Better Use Your Head

Little Anthony & the Imperials

About Better Use Your Head

"Better Use Your Head" is a song and single by American R&B group, Little Anthony & The Imperials written by Teddy Randazzo, who also produced it, and his wife Victoria Pike. Originally released in the US on the Veep label in 1966 with "The Wonder of It All" as the B-side, it reached # 54 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was later re-released in 1976 following its gain in popularity after having been played in clubs on the Northern soul scene in the UK. It made number 42 in the UK charts in July 1976 and was Little Anthony & The Imperials only UK chart success.  


Year:
1999
16 
#1

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You better stop and think what you're sayin'
You'd better hold on, make sure you're sold on
Letting me go (letting me go)
Make sure you know what you wanna surpass

You think because you're heart's flying high now
He won't pursue you, that he's gonna leave ya
Don't be mislead (don't be mislead)
Think with your head and not with your heart

Better use your head to hold on baby
Better turn around what you're sayin'
Better use your head before it's too late and I'm gone
Better use your head to help you
You will never find another love like me your whole life through
Hey baby, use your head, believe in me
Use your head and you will see
You won't be losin' it, so use your head

I know I'm not the one who should tell you
You think I'm lyin', you think I'm tryin' 
Hard to hold on (hard to hold on)
Putting you on, fool with your mind

But he's been all over town tellin' people
He's gonna get you, he will not let you
Know where he's been (know where he's been)
Ready for you when he leaves you behind

Better use your head to hold on baby
Better turn around what you're sayin'
Better use your head before it's too late and I'm gone
Better use your head to help you
You will never find another love like me your whole life through
Hey baby, use your head, believe in me
Use your head and you will see
You won't be losin' it, so use your head

Why don't you use your head
Ahh, I just wanna make you
Better turn around what you're sayin'
Better use your head before it's too late and I'm gone
Better use your head [fade] 

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Little Anthony & the Imperials

Little Anthony and the Imperials is an American rhythm and blues/soul vocal group from New York City founded by Clarence Collins in the 1950s and named in part for its lead singer, Jerome Anthony "Little Anthony" Gourdine, who was noted for his high-pitched voice. In addition to Collins and Gourdine, the original Imperials included Ernest Wright, Gloster "Nate" Rogers, and Tracy Lord, the last two of whom were subsequently replaced by Sammy Strain. The group was one of the very few doo-wop groups to enjoy sustained success on the R&B and pop charts throughout the 1960s. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009, 23 years after the group's first year of eligibility for induction. more »

2 fans

Written by: TEDDY RANDAZZO, VICTORIA PIKE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Information
"Better Use Your Head" by Little Anthony and the Imperials was originally released in 1966 on Veep Records, a subsidiary of United Artists.
Chart Performance
It reached number 42 on the Cash Box Top 100 and didn't hit the Billboard Hot 100.
Song Reception
Despite not making a huge impact commercially when released, "Better Use Your Head" has since become a classic in the Northern Soul scene.
Group Lineup
The group's composition included lead singer Anthony Gourdine, regular members Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright Jr, Samuel Strain Jr., and various others at different times.
Little Anthony's Career
Before "Better Use Your Head" Anthony Gourdine had already had a hit with "Tears on My Pillow" in 1958.
Musical Style
The song showcases Anthony Gourdine's signature falsetto and is underpinned with an orchestra, a common arrangement in Northern Soul music.
Songwriter Credit
The song was written by Teddy Randazzo and Bobby Weinstein.
Song Length
"Better Use Your Head" runs for a duration of 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Availability on Digital Platforms
Apart from physical records, the song is available for streaming on various digital platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Discography
The song is included on several Little Anthony & the Imperials' compilation albums, such as "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" and "Greatest Hits".
Cover Versions
"Better Use Your Head" has been covered by other artists, including Tommie Young and Thee Prophets.
Relevance to Today
Despite its age, the song continues to be respected and regularly played in the UK and worldwide Northern Soul clubs and events.
Live Performances
Little Anthony & the Imperials performed this song on a variety of TV shows in the late 60s, including The Tonight Show.
Band's Legacy
Little Anthony & the Imperials, whose discography includes "Better Use Your Head", were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
Song Influence
The song is typically considered one of the anthems of Northern Soul, influencing numerous artists and DJ's within the genre.

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