Ain't Too Proud to Beg
KITCHEN - The Temptations Lyrics


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I know you wanna leave me
But I refuse to let you go
If I have to beg, plead for your sympathy
I don't mind 'cause you mean that much to me

Ain't too proud to beg and you know it
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)

Now I've heard a cryin' man is half a man
With no sense of pride
But if I have to cry to keep you, I don't mind weepin'
If it'll keep you by my side

Ain't too proud to beg, sweet darlin'
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)

If I have to sleep on your doorstep all night and day
Just to keep you from walkin' away
Let your friends laugh, even this I can stand
'Cause I wanna keep you any way I can

Ain't too proud to beg, sweet darlin'
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)

Now I've got a love so deep in the pit of my heart
And each day it grows more and more
I'm not ashamed to call and plead to you, baby
If pleading keeps you from walking out that door

Ain't too proud to beg and you know it
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)





Baby, baby, baby (sweet darlin')
Please don't leave me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by The Temptations capture a desperate plea from a person who is deeply in love and is afraid of losing their partner. The singer acknowledges that their partner wants to leave them, but they are not ready to give up without a fight. The refusal to let go shows the intensity of their feelings and the lengths they are willing to go to keep the relationship intact. The offer to beg and plead for sympathy demonstrates a sense of vulnerability and humility, emphasizing the significant value the partner holds in their life.


The repetition of "Ain't too proud to beg" and "Please don't leave me, girl" throughout the song emphasizes the urgency and desperation in the singer's words. Despite societal expectations of maintaining pride and dignity, the singer is willing to set aside these norms in order to save the relationship. The reference to a crying man being perceived as lacking pride further highlights the internal struggle the singer is facing, torn between societal expectations and their deep emotions for their partner.


The lyrics also depict a sense of sacrifice and dedication as the singer expresses a willingness to endure hardship to prevent their partner from leaving. The imagery of sleeping on the doorstep day and night and enduring the ridicule of friends showcases the singer's determination and unwavering commitment to keeping their significant other by their side. This selfless devotion illustrates the depth of love and the extent to which the singer is willing to go to maintain the relationship.


The final verses of the song delve into the profound love that the singer harbors in their heart and their willingness to openly express their emotions and vulnerability. The repeated plea for the partner not to leave, coupled with the declaration of growing love each day, conveys a sense of desperation and genuine emotional turmoil. The repeated calls for the partner not to leave underscore the raw emotion and fear of abandonment that the singer is grappling with, as they plead for the partner to stay and not walk out the door. Overall, the lyrics of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" portray a heartfelt and emotional plea for love and connection, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the depths of human emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

I know you wanna leave me
I am aware that you are considering leaving me


But I refuse to let you go
However, I am not willing to let you go


If I have to beg, plead for your sympathy
Even if I have to beg and plead for your understanding


I don't mind 'cause you mean that much to me
I am willing to do it because you mean so much to me


Ain't too proud to beg and you know it
I am not too proud to beg, and you are aware of that


Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
I am requesting you not to leave me


Now I've heard a cryin' man is half a man
I have heard that a man who cries is not seen as strong


With no sense of pride
Without any sense of dignity


But if I have to cry to keep you, I don't mind weepin'
However, if crying will help me keep you, I am willing to cry


If it'll keep you by my side
As long as it ensures you stay with me


If I have to sleep on your doorstep all night and day
Even if I have to sleep on your doorstep all day and all night


Just to keep you from walkin' away
Just to prevent you from leaving


Let your friends laugh, even this I can stand
Even if your friends mock me, I can handle it


'Cause I wanna keep you any way I can
Because I want to keep you no matter what


Now I've got a love so deep in the pit of my heart
I have a deep love within my heart


And each day it grows more and more
And it continues to grow every day


I'm not ashamed to call and plead to you, baby
I am not embarrassed to call and plead with you


If pleading keeps you from walking out that door
If pleading prevents you from leaving through that door


Baby, baby, baby (sweet darlin')
My beloved baby, baby, baby


Please don't leave me
I am begging you not to leave me




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Norman Whitfield, Edward Jr. Holland

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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