Your Old Standby

Mary Wells

About Your Old Standby

"Your Old Standby" is a song written by Motown songwriters Smokey Robinson and Janie Bradford and released as a single by Motown star Mary Wells in 1963. The record marked her third top forty pop single to come out in 1963.


Year:
1998
2:45
91 

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She left you last night 
And today you called me on the phone 
Asked me if you could come over 
'Cause you didn't want to be alone 
So you want me to stand in for her 
And be the love of your next act 
But this time I play the part so well 
There'll be no need for her coming back, 'cause... 

CHORUS: 
You know that I'm your old stand-by 
You know that you can call on me 
I know the part so well that you can hardly tell 
That she's left you in misery 

I know you only called me 'cause you needed company 
'Cause once again she's left you and your heart's in misery, but... 
(chorus) 

(instrumental) 

(repeat and fade): 
I don't wanna be your old stand-by 
I wanna be with you permanently 
I'm gonna play the part from the depths of my heart 
And you won't need nobody but me

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Mary Wells

Mary Esther Wells (May 13, 1943 – July 26, 1992) was an American singer who helped to define the emerging sound of Motown in the early 1960s. Along with The Miracles, The Temptations, The Supremes, and the Four Tops, Wells was said to have been part of the charge in black music onto radio stations and record shelves of mainstream America, "bridging the color lines in music at the time." more »

1 fan

Written by: JANIE BRADFORD, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Your Old Standby" is a song performed by Mary Wells, an American singer renowned for her role as the first female superstar of the Motown era.
Song Release Date
The song was originally released on May 2, 1963, making it over five decades old but still appreciated for its sound and lyrical depth.
B-side
The track was issued as the B-side to Wells' hit, "You Lost the Sweetest Boy." Despite being a B-side, the song gained its own recognition and popularity.
Chart Success
"Your Old Standby" made it as high as number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its commercial success.
Teamwork
The song was written by the famous songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who were responsible for many Motown hits.
Record Label
Like most of Mary Wells' songs, "Your Old Standby" was released under the iconic Motown Records label, a music label popular for producing great hits in the 1960s.
Genre
The song falls under the R&B/Soul genre, typical for most Mary Wells' works and of most Motown productions.
Cover Versions
"Your Old Standby" has been covered by several artists, revealing its enduring appeal and influence.
Relevance
Lyrics of "Your Old Standby" resonate with listeners as it deals with a common human experience - unreciprocated love.
Critical Acclaim
Despite not having the universal acclaim of some of Wells' larger hits, the song is noted for its soulful performance and architecture of 60s pop/soul music arrangement.

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