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."
My Way
The Four Tops Lyrics
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Guess I've had my share of joy and stride
They gave me the rules
And I really tried
But somehow I'm not satisfied
So my way, this time it's gonna be
My way, this time it's got to be
Mine if I win, mine if I lose
But my way no more the shy little guy way
No more uncertainty
This time it's me without a doubt
I'm gonna see what I'm all about
And I'm gonna do it my way
Stop the music
I wanna lead the band
Maybe I'll waste and fall on my face
But I wanna be in command
My way they'll be no compromise
My way I'm gonna fall or rise
I got the plan and I got the drive
I'll be a man whose glad he's alive
Glad to live my life my way
The song My Way by The Four Tops seems to be an anthem of self-discovery and individuality. The lyrics describe the journey of a person who has lived according to the rules of society but never quite felt fulfilled. The singer realizes that it's time to step out of the shadows and take control of their life. It's time for them to do things their way, be themselves without any compromise.
The song has a strong motivational message, encouraging listeners to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. It advocates for self-acceptance and determination. The lines "I'm gonna see what I'm all about" and "I'll be a man whose glad he's alive" indicates that the singer is ready to face their fears and find their place in the world.
Overall, My Way is a compelling and inspiring song that encourages listeners to be true to themselves and take control of their destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
Little man you've had a busy life
You have been through a lot in your life despite being relatively small or insignificant.
Guess I've had my share of joy and stride
I too have experienced both happiness and success in my own life.
They gave me the rules
I have been taught how to live and what is expected of me by society or authority figures.
And I really tried
I made a genuine effort to follow these rules and expectations.
But somehow I'm not satisfied
Despite my efforts, I am not content with the life that following these rules has led me to.
So my way, this time it's gonna be
I have decided to do things my own way from now on.
My way, this time it's got to be
I am determined to stick to my new path and not waver in my resolve.
Just what I feel just what I chose
I will make choices based on my own feelings and desires rather than outside influences.
Mine if I win, mine if I lose
I will take responsibility for the outcomes of my choices, regardless of whether they result in success or failure.
But my way no more the shy little guy way
I will no longer be held back by my previous hesitation or lack of confidence.
No more uncertainty
I am now certain in my decisions and actions.
This time it's me without a doubt
I have complete faith in myself and my abilities.
I'm gonna see what I'm all about
I am excited to discover who I truly am and what I am capable of achieving.
And I'm gonna do it my way
I will achieve my goals on my own terms, without compromise.
Stop the music
I am taking control of the situation and making my intentions clear.
I wanna lead the band
I am ready to take charge and lead others towards my vision.
Maybe I'll waste and fall on my face
I am aware that there is a risk of failure or making mistakes, but I am prepared to take that risk.
But I wanna be in command
I am eager to take charge and be in charge of my own destiny.
My way they'll be no compromise
I will not allow anyone else's opinions or desires to change the direction I am going in.
My way I'm gonna fall or rise
I am fully aware of the potential for failure or success on this new path, but am willing to accept whatever comes my way.
I got the plan and I got the drive
I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve and the motivation to see it through to the end.
I'll be a man whose glad he's alive
I am confident that living life on my own terms will bring me the ultimate satisfaction and happiness.
Glad to live my life my way
I am excited to experience all that life has to offer when I am in control and pursuing my own path.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Henry Nicola Mancini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind