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."
It's All In The Game
The Four Tops Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All in the wonderful game that we know as love
You have words with him and your future's looking dim
But these things, your hearts can rise above
Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet,with a sweet bouquet (with sweet bouquet)
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And your heart will fly away
Your heart will fly away
It's all in the game, game call love (all in the game, game call love)
All in the game, game call love
All in the game, game call love
The Four Tops's song "It's All In The Game" is a classic love song that explores the highs and lows of love. The opening lines "Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game" captures the inevitable struggles that come with being in a relationship. However, the song suggests that despite these hardships, love is still a wonderful game worth playing.
The second set of lyrics depicts a common scenario in romantic relationships where arguments and disagreements can be disheartening. Despite this, the song suggests that when two people are truly meant to be together they can rise above these obstacles. The chorus reinforces the idea that the ups and downs of love are all a part of the game and that one's heart can fly away in moments of pure love and connection.
The final verse of the song describes a reunion. The absence and waiting for a loved one can be hard, but the joy of the reunification, as described by the caressing of fingertips and kissing of lips, makes it all worth it. The song comes full circle in that the initial pains of love have led to a beautiful moment of love. "It's All In The Game" is an insightful tribute to the complexity of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game
The ups and downs of love can be emotional and bring tears, but that's just the way love works.
All in the wonderful game that we know as love
Despite its unpredictability, love is still a beautiful, amazing experience.
You have words with him and your future's looking dim
Arguments can make you feel like things won't work out, but that's not necessarily true.
But these things, your hearts can rise above
By forgiving each other and moving forward, a couple can overcome their disagreements and stay together.
Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Occasional lack of communication can happen in relationships, but it doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet,with a sweet bouquet (with sweet bouquet)
After a small hiccup, your partner will come back to you with a gift, showing that they still care for you.
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
When reunited, the couple will express their love physically, signifying their affection for each other.
And your heart , your heart will got to fly away
The passionate reunion will make the couple feel elated and excited, giving them a feeling of flying or soaring.
It's all in the game, game call love (all in the game, game call love)
Regardless of the ups and downs, unpredictability, and occasional hiccups, love is still worth it.
All in the game, game call love
Love can be likened to a game, with its own set of rules and twists and turns.
All in the game, game call love
Love is a powerful, complex thing that can bring both joy and tears, but it's all part of the experience.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Carl Sigman, Charles Gates Dawes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lynnecottam1043
Love this....I don’t care what anyone says,this definitely was the best era,and I’m so glad I was part of it 🥰
@briangoodwin5986
snap
@lukedavis-lu9zm
You got that perfectly right.
@warrenhudson9990
I might have to be in agreement
@lyndacathyleenstead1467
Yes a proud piece of history to cling too🎉🌹🙏
@almastevenson9559
New😢 songs they are great. Black people sing with passion. They are beautiful and busy with the music.
@gonegirl442
Levi Stubbs you were the greatest. What a voice. Four Tops are legends.
@michaelhyland1571
Had this played at my beautiful wife Marie's funeral service in December 2015 - our song - God bless you love, miss you for ever - Mike
@davidspence553
My condolences Mike.
@skyered123
Beautiful song. RIP.