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.
Nature Planned It
Four Tops Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm comin', baby
(Na-na-na-na)
Do you know how long I'm dreamin'
Of a reason it grows?
You may ask me all these questions
But darling, no one knows
Don't ask me why; I just do
Do you ask the Lord who loves you?
Why He makes the sky clear blue
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it
We were meant, we were meant to stay together
It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Oh don't ask me how long I'll love you
When you're gone, my heart aches; I'll never never leave you
Girl, all my life, for you I'd wait 'cause it's the way
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it
We were meant, we were meant to stay together
It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Don't fight it, baby
I'm comin' girl
(Na-na-na-na)
It should be clear, I really love you
Don't ask me why I just do
'Cause it's the way (it's the way, it's the way mother nature planned it)
Like the stars & the sky & the beautiful heaven
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it
We were meant, we were meant to stay together)
Oh oh yeah, do you know why it rains?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Something no one can explain
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
We were meant, we were meant to stay together
Why does a flower grow?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Why does the river flow?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
We were meant, we were meant, we were meant to stay together
Why does it rain?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Why do I feel this way?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
The Four Tops’ song Nature Planned It is a romantic ballad about the power of love and how, like the natural world, it is something that is meant to be. The opening lyrics express the singer’s passion and determination to be with the person they love: “Baby, don't fight it / I'm comin', baby / (Na-na-na-na).” The following verses explore the mystery of love and the unexplainable force that draws two people together. The singer speaks of dreaming about a reason why they love this person and acknowledges that no one can truly understand love or its origins: “You may ask me all these questions / But darling, no one knows.”
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that their love is something that was meant to be, just like the way that nature has its own plan and purpose: “It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it / We were meant, we were meant to stay together.” The singer reinforces their commitment to their lover, promising to remain faithful and waiting for them no matter how long it takes: “Oh don't ask me how long I'll love you / When you're gone, my heart aches; I'll never never leave you / Girl, all my life, for you I'd wait 'cause it's the way.”
As a whole, Nature Planned It speaks to the universal theme of love and how it is something that cannot be explained or predicted. The song compares the power of love to the mysteries of the natural world, emphasizing that just like nature, love has its own purpose and plan.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, don't fight it
Don't resist this love that I have for you.
I'm comin', baby
(Na-na-na-na)
I am coming to you with all my love.
Do you know how long I'm dreamin'
Of a reason it grows?
You may ask me all these questions
But darling, no one knows
I have dreamed of finding love for a long time, but I cannot explain why my love for you has grown. No one knows the reasons for love.
It should be clear, I really love you
Don't ask me why; I just do
Do you ask the Lord who loves you?
Why He makes the sky clear blue
My love for you is clear. I cannot explain why I feel this way, just like you cannot ask God why the sky is blue.
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it
We were meant, we were meant to stay together
It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Our love and connection is natural and as intended by nature.
Oh don't ask me how long I'll love you
When you're gone, my heart aches; I'll never never leave you
Girl, all my life, for you I'd wait 'cause it's the way
My love for you is so strong that I will never leave you even when we are apart. I would wait for you forever because our love is natural.
Don't fight it, baby
I'm comin' girl
(Na-na-na-na)
Don't resist my love. I am coming to you with love.
Like the stars & the sky & the beautiful heaven
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it
We were meant, we were meant to stay together)
Our love, like the stars and the heavens, is natural and meant to be.
Oh oh yeah, do you know why it rains?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Something no one can explain
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Just like how nobody can explain why it rains, no one can explain why love and connection happens. It is natural and intended by nature.
Why does a flower grow?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Why does the river flow?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
We were meant, we were meant, we were meant to stay together
Why does it rain?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Why do I feel this way?
(It's the way, it's the way Nature planned it)
Our love is just like how nature functions. Nobody knows why a flower grows or why the river flows, just like nobody knows why we feel naturally connected to each other. It is all natural and intended by nature.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRANK EDWARD WILSON, PAMELA JOAN SAWYER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eddie Towles
Back in the day when music had a meaning and it was all about love. A Classic that is timeless for those who appreciate the sound of pure gold. By far my favorite of the Four Tops. I can play this song back to back and never get too much of it.
Keenan Hervey
Fact....👌🏿
Gail Brown
Love this song it's the way God planned it
Tina Davies
Even before levi starts to sing I get goosebumps, soooo in love with this man's vocals he just gets me everytime. Heaven must be booming with all the harmonies up there! R.i.p Mr Levi Stubbs.
Minnie Belton
HEAVEN AWAITS THE STARS RETURN... thats where they all are.. OKAY DARLINGS 😇💥7
Chris Haze
Facts
Corey Sheppard
I've always love this song, but as an adult I've learned to appreciate it even more. Fantastic recording
Ash26Ken13
Me too! 🤙😎
Angelo Mota
❤Ffq
acrucker
Another Masterpiece for future generations to enjoy. Thank you Four Tops!