Choosey Beggar )
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Lyrics


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Beggars can't be choicey I know
That's what the people say.
But though my heart is begging for love
I've turned some love away.

Maybe one was true love I'll never know which cause
your love is the only love to make this beggar rich.
I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.

People say you can't have your cake
and then eat it too.
They tell me I've been making a mistake
waiting around for you.
Oh, I'm begging for love and
why can't they see that yours is the only love for me

I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.

If beg you I must then I'll never give up cause
your love is the only love to fill this beggars cup.

I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.





I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.

Overall Meaning

In "Choosey Beggar," Smokey Robinson & The Miracles sing about a person who is searching for love but is being picky about whom they choose to be with. The opening lines acknowledge the common saying that "beggars can't be choosy" but the singer still chooses to be picky because they believe in the importance of finding true love. They reflect on the fact that they may have turned some potential partners away, including ones who may have offered genuine love. Nevertheless, they insist that the love they have been waiting for is worth the wait and worth being selective about.


The song then positions the singer's choice as the only one that can truly fulfill their love needs, even if others try to tell them to lower their standards or settle for less. The use of the phrase "choosy beggar" reflects the internal struggle of wanting both love and being selective, which seems impossible given the common understanding that beggars should not and cannot be picky. The singer perseveres, however, insisting that their love interest is the one they want, and they will beg for them because their love is the only one that can satisfy their emotional needs.


Line by Line Meaning

Beggars can't be choicey I know
People say that beggars don't have the luxury to be picky when asking for something, but I know that's not true.


That's what the people say.
This is a common saying that many people believe in.


But though my heart is begging for love
Although I am desperate for love and affection,


I've turned some love away.
I have rejected some offers of love and romance.


Maybe one was true love I'll never know which cause
Perhaps one of them would have been the love of my life, but I will never know because


your love is the only love to make this beggar rich.
I believe that your love is the only thing that can make me truly happy and fulfilled.


I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
I am someone who is in need but still has the right to be picky about who I accept help from.


and your my choice.
And I have chosen you as the one I want to be with.


People say you can't have your cake
Another common saying is that you cannot have everything you want at once,


and then eat it too.
Especially when it comes to love and relationships.


They tell me I've been making a mistake
Some people think that I am wrong for holding out for what I really want.


waiting around for you.
But I am willing to wait for you because I believe you are the one for me.


Oh, I'm begging for love and
Oh, I am still in need of love and affection and


why can't they see that yours is the only love for me
I don't understand why others cannot see that your love is the only thing that can truly make me happy.


If beg you I must then I'll never give up cause
Even if I have to keep asking and pleading with you for your love,


your love is the only love to fill this beggars cup.
I believe that only your love can truly satisfy me and make me feel complete.


I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
Once again, I am someone who is in need but still has the right to be selective in who I accept help from.


and your my choice.
And out of everyone, I have chosen you to be the one who can provide me with the love I so desperately seek.


I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
I know that some people may think it is wrong for me to be selective in seeking love and affection,


and your my choice.
But at the end of the day, you are the one I have chosen to be with and to receive that love from.




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WARREN MOORE, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@thehighwave5450

Lyrics:
Beggars can't be choicey I know
That's what the people say.
But though my heart is begging for love
I've turned some love away.
Maybe one was true love I'll never know which cause
your love is the only love to make this beggar rich.
I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.
People say you can't have your cake
and then eat it too.
They tell me I've been making a mistake
waiting around for you.
Oh, I'm begging for love and
why can't they see that yours is the only love for me
I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.
If beg you I must then I'll never give up cause
your love is the only love to fill this beggars cup.
I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.
I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.



All comments from YouTube:

@thomaslombardo3401

Smokey Robinson is one of the greatest songwriters this country has ever produced. 😊

@michellejones2416

The Miracles and all Motown artists at that time were classified as Rhythm and Blues or Soul. Do not despair though the group was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013❀

@journeythruthepast

Smokey was obviously a writer and arranger of beautiful music but his lyrics were underrated. This is one of his greatest poetic turns in a song. "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" is one of the few tracks that comes close to the metaphor-laden mastery of this one. Smokey could tell a story eloquently in words too.

@anclark2063

How did you come to that believe, stop using the word underrated loosely, this man has recieved so much awards,status and glorifications because of his Lyrics, you probably didn't read how Bob Dylan's referred to Smokey' America's greatest living poet.

@vanessajackson1307

I've often said Mr Robinson was underrated, he has that sweet silky falsetto that can't be touched, even today's date

@melvinedwards3683

Such soulful music! No one did it like smokey!

@deborahpatterson7692

Smokey could write some songs and that music just helped push it over the top! Deep and meaningful!!!!

@dianneharris904

Beautiful song. Every time I hear it I recall my friend, George Williams gliding across the dance floor doing the bop back in the day.

@fredstanleyjr820

THANK GOD FOR ALL THE GREAT MUSIC THEY PUT OVER THE AIRWAVES AND THE WORLD!! NEVER AGAIN WILL IT BE!!! PEACE UP TO ALL THE "BABYBOOMERS" STILL IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC....

@jeffk2053

AMEN!

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