The hit songs "Do It Baby" and Love Machine (written by Billy Griffin & Pete Moore) were performed by Billy Griffin as the lead singer after the departure of original founder member Smokey Robinson.
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Who's Gonna Take the Blame
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Lyrics
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We were just kids playing in the rain
When you threw a stone
And you broke a window pane
You were so afraid of what you done
That I held your hand little one
And I wouldn't let you run, oh
Then you turned to me
With a look of shame on your face
And your eyes asked a question ever so tenderly
Oh, who will take the blame?
Who's gonna bear the shame?
Right then, I knew, how it would always be
Put the blame, put it on me
Ooh, at the age of twelve
You were a fine young thing
But I felt much older 'cause I had to shoulder
The trouble you'd bring
Like the time you pushed Sonny down
And she cried on me
With those same big eyes
You turned and you looked at me
Oh, who will take the blame?
Who's gonna bear the shame?
Right then, I knew, how it would always be
Put the blame, put it on me
Put it on me, put it on me
Now you're all grown up
And you're running wild
And they're so surprised
'Cause all along you seemed
Like such a sweet child
And there's nothing but bad news
From old friends I meet
How you've become
A woman of the street
And they give me a million
And one reasons why
But when I analyze it
I know where the real fault lies
Oh, who will take the blame?
Who's gonna bear the shame?
No doubt about it, oh, this time rightfully
Put the blame, put it on me
Oh, who will take the blame?
Who's gonna bear the shame?
Put the blame, put it on me
Oh, who will take the blame?
Who's gonna bear the shame?
Put the blame, put it on me
Oh who will take the blame?
The song "Who's Gonna Take the Blame" by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles is about taking responsibility and accepting blame for one's actions. The lyrics describe a situation where two children were playing in the rain and one of them accidentally breaks a window pane. The child who broke the window is afraid and doesn't know what to do, but the other child, who is older, consoles and supports them, taking the blame for the accident. The song's chorus repeats the question of who will take the blame and bear the shame, with the answer being "put the blame on me."
As the song progresses, it is revealed that the older child has had to shoulder the burden of responsibility for the younger one's actions multiple times, including pushing another child down and causing them to cry. As they grow up, the younger child becomes wild and eventually turns to prostitution, causing their old friends to speculate on the reasons for their downfall. However, the older child knows that the real fault lies with themselves for constantly taking the blame and not holding the younger one accountable for their actions.
The song is a powerful commentary on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and not constantly shifting the blame to others. It showcases the emotional toll that constantly taking the blame for others can have and the long-lasting effects it can have on one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
We were just kids playing in the rain
We were young and innocent, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
When you threw a stone And you broke a window pane
You made a mistake and caused some damage.
You were so afraid of what you done That I held your hand little one And I wouldn't let you run, oh
You were scared and needed comfort, so I offered my support and didn't let you escape the consequences.
Then you turned to me With a look of shame on your face And your eyes asked a question ever so tenderly
You looked at me with regret and asked for forgiveness silently.
Oh, who will take the blame? Who's gonna bear the shame? Right then, I knew, how it would always be Put the blame, put it on me
You knew that I would take responsibility for your actions and protect you from punishment, even if it meant taking the blame myself.
You were a fine young thing But I felt much older 'cause I had to shoulder The trouble you'd bring
You were attractive and charming, but I felt burdened and responsible for your misbehavior.
Like the time you pushed Sonny down And she cried on me With those same big eyes You turned and you looked at me
You hurt someone else, and I had to comfort them while you looked at me for help.
Now you're all grown up And you're running wild And they're so surprised 'Cause all along you seemed Like such a sweet child
Now that you are older, you behave recklessly and shock people, even though you seemed innocent before.
And there's nothing but bad news From old friends I meet How you've become A woman of the street
I hear nothing but negative reports from our mutual friends about how you have turned to prostitution.
And they give me a million And one reasons why But when I analyze it I know where the real fault lies
People give me many excuses and explanations for your behavior, but I know that it is ultimately your fault.
Oh, who will take the blame? Who's gonna bear the shame? No doubt about it, oh, this time rightfully Put the blame, put it on me
This time, you need to take responsibility for your actions, and I should not protect you any longer, even if it means that you will blame me.
Oh, who will take the blame? Who's gonna bear the shame? Put the blame, put it on me
You still want me to take the blame, but it is time for you to face the consequences of your own actions.
Oh who will take the blame?
The repeated question emphasizes the importance of accountability and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind