My Whole World Ended

David Ruffin

About My Whole World Ended

"My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" is the solo debut single for former Temptations lead singer David Ruffin, released on Motown Records in early 1969 (see 1969 in music). The song was written by Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Pam Sawyer, and James Roach, with its melody and intro based upon the classical music piece "Frühlingslied" by Felix Mendelssohn. Fuqua and Bristol handled the recording's production. Ruffin had been dismissed from the Temptations in June 1968 for what has been repeatedly deemed increasingly unprofessional behavior. The song was originally intended to be sung by the Temptations when Ruffin was still the group's front man, but when he finally agreed to a solo contract with Motown, the song was given to him. A bittersweet ballad in the style of "Since I Lost My Baby", "All I Need", "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)", "(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need", "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and "I Wish It Would Rain", Ruffin, as the narrator, sings of the extensive pain he has felt since his lover has left him. All throughout the song, Ruffin asks his lover why she left him, what he did wrong that drove her away, and professes to her that without her, his life is meaningless. Singing backup for Ruffin on the recording are The Originals, who the same year would score a hit of their own with "Baby I'm For Real". 


Year:
2002
3:26
389 
#1

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Last week my life had meaning
It was beautiful and so sweet
But now it's nothing, nothing without you baby
My whole world is incomplete
Cause honey I can't see you no more
That was all that you said baby
But you just might as well have placed a gun to my head
Baby, baby, oh why did you do it
My whole world ended
The moment you left me
Yeah baby, honey, my whole world ended
The moment you left me
It tumbled down to the ground, baby

Did you ever mean those sweet things
All that you use to say
Did you mean 'em baby 
A lovely, lovely garden and a little baby someday 
Oh tell me baby 
Where did I go wrong, honey 
Whatever changed your mind, baby 
I've asked myself these questions over a million times
Baby, baby, oh baby 
My whole world ended the moment you left me 
It tumbled down to the ground, baby, baby, baby
Oh baby now my body is numb
I feel so senseless to the touch 
My life is so wasted, so wasted without you
I guess I love you much too much 
Oh baby how can I face tomorrow 
When yesterday is all I see
I just don't want to face tomorrow
If you're not sharing it with me
Baby, baby oh tell me why my whole world ended
The moment you left me
Oh yes it did, baby, baby
My whole world ended the moment you left me
It tumbled down to the ground
Baby, I keep holding on, holding on
Although your love is gone, baby

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David Ruffin

Davis Eli "David" Ruffin (January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer and musician most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of the Temptations from 1964 to 1968 (or the group's "Classic Five" period as it was later known). He was the lead voice on such famous songs as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." Known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with the Temptations. Fellow Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye once said admiringly of Ruffin that, "I heard in [his voice] a strength my own voice lacked." more »

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Written by: HARVEY FUQUA, JAMES ROACH, JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL, PAMELA JOAN SAWYER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Artist Background
David Ruffin was a renowned American soul singer and musician known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals. He rose to fame as one of the lead singers of The Temptations during the 1960s.
Debut Solo
"My Whole World Ended " is David Ruffin's debut solo single which he released after leaving The Temptations.
Release Information
The song was released in 1969 under the Motown Records label, and it was the first single from his debut solo album, "My Whole World Ended."
Production Team
The song was produced by Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol, who were both notable figures in the Motown era.
Songwriting Credits
"My Whole World Ended" was written by Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Jimmy Roach, and Pam Sawyer. They were a part of Motown's in-house songwriting and production team.
Track Success
The song became an instant success. It reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and was number two on the Billboard R&B singles chart.
Inspiration Behind the Song
The song was originally intended for The Temptations, Ruffin's former group. However, Ruffin released it as his first solo song after leaving the band.
Ruffin's Performance
Ruffin's soulful and emotionally charged performance in "My Whole World Ended" was widely acclaimed, helping to establish him as a successful solo artist.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "My Whole World Ended" has been covered by several artists, including The Spinners and Kiki Dee.
Continued Popularity
The song remains one of Ruffin's most popular solo hits, and it is frequently included in Motown and Ruffin’s compilation albums.
Legacy
"My Whole World Ended" is often considered a classic in the soul music genre, demonstrating Motown's signature sound while highlighting Ruffin's powerful, emotive vocals. It continues to inspire soul and R&B artists today.

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