Early years and formation of the Miracles
Robinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and was nicknamed "Smokey" as a child, because of his love of westerns. The name originally came when an uncle (who would take a young Robinson to see westerns) gave him the name "Smokey Joe", Robinson began being called "Smokey" whilst in his teens. In 1955, Robinson founded a group he called "The Five Chimes" with his best friend Ronnie White, and Northern High School classmates Pete Moore, Clarence Dawson, and James Grice. By 1957, the group was called "The Matadors" and included cousins Bobby Rogers and Claudette Rogers in place of Dawson and Grice. With Robinson as lead singer, the Matadors began touring the local Detroit venues. In 1958, Robinson met songwriter Berry Gordy, Jr., who co-wrote for them the single "Got a Job," an answer song to The Silhouettes' hit single "Get A Job." The group renamed itself The Miracles, and issued singles on both End Records and Chess Records before Robinson suggested to Berry Gordy that he start a label of his own.
In 1959, Gordy founded Tamla Records, which he soon reincorporated as Motown. The Miracles were among the label's first signees. Gordy and Robinson had a synergistic relationship, with Robinson providing a foundation for Motown's hit-making success and Gordy acting as a mentor for the budding singer and songwriter. By 1961, Gordy had appointed Robinson vice-president of Motown Records, a title Robinson held for as long as Gordy remained with the company.
Motown and The Miracles
The 1960 single "Shop Around" was Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart, and the first big hit for The Miracles. They scored many more hits over the years, including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962), "Mickey's Monkey" (1963), "Ooo Baby Baby (1965), "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965), "Going to a Go-Go" (1965), "More Love" (1967), and "I Second That Emotion" (1967).
Besides penning hits for his own group, Robinson also wrote and produced hits and album tracks for other Motown artists. Mary Wells had a big hit with the Robinson-penned "My Guy" (1964), and Robinson served as The Temptations primary songwriter and producer from 1963 to 1966, penning hits such as "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Since I Lost My Baby," and "Get Ready." Among Robinson's numerous other Motown compositions are "Still Water (Love)" by The Four Tops, "Don't Mess With Bill" by The Marvelettes, "When I'm Gone" by Brenda Holloway, "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" by Marvin Gaye, "My Guy" by Mary Wells and "First I Look at the Purse" by The Contours.
Fellow singer/songwriter Bob Dylan described Robinson as "America's greatest living poet." Robinson's hit ballads also earned him the title "America's poet laureate of love." Over the course of his almost 50-year career in music, Robinson has over 4,000 songs to his credit.
After marrying Claudette Rogers, Robinson started a family, and named both of his children after Motown: his son was named Berry after the company's founder, and his daughter was named Tamla after the Motown imprint for which Robinson and The Miracles recorded.
The Miracles remained a premier Motown act through most of the 1960s. Albums were released as "Smokey Robinson & the Miracles" after 1965. By 1969, the group's fortunes began to falter, and Robinson decided to quit The Miracles so that he could remain at home with his family and concentrate on his duties as vice president. The group stopped recording and Robinson prepared to leave the group. Unexpectedly, however, their 1966 recording of "The Tears of a Clown" was released as a single in 1970, and became a #1 hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Due to the surprise success of "Tears of a Clown," Robinson was convinced to remain with The Miracles for a few more years. In 1972, he followed through on his original plans to leave the group, and The Miracles began a six-month farewell tour. On July 16, 1972, Smokey and Claudette Robinson gave their final performances as Miracles at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington, DC, and Robinson introduced the group's new lead singer, Billy Griffin. The Miracles went on for a while, even having another #1 hit, "Love Machine," in 1976.
Successful solo career
Smokey Robinson began a low-key solo career while concentrating on his duties as vice-president of Motown, releasing his first solo LP, Smokey, in 1973. His first hit single, "Sweet Harmony" (1973), was dedicated to The Miracles.
In 1975, Robinson's solo career went into full-drive after the success of the #1 R&B hit "Baby That's Backatcha." Robinson's 1976 single "Quiet Storm" and its accompanying album typified a smooth, slow style of R&B that is today called "quiet storm." Other Robinson solo hits include "Cruisin'" (1979), "Being With You" (a UK #1 hit) (1981), "Tell Me Tomorrow" (1982), and "Ebony Eyes," a duet with labelmate Rick James (1983). He also recorded the soundtrack to the film Big Time (1977).
