After the success of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", the intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry Johnson.
With his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from The Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.
Jimmy Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".
In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Jimmy Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record.
In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to live in Britain, where he continued to perform successfully. In December 1984 he collaborated with Paul Weller of The Style Council for his benefit single "Soul Deep." This went under the name of The Council Collective.
Following the 2010 release of his album I Am My Brother's Keeper, Ruffin began writing and recording songs for a new album that was never issued.
In 2012, a compilation album entitled, "There Will Never Be Another You", including his hit songs "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted", and "Hold On To My Love" had been released.
In addition to his brother David Ruffin (deceased), Jimmy Ruffin had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
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'Cause a pretty face got the best of me.
Suddenly you came into my life
And gave it meaning and pure delight.
Now, good looks I've learned to do without
'Cause now I know it's love that really counts
I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Yeah yeah yeah,
Now, you speak your words warm and sincere
And let me know that your love is here.
A pretty face you many not possess
But what I like about you is your tenderness.
A pretty face may be some guys taste
But I'll take lovin' in its place,
'Cause I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah, yeah yeah.
Now, friends ask what do I see in you.
But it goes deeper than the eye can view.
You have a pleasing personality
And that's an ever lovin' rare quality.
Now, show me a girl, a girl that's fine
And I'll choose the one with true lovin' ev'ry time,
'Cause I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
So if you're lookin' for a lover
(Oh, yeah) don't judge a book by its cover.
(Oh yeah) She may be fine on the outside
(Oh yeah) but so untrue on the inside.
Jimmy Ruffin's song "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" is about love, beauty, and the true meaning of what makes someone attractive. Ruffin sings about the dangers of following superficial beauty and the importance of valuing inner beauty. He tells the story of how he was once in love with a pretty face but realized that love surpasses physical appearance, and he found true happiness with someone who had a beautiful personality.
The first verse talks about how his obsession with beauty led to heartbreak. He fell in love with a pretty face that ultimately led him to sadness. However, when he met someone who added meaning to his life, he realized that a person's looks don't define who they are. Ruffin emphasizes that real beauty is what's inside a person, and that's what counts the most.
In the second verse, Ruffin talks about his newfound love, explaining how she doesn't possess a pretty face, but she's kind and caring. He acknowledges that some men may prefer a woman with a pretty face, but he prefers someone that values love over looks. He unapologetically states that he knows beauty's only skin deep, and true beauty lies beyond that.
The final verse is about how people judge based on appearances alone when choosing a potential partner. However, appearances can be deceiving, and a pleasing personality is a rare and ever-loving quality found in someone. He concludes with the message that one should not judge a book by its cover when looking for love.
Line by Line Meaning
So in love, sad as could be
I am deeply in love, however, I am sad due to the fact that I was initially taken in by a pretty face.
'Cause a pretty face got the best of me.
Although I fell in love, outward beauty had a negative hold on me.
Suddenly you came into my life
You unexpectedly entered my life.
And gave it meaning and pure delight.
My life has become more meaningful and enjoyable because of you.
Now, good looks I've learned to do without
I have realized that good looks are not a necessity.
'Cause now I know it's love that really counts
I have come to understand that true value lies in love.
I know beauty's only skin deep.
I understand that outward appearance is superficial.
Now, you speak your words warm and sincere
Your words are kind and genuine.
And let me know that your love is here.
Your actions and words have proven your love for me.
A pretty face you many not possess
While you may not have a conventional pretty face,
But what I like about you is your tenderness.
I love that you are gentle and kind.
A pretty face may be some guys taste
There may be some men who place too much emphasis on looks.
But I'll take lovin' in its place,
Personally, I prefer love over looks.
Now, friends ask what do I see in you.
My friends are curious about why I love you.
But it goes deeper than the eye can view.
However, my love for you cannot be determined by outward appearance.
You have a pleasing personality
Your personality is attractive.
And that's an ever lovin' rare quality.
Your personality is a rare and valuable trait.
Now, show me a girl, a girl that's fine
If presented with an attractive woman,
And I'll choose the one with true lovin' ev'ry time,
I will always choose the one with genuine love, every time.
So if you're lookin' for a lover (Oh, yeah) don't judge a book by its cover.
If you are searching for love, do not judge someone solely on their appearance.
(Oh yeah) She may be fine on the outside (Oh yeah) but so untrue on the inside.
She may be physically attractive, but her inner qualities hold more importance.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Physical beauty is superficial.
Yeah yeah yeah.
This phrase serves as a repeating chorus throughout the song.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: IKE TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind