped define the Motown Sound of the 1960s, including The Miracles, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Supremes, Four Tops were notable for having Stubbs, a baritone, as their lead singer; most groups of the time were fronted by a tenor. The group was the main male vocal group for the songwriting and production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who crafted for the group a stream of popular hit singles, including two #1 hits: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There". After Holland-Dozier-Holland left Motown in 1967, Four Tops were assigned to a number of producers, primarily Frank Wilson. When Motown left Detroit in 1972 to move to Los Angeles, California, the Tops stayed in Detroit and moved over to ABC Records, where they continued to have charting singles into the late-1970s. Since the 1980s, Four Tops have recorded for, at various times, Motown, Casablanca Records, and Arista Records.
It's All in the Game
Four Tops Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All in the wonderful game that we know as love
You have words with him and your future's looking dim
But these things, your hearts can rise above
Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet,with a sweet bouquet(with sweet bouquet)
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And your heart will fly away
Your heart will fly away
It's all in the game, game call love(all in the game, game call love)
All in the game, game call love
All in the game, game call love
The Four Tops song "It's All in the Game" is a poignant reflection on the ups and downs of love. The song begins by acknowledging the inevitability of heartbreak, with the line "Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game." However, the following lyrics suggest that despite the pain, love is still a "wonderful game." The refrain "All in the game, game called love" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the idea that love is a complex and unpredictable game with its own rules and challenges.
The second stanza explores the tension and insecurity that can arise when one's relationship is on the rocks. Communication breaks down ("You have words with him and your future's looking dim") and doubt sets in, leading to a sense of hopelessness. However, the chorus reminds us that these difficulties can be overcome: "But these things, your hearts can rise above."
The final stanza is a hopeful description of the joy of reunited love. Even when a partner seems distant or aloof, they will return with gifts and love to give. The image of being kissed and caressed suggests both physical and emotional intimacy, and the final lines describe the ecstatic feeling of having one's heart lift off the ground and "fly away." Overall, the song highlights the beauty and difficulty of love, and encourages us to embrace it despite its challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game
The ups and downs of love sometimes bring tears, but this is just part of the overall experience of love.
All in the wonderful game that we know as love
Love is a game full of twists and turns, but ultimately it is a wonderful thing to experience.
You have words with him and your future's looking dim
Sometimes arguments in a relationship can make you worry about what the future holds.
But these things, your hearts can rise above
Despite disagreements or doubts, a strong and committed relationship can overcome any obstacle.
Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Occasionally your significant other may not call or communicate, but this is just a small part of the bigger picture of love.
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet,with a sweet bouquet(with sweet bouquet)
Forgiveness and reconciliation are often part of the game of love, and a gesture like a bouquet of flowers can signify that things are back on track.
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
Physical affection can make your heart feel full and renewed after a rough patch.
And your heart, your heart will got to fly away
Love can make you feel light and free, like your heart is soaring.
It's all in the game, game call love(all in the game, game call love)
These fluctuations in emotions and experiences are what make up the excitement and complexity of love.
All in the game, game call love
Love is like a multifaceted game with its own set of rules and outcomes.
All in the game, game call love
The various ups and downs of love all fall under the umbrella of this greater game.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARLO KARGES, LISA DALBELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lynnecottam1043
Love this....I don’t care what anyone says,this definitely was the best era,and I’m so glad I was part of it 🥰
@briangoodwin5986
snap
@lukedavis-lu9zm
You got that perfectly right.
@warrenhudson9990
I might have to be in agreement
@lyndacathyleenstead1467
Yes a proud piece of history to cling too🎉🌹🙏
@almastevenson9559
New😢 songs they are great. Black people sing with passion. They are beautiful and busy with the music.
@gonegirl442
Levi Stubbs you were the greatest. What a voice. Four Tops are legends.
@michaelhyland1571
Had this played at my beautiful wife Marie's funeral service in December 2015 - our song - God bless you love, miss you for ever - Mike
@davidspence553
My condolences Mike.
@skyered123
Beautiful song. RIP.