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)

I Like It Like That
The Miracles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Clap your hands now everybody
We're gonna have some fun tonight
We're gonna sing, shout, knock ourselves out
Everything's gonna be alright (alright)

Now let the bassman start playin'
He's gonna come in right on time
He's gonna add a beat to make you pat your feet

Everything's gonna work out fine

And we can say I like it like that (I like it like that)
I like it like that (I like it like that)
Oh, that's where it's at and I like it like that

Now after a man finds himself a woman
She doesn't have to be a beauty queen
And then she holds you tight, she makes you feel alright
Any man that I've ever seen

He's got to say, I like it like that (I like it like that)
Oh, I like it like that (oh, I like it like that)
Oh, that, I'm trying to tell you (oh, that's where it's at, that's where
It's at, oh, that's where it's at) and I like it like that

I like it like that (I like it like that)
I like it like that (I like it like that)
I like it like that (I like it like that)

Yeah, ooh, now I know why my mama, taught me to be true
She must have known one day that you would come my way
And I would fall in love with you

And we could say I like it like that (I like it like that)
Oh, I like it like that (oh, I like it like that)
(Oh, that's (I'm trying to tell you) where it's at, that's where it's at,

Everybody sing now(that's where it's at, that's where it's at)
(That's where it's at) one more time now (that's where it's at, that's where it's at)

Overall Meaning

The Miracles' song "I Like It Like That" exudes a lively and upbeat atmosphere as it encourages the listeners to dance and have a good time. The opening lines of the song urge everyone to clap their hands and enjoy the moment. The song is all about living life to the fullest and enjoying oneself, which is further emphasised in the following lines where they encourage listeners to sing, shout, and knock themselves out because everything is going to be alright.

The song continues to celebrate the power of music and its ability to uplift the mood and get others grooving. The bassman's addition to the song is celebrated as he comes in right on time, adding a beat that makes you pat your feet – again, signifying joy and the feeling of happiness music brings. The chorus, "I like it like that, oh, that's where it's at," stresses the positive effects of music and its ability to bring people together to have a good time.

The final verse is about falling in love and the joy and happiness it brings to one’s life. It is a fitting end for a song that celebrates good times, music, and the exuberance of life. The song is undoubtedly one that can lift one’s mood and bring joy to a room full of people.

Line by Line Meaning

Clap your hands now everybody
Let's all start clapping our hands to create excitement and joy in the atmosphere.

We're gonna have some fun tonight
We're going to enjoy ourselves and have a good time tonight.

We're gonna sing, shout, knock ourselves out
We'll sing and shout along with the music, and have a great time dancing and exerting ourselves to the fullest extent.

Everything's gonna be alright (alright)
We don't have anything to worry about, everything will be just fine.

Now let the bassman start playin'
It's time for the bass player to start playing their instrument.

He's gonna come in right on time
The bass player will be starting to play their part in the song right on schedule.

He's gonna add a beat to make you pat your feet
The beat created by the bass will be so catchy and enjoyable that it will make you want to dance and tap your feet to the music.

Everything's gonna work out fine
Everything will go smoothly and work out well.

And we can say I like it like that (I like it like that)
We will declare our love for the music and the experience we're having by saying 'I like it like that'.

Oh, that's where it's at and I like it like that
This is the place to be and we are enjoying every moment of it.

Now after a man finds himself a woman
After a man meets a woman who he likes and is compatible with,

She doesn't have to be a beauty queen
She doesn't need to be a physically perfect woman to be attractive to him.

And then she holds you tight, she makes you feel alright
When she hugs him tightly, it makes him feel so good and content.

Any man that I've ever seen
From the perspective of the singer, this experience is universal and applies to all men who have found a compatible partner.

He's got to say, I like it like that (I like it like that)
He will affirm his love and happiness by saying 'I like it like that'.

Oh, I like it like that (oh, I like it like that)
The singer enjoys this experience very much.

Oh, that, I'm trying to tell you (oh, that's where it's at, that's where It's at, oh, that's where it's at) and I like it like that
The singer is reiterating that this experience is special and enjoyable to them.

Yeah, ooh, now I know why my mama, taught me to be true
The singer is reflecting on their upbringing and realizing their parents taught them good values and principles, including being true to oneself.

She must have known one day that you would come my way
The singer's mother might have foreseen a future where they would meet someone they deeply care for.

And I would fall in love with you
The singer has fallen in love with their partner and they're attributing it to their mother's teachings.

Everybody sing now (that's where it's at, that's where it's at)
This is the part of the song where the singer is inviting everyone to join in and sing along with the lyrics.

(That's where it's at) one more time now (that's where it's at, that's where it's at)
The singer is repeating the line, urging everybody to sing it once more together.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARVIN TARPLIN, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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