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)

Depend On Me
The Miracles Lyrics

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You
You need a love like mine that you can depend on
When your whole world's falling in
And you need a friend
You can depend on me
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I'll be by your side
When you need me (you can depend on me)
When the whole world seems unfair

And no one seems to care
You can depend on me
Oh when life seems not worth living
And nothing seems to be going right
The comfort my love will be giving
Will change your darkness to light
I'll, I'll, I'll be right by your side
When you need, need me (you can depepend on me)
When the whole world seems unfair
And no one seems to care
You can depend on me (you can depend on me)
Oh, don't you know that I'll, ooh, that I'll be right by your side
Oh, little girl, little girl, little girl
Ooh, when you need a friend

I'm yours 'til the end
Oh, yeah, I love you, I love you (you can depend on me)

Overall Meaning

The Miracles' "Depend On Me" is a declaration of steadfast love and loyalty. The song speaks of a love that can be relied on even in the darkest of times, when the world seems to be falling apart and no one else appears to care. The singer promises to stand by his partner through thick and thin, to be a friend in times of need and a constant support system. The lyrics show how love can be a beacon of hope in the midst of life's struggles, and how someone's presence can make all the difference when things are tough.

The song's emotional resonance is further enhanced by the soulful vocals, particularly Smokey Robinson's lead singing, and the gentle, uplifting melody that takes the listener on a journey of healing and comfort. The instrumentation is minimal, with the focus primarily on the vocals, but the piano, drums, and bass guitar provide a soft, rhythmic backdrop that complements the song's message.

Overall, "Depend On Me" is a timeless love ballad that speaks to the enduring power of love and the importance of having someone to depend on in life's ups and downs.

Line by Line Meaning

You
The person listening to the song

You need a love like mine that you can depend on
You require a love that is unwavering and constant

When your whole world's falling in
When everything is going wrong

And you need a friend
When you require the companionship of someone supportive

You can depend on me
You can rely on me to be there for you

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I'll be by your side
I promise to be with you through thick and thin

When you need me (you can depend on me)
I will be there when you need me most

When the whole world seems unfair
When everything appears unjust

And no one seems to care
And nobody appears to be concerned

You can depend on me
You can rely on me as your source of support

Oh when life seems not worth living
When life seems unbearable