During their tenure at Motown from 1962 to 1967, Dozier and Brian Holland were the composers and producers for each song, and Eddie Holland wrote the lyrics and arranged the vocals.
When the trio left Motown, they continued to work as a production team (with Eddie Holland being added to the producer credits), and as a songwriting team until about 1974. The trio was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. On May 13, 2003, Holland-Dozier-Holland were honored as BMI Icons at the 51st BMI Pop Awards. Longtime BMI songwriters, Brian Holland affiliated with the performing rights organization in 1960, followed by Lamont Dozier in 1961 and Eddie Holland in 1963. They have won countless BMI Awards in the past, including BMI Pop Awards and Million-Air citations.
Take Me With You
Holland-Dozier-Holland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't leave me, don't leave me
Darlin', take me with you wherever you go
Don't leave me, don't leave me
All our lives through thick and thin, we've been so involved
Whatever problems we have, the two of us will solve
Now you want to go away and leave me by myself
But darlin', take me with you wherever you go
Let's go together, together
Darlin', take me with you wherever you go
Don't leave me, don't leave me
You need a woman by your side that believes in you
It can only make you stronger to face what's ahead of you
'Cause if something should go wrong if plans don't succeed
I should be right there in your time of need
Darlin', take me with you wherever you go
Don't leave me, don't leave me
Darlin', take me with you wherever you go
Let's go together (Don't leave me)
Don't make me live my life from day to day
Wondering how you are while you're miles away
Why can't you understand that you're a part of me
Without you, my whole world would surely seems to be
You say the life you lead would be so hard
And you will send for me when you'll make a start
But did we made it through the years this far together?
And I don't wanna live without you, never
Darlin', I'm begging, take me with you wherever you go
Don't leave me, don't leave me
Darlin', take me with you wherever you go
Let's go together (Don't leave me), I'm begging
Darlin, take me with you wherever you go
Don't leave me, don't leave me
The song "Take Me With You" by Holland-Dozier-Holland expresses feelings of fear, insecurity, and desperation from the perspective of someone pleading to be taken along on a journey. The lyrics convey a deep sense of attachment and reliance on the presence of the other person. The singer is reluctant to be left behind, as they believe they are an integral part of their partner's life.
The song begins with the repeated plea, "Darlin', take me with you wherever you go, don't leave me." This repetition emphasizes the singer's desperation and their desire to remain connected in all aspects of their partner's life. They have shared a close bond throughout their lives, solving problems and facing challenges together. However, now the partner wants to venture out alone, to discover themselves or pursue personal aspirations. The singer expresses their fear of being left behind, fearing the unknown and the consequences of their partner's absence.
The lyrics also speak to the partner's need for support and companionship. The singer believes that by staying together, they can strengthen each other. They understand that life can be unpredictable, and they want to be there to help in case things go wrong. They emphasize their devotion and reliance on the partner, highlighting the belief that their absence would deeply impact their world.
Line by Line Meaning
Darlin', take me with you wherever you go
I want to be by your side no matter where you go or what you do
Don't leave me, don't leave me
Please don't abandon me, don't go away without me
All our lives through thick and thin, we've been so involved
We have been deeply connected and involved with each other throughout our entire lives, no matter the challenges we faced
Whatever problems we have, the two of us will solve
We have always found ways to overcome any issues or challenges we encounter by working together
Now you want to go away and leave me by myself
But now you want to leave me alone and face the world on your own
Because you feel the need to try and find yourself
Because you feel the urge to discover your true self and explore your own identity
You need a woman by your side that believes in you
You require a supportive partner who has unwavering faith in your abilities and supports your goals
It can only make you stronger to face what's ahead of you
Having someone who believes in you will only strengthen you as you confront the challenges that lie ahead
'Cause if something should go wrong if plans don't succeed
Because if something goes awry or your plans don't work out as expected
I should be right there in your time of need
I will be there to support and stand by you during difficult times
Let's go together, together
Let's face the world and journey through life as a team, united and inseparable
You say the life you lead would be so hard
You express that the path you have chosen to follow will be challenging and demanding
And you will send for me when you'll make a start
You promise to call for me once you have taken the first steps in your new journey
But did we made it through the years this far together?
But haven't we managed to navigate through all the years of our lives as a team until now?
And I don't wanna live without you, never
And I don't want to imagine a life without you, not even for a moment
Don't make me live my life from day to day
Please don't make me endure each day, uncertain of how you are or where you are
Wondering how you are while you're miles away
Constantly worrying and wondering about your well-being while you are physically distant
Why can't you understand that you're a part of me
Why can't you comprehend that you are an essential and irreplaceable part of who I am?
Without you, my whole world would surely seem to be
Without you, my entire world would feel empty and devoid of meaning
Darlin', I'm begging, take me with you wherever you go
My dear, I implore you to bring me along with you, no matter where your path takes you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: DAVID COVERDALE, MICK MOODY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DetroitLives313
Eddie was a beast! Great Songwriter and superb vocalist! Gone Man!
@themofc
spent 28 years on the radio, and am ashamed to say i've never heard this version...heard KIM WESTON'S...i hear the elements of the backing vocals and the arrangement and Tom Johnston and The Doobie Brothers pay a respectful tribute with their hit. how very cool. They are way overdue for induction in to the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. this is GOLD. thanks for letting a fan hear the influence.
@jerryj920
Oct.30th: Happy birthday Singer-songwriter Edward "Eddie" Holland Jr....part of the legendary songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Thank you and God bless. Thanks for the upload, Gilles Pilon. Blessings
@stefmagura
Two years after hearing this, I still think this is the best version of this song, although the Kim Weston is close. I'm glad to see that a compilation of his work as a singer is being released. :)
@andyinoregon
Superb posting, mapo. Eddie's original is certainly the template for The Doobie Brother's 1975 cover. Amazing production values for a 1964 recording.
@wally1435
Eddie was such a wonderful singer & this track is further proof! Thanks for sharing.
@tiffinmeister
Loved Kim Weston's version. This is brilliant too. What a voice.
@tony1uk2000
Now this is an Xcellent tune,gets me what a song.
@TheProhetess
He's a blessed and highly favored. He would bring flowers on my Birth Angel
@Nealo81
Great song, great arrangement, great vocal performance, and great performances from all of the session players. This is where it's at.