Original version written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson and George Gordy, the lyrics are about the narrator wanting a man she just met to call her number in order to "have a date, any ol' time." Like all the Marvelette's singles during the first phase of the group's career, the lead vocal was by Gladys Horton. The song's co-writer Marvin Gaye played drums on the track, which William Stevenson produced.
The song's title is derived from the now defunct use of telephone exchange names in telephone numbers. In this case, the significant portions of the exchange name were the first two letters of "Beechwood" (BE), and the remainder of the number. In conventional modern use, this telephone number would be 234-5789.
"Beechwood 4-5789" has become a signature hit of Motown's early period but was not one of the label's biggest hits, reaching #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the autumn of 1962. The track did reach the R&B Top Ten where in fact the single enjoyed double A-side status with "Beechwood 4-5789" reaching #7 and the flip "Someday, Someway" #8.
The latter track was a ballad from the writing-&-production team of Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Fred Gorman and featured Berry Gordy Jr's wife Raynoma Liles as organist.
Beechwood 4-5789
The Marvelettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey-ah-ay-ay
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
Oh, baby
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
Hey-ah-ay-ay
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
You can hold my hand and
Whisper in my ear sweet words that I love to hear
(Whisper sweet words in my ear) Oh, baby
Don't be shy (don't be shy)
Just take your time (just take your time)
I'd like to get to know you (like to get to know you)
I'd like to make you mine (like to make you mine)
I've been waiting, standing here so patiently
For you to come over and have this dance with me
And my number is Beechwood 4-5789
You can call me up and have a date any old time
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
Hey-ah-ay-ay
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
Oh, baby
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
Hey-ah-ay-ay
(La, La. La, La, La, La, La)
Don't be shy (don't be shy)
Just take your time (just take your time)
I'd like to get to know you (like to get to know you)
I'd like to make you mine (like to make you mine)
Beechwood 4-5789
You can call me up and have a date any old time
And my number is Beechwood 4-5789
You can call me up and have a date any old time
Beechwood 4-5789
You can call me up and have a date any old time
The Marvelettes' song "Beechwood 4-5789" is a classic upbeat track about a girl eagerly waiting for a boy to come and dance with her. The first verse speaks of the girl's desire for a partner to share the dance floor with, encouraging him to hold her hand and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. She expresses her interest in getting to know him better and hopes to make him hers.
The chorus features the famous phone number, "Beechwood 4-5789", which she invites him to call for a date "any old time". The number becomes a key part of the song's hook and is repeated throughout. The upbeat tempo and the Marvelettes' harmonies make the song an enjoyable listen even after its 50+ years since release.
Line by Line Meaning
You can have this dance with me
I want to dance with you
You can hold my hand and
We can be close
Whisper in my ear sweet words that I love to hear
Tell me nice things
(Whisper sweet words in my ear) Oh, baby
Please say romantic things to me
Don't be shy (don't be shy)
Don't be hesitant
Just take your time (just take your time)
Don't feel rushed
I'd like to get to know you (like to get to know you)
I want to learn more about you
I'd like to make you mine (like to make you mine)
I want you to be my partner
I've been waiting, standing here so patiently
I have been anticipating this moment for a while
For you to come over and have this dance with me
I am excited to dance with you
And my number is Beechwood 4-5789
Here is my phone number
You can call me up and have a date any old time
Anytime you want to go out, just give me a call
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE GORDY, MARVIN GAYE, MARVIN P GAYE, WILLIAM STEVENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lauriesolis1026
If people still made songs like this... everyone would be a lot happier.
@karkkimarkkinat2109
Agreed. Mainstream music these days is all about sex & drugs & degeneracy. Music back in the day was wholesome. Reject the modern world
@onlyvontrez7961
Working on it 👍🏾
@johnrubio3063
Yes just found this album from a bundle I bought I put it on and let it play nonstop great listening compared to what they play nowadays
@jerrynavarro2404
Agree such innocent 😇 times back in the 1960s
@Jacobsladder1993
Songs came out of peoples happiness
Our music reflects our spirit. Not arguing just a different point of view. I do agree with you though
@raymondortiz1113
This was a time when music made sense, and groups like this made you get up and dance, the beat is so nice Gladys horton you had the voice rest in peace.
@user-pm4ef8yu7w
I know every word. 💜
@carolynking1625
@@user-pm4ef8yu7wI know every word to now day garbage too! "F you f yo mamma f you f yo brotha f this f that... ". I just get here and put on the Good Stuff!!
@birdsfan57
@@carolynking1625 Sad how society, culture and what's considered "music" have de-volved to such gutteral levels. 😔