Spokesmanship
Smokey Robinson is the spokesman of the Great American Smokeout, which takes place annually one week before Thanksgiving. It's a day when smokers quit smoking for at least a day. In 2006, It takes place on November 16th.
Later years
During the mid-1980s, Robinson fell victim to cocaine addiction. His recording slowed, and his marriage to Claudette faltered; the two were divorced in 1986. Robinson eventually overcame the addiction and revitalized his career, scoring hits in 1987 with "Just To See Her" and "One Heartbeat." Also in 1987, British band ABC scored a US and UK hit with their tribute to Robinson, entitled "When Smokey Sings". In 1988, Robinson published his autobiography, Smokey, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Upon Motown's sale to MCA in 1988, Robinson resigned from his position as vice-president. After one last album for Motown, Love, Smokey (1990), Robinson departed the company. He released one record for SBK Records, Double Good Everything (1991), the same year he won a Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement. Eight years later, he returned to Motown, which by then was a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and released Intimate (1999).
Since then, Robinson has continued to periodically perform and tour. In 2003, Robinson served as a guest judge for American Idol during "Billy Joel Week." He issued a gospel LP, Food for the Spirit in 2004. A new album of pop standards from the early 20th century, Timeless Love, was released in June 2006. It was originally recorded with a jazz combo, but strings were added after the fact, giving the album more of a lush sound but removing much of the jazz feeling of the disc.
In 2004, Robinson's company, SFGL Foods, launched a special brand of gumbo called "Smokey Robinson's 'The Soul is in the Bowl' Gumbo." [1].
In May 2006, at its 138th Commencement Convocation, Howard University conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa.
Smokey Robinson is scheduled to appear on Duets on Fox along with Randy Travis, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, Aaron Neville, Clint Black, Michael Bolton, Kenny Loggins, Brian McKnight, Macy Gray, Richard Marx, and Cyndi Lauper. David Foster will be a judge.
On 27th October 2006 Smokey appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.
Build Me Up Buttercup
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
First you build me up and that gives you joy
Then you change your mind and you start to destroy me
Piece by piece I'm torn apart
And all my dreams of being yours are crumbed to the ground
Oh you only build me up baby, baby
You only build me up baby, baby
Oh on Monday maybe you might make me feel like I am a king (you build me up)
Tell me you're a puppet (you build me up) and I've got the string (you build me up)
Oh but then on Tuesday (you build me up) it's a different thing
(Ooh) just as I begin to get the feel of the throne and (ooh) start to cherish the crown
I found out you only build me up baby, baby
(Only build me up) baby, baby, baby, baby
You only build me up to tear me down, down, down (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Yeah, yeah (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Ooh you give me hope, for a while you had me walkin' 'round on a cloud
Braggin' about you and feelin' real proud
Then without a warnin' in front of a crowd
You bring me back to Earth with some unkind deed soon as I am heaven bound
Oh you only build me up, only build me up
You only build me up, only build me up
Baby, baby (only build me up)
Baby, baby, baby (baby baby), you only build me up to tear me down, down, down
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) yeah, yeah
(Only build me up baby, baby) baby, baby
(Only build me up baby, baby) ooh yeah, baby
You only build me up to tear me down, down, down
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) yeah, ooh wee baby
(Only build me up baby, baby) baby, baby, baby
(Only build me up baby, baby) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah baby
In this song, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles compare their relationship to a set of building blocks. The singer feels like a toy that his partner builds up for their own joy, but then tears down without warning. The words describe a cycle of emotional highs and lows with the partner constantly changing their mind and behavior. Despite being built up with promises of love and devotion, the singer is consistently let down and left brokenhearted. The lyrics express the feelings of betrayal and disappointment that come with being in a relationship that is constantly being undermined.
The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm contrast with the sad subject matter. The use of metaphors and personification brings the story to life and allows the listener to empathize with the singer's pain. The theme of being used and discarded is one that is relatable and powerful, and the song has remained a classic in the Motown catalog.
Overall, "You Only Build Me Up to Tear Me Down" is a bittersweet reflection on love and heartbreak. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that is built on false promises and doomed to fail. The song's catchy rhythm and memorable melody ensure that it will continue to be a beloved classic for generations to come.
Line by Line Meaning
You're like a baby, I'm like a set of blocks you got for a toy
You see me as nothing more than a mere source of entertainment, someone you can play with whenever you feel like it.
