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.
If You Can Want
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, you may not love me now but I'm stayin' around
'Cause you want my company
Just like push can turn to shove, like can turn to love
And it's my philosophy that
If you can want, you can need
And if you can need, you can care
If you can care, you can love
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Oh, now this may take some time, but if time was money
I would be a millionare
So whenever you want me call, any time at all
And for sure I'll be right there, 'cause
If you can want, you can need
And if you can need, baby, you can care
If you can care, you can love
So when you want me I'll be there
(I'll be there) when ever you want me, oh yeah
I'll be standin' by, not far way
Let your mind give me a sign
'Cause I'm prepared to wait until that future date
When you'll want me all the time, 'cause
If you can want, you can need
And if you can need, you can care
If you can care, you can love
So when you want me I'll be there
(I'll be there) when ever you want me
You can want, you can need
You can need, you can care
You can care, you can love
So when you want me I'll be there
I'll be there, whenever you want me (you can want)
The lyrics to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' song "If You Can Want" convey a message of persistence and dedication in a relationship. The singer acknowledges that their love interest may not love them at the moment, but they will stay around because their company is wanted. The lyrics suggest that with time and patience, love can grow from wanting, to needing, to caring, and eventually to love. The singer expresses their willingness to wait for their love interest to come around and profess their love.
This song was released in 1968 and is a classic example of the Motown sound. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were known for their smooth harmonies and soulful melodies that addressed both romantic and social issues. "If You Can Want" was written by Robinson, along with fellow Motown songwriter Al Cleveland.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh
An expression of emotion, a bit of a sigh or a release of tension.
Oh, you may not love me now but I'm stayin' around
Even though you don't love me right now, I'm not giving up on this relationship.
'Cause you want my company
I believe the reason you are still keeping me around is that you enjoy my company.
Just like push can turn to shove, like can turn to love
Just as things can change in extreme ways, it is possible for dislike to turn into love.
And it's my philosophy that
This is my belief or way of thinking.
If you can want, you can need
The ability to want something can evolve into the need for that thing.
And if you can need, you can care
When someone needs something, it shows they care about it.
If you can care, you can love
Feelings of care can transform into love.
When you want me I'll be there
When you feel ready to pursue a relationship with me, I'll be available.
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
I'm insisting that I'll always be here for you whenever you're ready for me.
Oh, now this may take some time, but if time was money
This could take a while, but if time was valuable like money, I don't mind waiting for you.
I would be a millionare
If I were getting paid for my time waiting for you, I would be rich.
So whenever you want me call, any time at all
I'm giving you permission to call me whenever you're ready, day or night.
And for sure I'll be right there, 'cause
I'm positive that I will be available for you.
I'll be standin' by, not far way
I will be waiting nearby, not too far from reach.
Let your mind give me a sign
Use your thoughts and emotions to show me if and when you are ready for a relationship.
'Cause I'm prepared to wait until that future date
I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes for you to come around.
When you'll want me all the time, 'cause
When you finally figure out that you want me in your life all the time, this waiting will be worth it.
You can want, you can need
I'm repeating this idea because it's important to me.
So when you want me I'll be there
Just a reminder that when you're ready for me, I'm ready for you.
(I'll be there) when ever you want me, oh yeah
I'll be there whenever you're ready for me, without hesitation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William David Craig Jr
Those lyrics are amazing
Oh you may not love me now, but i'm stayin' around
'Cause you want my company
Just like push can turn to shove, like can turn to love
& It's my philosophy that...
Chorus:
If you can want, you can need
& If you can need, you can care
If you can care, you can love
So when you want me, i'll be there
Whenever you want me, i'll be there
Oh now this may take some time, but if time was money
I would be a millionaire
So whenever you want me, call any time at all
& For sure i'll be right there, 'cause...
(Chorus)
(I'll be there) whenever you want me
(Instrumental)
I'll be standin' by, not far way
Let your heart give me a sign
'Cause i'm prepared to wait until i abfiducate
When you want me all the time, 'cause...
(Repeat & fade):
(Chorus)
(I'll be there) whenever you want me
michael Seven
Oh
Oh, you may not love me now but I'm stayin' around
'Cause you want my company
Just like push can turn to shove, like can turn to love
And it's my philosophy that
If you can want, you can need
And if you can need, you can care
If you can care, you can love
When you want me I'll be there
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Oh, now this may take some time, but if time was money
I would be a millionaire
So whenever you want me call, any time at all
And for sure I'll be right there, 'cause
If you can want, you can need
And if you can need, baby, you can care
If you can care, you can love
So when you want me I'll be there
(I'll be there) when ever you want me, oh yeah
I'll be standin' by, not far way
Let your heart give me a sign
'Cause I'm prepared to wait until that future date
When you'll want me all the time, 'cause
If you can want, you can need
And if you can need, you can care
If you can care, you can love
So when you want me I'll be there
(I'll be there) when ever you want me
You can want, you can need
You can need, you can care
You can care, you can love
So when you want me I'll be there
I'll be there, whenever you want me (you can want
Read more: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - If You Can Want Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Quiet Thought
God, I love this song so much! It’s the rhythm and the lyrics that get me.. And I’ve listened to Smokey’s falsetto voice for many many years and saw him in concert in Dallas, Texas. His voice sounded smooth as silk!
frdjr252
The rhythm and lyrics get me too! I loved this song when I first heard it in 1968, but on a personal level, it's resonating with me right now! The describes to a tee what's going in my life today in 2021.
Hug Bug
A real funk soul psych tune. Motown put out alot that yr. 1968. So many social issues. Pop got into pop psych. Clothing was really mod with bell bottoms, nehru shirts, wide lapels and wide long sleeve shirts, mini skirts hit main stream and a terrible drug problem; opiates were widely abused like speed, and psychedelics.
Jerry Tasker
This song is indescribable. It just blows me away just by hearing it.
Janis Kardash
I agree. Usually my dude just be standing there like he ain’t got no rhythm and let what comes out his mouth do the talking- and it does!
Ronnie Damnitz
It's always on repeat! Cant believe it's a forgotten song. On oldies stations!
Ray Goudy
Ps B
Tracy Butler
That's right
frdjr252
@Lena Chavez I've loved this song since I first heard it as a teenager in 1968, but it's relevant to my life today. The lyrics are making this grown man cry. Yes, there's a lady in my life I really like and this song fits perfectly. Wish me luck!
MASTER T ON THE TRACK
SMOKEY ROBINSON ALWAYS HITS ME HARD !!!
AND GOOD