About The Song
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” is a classic soul song by The Four Tops. Released in 1965, the song became one of The Four Tops’ biggest hits and is recognized as a Motown classic. Here are some details about the song:
Title: I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
Artist: The Four Tops
Release Date: April 1965
Album: Four Tops’ Second Album
Label: Motown
Writers: Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland
Genre: Soul, R&B
Background: “I Can’t Help Myself” was written by the legendary Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland, which consisted of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland. The song’s lyrics express the narrator’s deep love and infatuation, using the playful nickname “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch.” The Four Tops’ emotive and soulful performance added to the song’s appeal.
Musical Style: The song features the distinctive Motown sound, characterized by a tight rhythm section, horn arrangements, and smooth vocal harmonies. Levi Stubbs, the lead vocalist for The Four Tops, delivers a passionate and soul-stirring performance.
Chart Performance: “I Can’t Help Myself” was a massive commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it The Four Tops’ first number-one hit. The song also reached the top of the R&B chart and achieved international success.
Legacy: The song is regarded as one of The Four Tops’ signature hits and is often included in compilations of classic soul and Motown music. Its impact on the soul genre and its lasting popularity have solidified its status as a timeless classic.
Cultural Impact: “I Can’t Help Myself” has been covered and referenced by various artists over the years. Its inclusion in films, TV shows, and commercials attests to its cultural impact and enduring popularity.
Awards: While the song did not receive major music awards, its chart success and critical acclaim have contributed to its recognition as one of the standout soul songs of the 1960s.
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” remains a joyful and iconic representation of the Motown sound. The combination of The Four Tops’ soulful vocals and the infectious melody has made it a timeless favorite among fans of classic soul and R&B music.
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Lyrics
UuhSugar pie, honey bunch
You know that I love you
I can’t help myself
I love you and nobody else
In and out my life (In and out my life)
You come and you go (You come and you go)
Leaving just your picture behind
And I’ve kissed it a thousand times
When you snap your finger or wink your eye
I come a-running to you
I’m tied to your apron strings (Can’t help myself)
And there’s nothing that I can do, ooh
Can’t help myself (Ooh)
No, I can’t help myself (Ooh)
‘Cause, sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
I’m weaker than a man should be
I can’t help myself
I’m a fool in love, you see
Wanna tell you I don’t love you
Tell you that we’re through
And I’ve tried
But every time I see your face (I can’t help myself)
I get all choked up inside
When I call your name
Girl, it starts the flame
(Burning in my heart, tearing it all apart)
No matter how I try, my love I cannot hide
‘Cause sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I’m weak for you (Weak for you)
Can’t help myself
I love you and nobody else (Ooh)
Sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
Do anything you ask me to (Ask me to)
Can’t help myself
I want you and nobody else (Ooh)
Sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I love you (Love you)
I can’t help myself
No, I can’t help myself (Ooh)
Sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I love you