Ain't Too Proud to Beg
LIVING ROOM - 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 song "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations explores the desperation and vulnerability that can arise when someone deeply loves another person and is afraid of losing them. The lyrics convey a sense of pleading, emphasizing the singer's refusal to let their lover go, even if it means begging for their sympathy.


The first verse reflects the singer's understanding that their lover wants to leave, but they are determined to hold on. They state that they don't mind begging and pleading if it means keeping their lover by their side. It highlights the significance and importance of the relationship to the singer.


The chorus repeats the phrase "Ain't too proud to beg," emphasizing that the singer is willing to humble themselves and ask for forgiveness or another chance. They desperately urge their lover not to leave, using endearing terms like "sweet darling" and expressing their vulnerability through the repeated plea.


The second verse further emphasizes the singer's willingness to do whatever it takes to keep their lover from leaving. They mention the societal expectation of a man not crying as a sign of weakness, but they assert that they are willing to cry and weep if it means retaining their lover's presence. It reinforces their devotion and willingness to put their pride aside.


In the third verse, the singer expresses their determination to hold on to their lover, even if it means enduring ridicule from others. They are willing to sleep on their lover's doorstep, face mockery and laughter from friends, and do whatever it takes to keep their lover from walking away. This emphasizes the singer's willingness to sacrifice and endure humiliation in order to maintain the relationship.


Finally, in the last verse, the singer describes the depth of their love, explaining that it grows stronger each day. They declare that they are unashamed to call and plead to their lover, as begging is a testament to the sincerity of their emotions. The repetition of the chorus in this section reinforces the desperation and fear of losing their lover.


Overall, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" conveys the raw emotions involved in a love that is desperate to hold on. The lyrics explore themes of vulnerability, sacrifice, and humility, showcasing the depths to which someone can go when they truly cherish a relationship. The song's passionate plea serves as an expression of the singer's deep and unwavering love for their lover.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rocknroller77

I love that they looked so happy in the dance break❤😊

@GarwinWayne

Anyone ever notice that twist turn move they do in unison @0:23
They set the tone for every vocal group that came after...TEMPTATIONS 4EVER

@abraham_benson_official

So beautiful! Do you have the other performances that The Temptations did on Shebang?

@temptin_temptations

I uploaded the Beauty is only skin deep video last year so check out my channel and you'll see it. Soon, I'm gonna post the My girl performance.❤️

@BeGood4Eva

any footage when they were at the "Copacabana" when David was showing his butt and walked on the stage and later took the mic from Paul...or was that fiction? @@temptin_temptations

@temptin_temptations

@@BeGood4Eva That was dramatized in the movie. David didn't show his behind and that wasn't in the movie either. He did show up late to multiple shows during 1967 and did say "I'm David Ruffin and these are the Temptations." I do know there's footage of them performing at the copa but it hasn't been released

@josephcrawford7922

This song will forget about the girl who never really cared about you

@kamscott4201

It's so clear . & Paul Is taller then Melvin idk why ppl think Melvin is taller . It's clear to see lol. I love it , keep them coming

@BeGood4Eva

Fave part 0:32 - 0:40...David had swagger like no other....sexy as heck 😍

@justpde

Paul had it all !!!!

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