The Four Tops are an American Motown musical quartet, whose repertoire has … Read Full Bio ↴The Four Tops are an American Motown musical quartet, whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul music, RnB, disco, adult contemporary, showtunes, and even psychedelic rock. Founded in Detroit, Michigan as The Four Aims, lead singer Levi Stubbs and group mates Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, and Lawrence Payton remained together for over four decades, finally forced to endure a lineup change when Payton died in 1997. At that time, Theo Peoples was added to the lineup; Peoples later replaced Stubbs, who fell ill from cancer, and Ronnie McNeir assumed Peoples' spot. In July, 2005, Benson died of lung cancer with Payton's son Roquel replacing him. And as of April, 2005, Fakir, McNeir, Payton and Peoples still perform together as The Four Tops. The legendary Levi Stubbs sadly passed away in 2008.

Among a number of groups who helped define the Motown Sound of the 1960s, including The Miracles, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Supremes, The Four Tops were notable for having Stubbs, a baritone, as their lead singer; most groups of the time were fronted by a tenor. The group was the main male vocal group for the songwriting and production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who crafted for the group a stream of popular hit singles, including two #1 hits: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There". After Holland-Dozier-Holland left Motown in 1967, the Four Tops were assigned to a number of producers, primarily Frank Wilson. When Motown left Detroit in 1972 to move to Los Angeles, California, the Tops stayed in Detroit and moved over to ABC Records, where they continued to have charting singles into the late-1970s. Since the 1980s, The Four Tops have recorded for, at various times, Motown, Casablanca Records, and Arista Records.

As an unofficial record, it is believed that The Four Tops were the band to continue performing the longest without a lineup change. Levi Stubbs, Abdul Fakir, Renaldo Benson and Lawrence Payton sang together as the Four Tops from 1954 until 1997, when Lawrence Payton died of cancer. That's an astonishing 43 years without a lineup change. The three surviving members continued to tour as "The Tops."

Call on Me
The Four Tops Lyrics

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(Hello)
If you're feeling sad and lonely
There's no service I can render
(How did you get my number?)
Tell the one who loves you only
I can be so warm and tender
Call me
Don't be afraid, you can call me

Maybe it's late, but just call me
(What's the best time?)
Tell me and I'll be around

When it seems your friends desert you
There's someone who's thinking of you (You?)
I'm the one who'll never hurt you
Maybe that's because I love you
Call me
Don't be afraid, you can call me
Maybe it's late, but just call me
Tell me and I'll be around

Now don't forget me
'Cause if you let me
I will always stay by you
You gotta trust me
That's how it must be
There's so much I can do

If you call, I'll be right with you
You and I should be together
Take this love I long to give you (Oh baby)
I'll be at your side forever
Call me
Don't be afraid, you can call me
Maybe it's late, but just call me
Tell me and I'll be around

If you call, I'll be right with you
You and I should be together
Take this love I long to give you
I'll be at your side forever

Call me

Don't be afraid, you can call me
Maybe it's late, but just call me

Overall Meaning

The Four Tops’ song Call on Me is a plea from an individual to a loved one who is feeling sad and lonely. The singer offers to provide warmth, tenderness, and comfort to the person in need. They reassure the other person that they will always be there for them, even when it seems like their friends have deserted them.

The lyrics highlight the importance of communication and the willingness to be there for someone when they need you the most. The repeated refrain of “call me” emphasizes the idea that the singer is always available and willing to help, no matter what time of day or night it may be.

The song also speaks to the idea of trust and loyalty in relationships. The singer promises to always be by the other person's side and offers their love freely. The lyrics suggest that by calling on the singer, the person in need can find solace and comfort in their time of need.

Overall, Call on Me is a touching reminder of the importance of being there for the ones we love and the power of simply being available to listen and support them through difficult times.

Call on MeThe Four Tops Lyrics

Call on Me
The Four Tops Lyrics