The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) … Read Full Bio ↴The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records. The Miracles went on to become one of Motown's signature acts of the 1960s, during which time their original lead singer and founding member Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.
During their nineteen year run on the American music charts, The Miracles charted over fifty hits and recorded in the genres of doo wop, soul, disco, and R&B. Twenty-six Miracles songs reached the Top Ten of the Billboard R&B singles chart, including four R&B number ones. Sixteen of the Miracles' songs charted within the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, with seven songs charting within the Top Ten and two - 1970's "The Tears of a Clown" and 1975's "Love Machine" (Part 1) - reaching number-one.

Original members:

Ronald "Ronnie" White (1955–1978, 1980–1983, 1993–1995 (died 1995)
Warren "Pete" Moore (1955–1978) (died 2017)
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (1955–1972)
Claudette Robinson (1956 - 1972, 2005 -2011)
Marvin "Marv" Tarplin (1958 - 1973) (died 2011)

17. Choosey Beggar
The Miracles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Beggars can't be choicey I know
That's what the people say.
But though my heart is begging for love
I've turned some love away.

Maybe one was true love I'll never know which cause
your love is the only love to make this beggar rich.
I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)

and your my choice.

People say you can't have your cake
and then eat it too.
They tell me I've been making a mistake
waiting around for you.
Oh, I'm begging for love and
why can't they see that yours is the only love for me

I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.

If beg you I must then I'll never give up cause
your love is the only love to fill this beggars cup.

I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.

I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar)
and your my choice.

Overall Meaning

The Miracles's song "17. Choosey Beggar" is a soulful expression of love and the struggles of finding the right person to choose. The lyrics depict a person who is searching for love but is also very selective about who they give their heart to. The first verse highlights the dilemma of wanting love but rejecting it at times as well. The singer realizes that beggars can't be choosy but still hopes to find the right person who satisfies their selective nature. The second verse refers to people's advice that one cannot have everything they want. The singer is waiting for that one special person who is worth all the wait and the sacrifice.

The chorus emphasizes the singer's selective nature and commitment towards their love interest. The singer is a choosy beggar and is proud of that. The final verse declares the singer's resilience and determination to keep begging for the love that they desire. It is also an assurance to the love interest that their love is the only love that can satisfy the singer's choosiness.

Line by Line Meaning

Beggars can't be choicey I know
Although people say that beggars cannot be picky, I understand that I have to be selective with who I choose to love.

But though my heart is begging for love, I've turned some love away.
Even though I yearn for love, I have rejected some offers because they were not what I was looking for.

Maybe one was true love I'll never know which cause your love is the only love to make this beggar rich.
I won't ever know if I have missed out on true love before, because I realize that your love is the only one that can truly bring me happiness.

People say you can't have your cake and then eat it too.
People believe that you cannot have everything you want; that you must choose between options to get what you desire.

They tell me I've been making a mistake waiting around for you.
Others believe that I am making an error by being patient and hopeful for your love.

Oh, I'm begging for love and why can't they see that yours is the only love for me
I long for love and cannot understand why others cannot perceive that your love is the only one I truly desire.

If beg you I must then I'll never give up cause your love is the only love to fill this beggars cup.
If I have to beg for your affection, I will not give up because I recognize that your love is the only thing that will fulfill my needs.

I'm a choosy beggar (choosy beggar) and your my choice.
I am selective in my love interest, and you are the one I have chosen.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WARREN MOORE, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Paul Riofski

5y↑7

Thanks, Charles, for posting this B-side of one of my favorite singles by Smokey and the Miracles ("More Love" which peaked at #13 on the national R&B charts and #23 on the Hot 100 in June of 1967, and was later covered very nicely by Kim Carnes). I didn't own the single, so it's great to hear this gem!