First you build me up and that gives you joy
When you're happy with me, you make me feel special and important in your life and that brings joy to you.
Then you change your mind and you start to destroy me
But soon after, your feelings toward me change and instead of building me up, you begin to tear me down.
Piece by piece I'm torn apart
You slowly destroy me one piece at a time, breaking my spirit, and causing me to lose my confidence and self-worth.
And all my dreams of being yours are crumbled to the ground
All the hopes and aspirations I had of being with you, and building a future with you, are shattered and destroyed by your constant building up and tearing down of me.
Oh you only build me up to tear me down, down, down (ooh)
Your pattern of behavior is predictable, you only boost my self-worth and confidence to then destroy it, leaving me feeling shattered and broken.
Tell me you're a puppet (you build me up) and I've got the string (you build me up)
You manipulate me like a puppet, telling me exactly what I want to hear, and making me feel like you are under my control, all the while building me up to believe I am the one in charge.
Oh but then on Tuesday (you build me up) it's a different thing
But even though you were praising me the day before, on Tuesday you change your tune, and begin to tear me down with insults and negativity.
You bring me back to Earth with some unkind deed soon as I am heaven bound
Whenever I feel like I am in a good place, on top of the world, you bring me back down to earth, reminding me of all my flaws and mistakes.
Baby, baby (only build me up)
You call me baby, reminding me of your affection for me, but your actions show otherwise.
You only build me up to tear me down, down, down (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
You have a pattern of consistently building me up only to tear me down, leaving me feeling worthless and unlovable.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIAM ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
INDIO Martinez
LETRA / LYRICS:
"Build Me Up Buttercup"
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
"I'll be over at ten", you told me time and again
But you're late, I wait around and then (bah-dah-dah)
I went to the door, I can't take any more
It's not you, you let me down again
(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you happy
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
To you I'm a toy, but I could be the boy you adore
If you'd just let me know (bah-dah-dah)
Although you're untrue, I'm attracted to you all the more
Why do I need you so
(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you happy
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
I-I-I need you-oo-oo more than anyone, baby
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart.
Alex
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
"I'll be over at ten", you told me time and again
But you're late, I wait around and then (bah-dah-dah)
I went to the door, I can't take any more
It's not you, you let me down again
(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you happy
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
To you I'm a toy, but I could be the boy you adore
If you'd just let me know (bah-dah-dah)
Although you're untrue, I'm attracted to you all the more
Why do I need you so
(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you happy
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
I-I-I need you-oo-oo more than anyone, baby
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
• ultraviolence •
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
"I'll be over at ten", you told me time and again
But you're late, I wait around and then (bah-dah-dah)
I went to the door, I can't take any more
It's not you, you let me down again
Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you mine
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
You were my toy but I could be the boy you adore
If you'd just let me know (bah-dah-dah)
Although you're untrue, I'm attracted to you all the more
Why do I need you so
Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you mine
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
I-I-I need you-oo-oo more than anyone, baby
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
Mane Galego
Nunca tinha ouvido falar de banda. Até que um dia o supermercado estava com promoção de CD e este estava por R$2,00. Comprei só para conhecer... Rapaz! Que grupo! Parabéns!
JeffGR4
This song is absolutely fantastic and wonderfully performed!!!!
Shirley Brogan
A classic! Long live Buttercup!
Robert Smith II
I love classic music like this. They need to bring this back
Manuel Sánchez
The song has something that makes you want to sing in public and loudly
phykin
Effing right
charrr
Ugh, am I the only one who gets really emotional when listening to this song? :'< this crushes my soul and makes my heart bleed.
this is a sad song. but i love it. thank u The Foundations.
MixedNutsMs
A blast from the past love those 60s!
Rene Guzman-Juarez
THIS SONG IS A TINY MASTERPIECE, IT HAS SOUL/POP, SWEET MELODY, CHORUSES VERY VERY NICELY ADDED HERE AND THERE, DYNAMIC CHANGES, PUNCTUATED BY THE CONGAS AND PERCUSSION, AND ADORABLE COMMENTS BY THE PIANO, OH YES AN ORGAN ADDING TEXTURES, THE JUVENILE SWEET AND SOUR ADORABLE LYRICS........... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT
Anthony Parra
One of those simple songs that makes you feel good.