Ain't Too Proud To Beg

The Temptations

About Ain't Too Proud To Beg

"Ain't Too Proud to Beg" is a 1966 song and hit single by The Temptations for Motown Records' Gordy label, produced by Norman Whitfield and written by Whitfield and Edward Holland, Jr. The song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Pop Chart, and was a number-one hit on the Billboard R&B charts for eight non-consecutive weeks. The song's success, in the wake of the relative underperformance of the previous Temptations single, "Get Ready", resulted in Norman Whitfield replacing Smokey Robinson, producer of "Get Ready", as The Temptations' main producer. In 2004 it finished #94 in AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs poll thanks to its inclusion in The Big Chill soundtrack. 


Year:
2008
2:32
96 
#1

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I know you wanna leave me
But I refuse to let you go
If I have to beg, plead for your sympathy
I don't mind 'cause you mean that much to me
 
Ain't too proud to beg and you know it
Please don't leave me girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)

Now I've heard a cryin' man
Is half a man with no sense of pride
But if I have to cry to keep you
I don't mind weepin' if it'll keep you by my side
 
Ain't too proud to beg, sweet darling
Please don't leave me girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
 
If I have to sleep on your doorstep all night and day
Just to keep you from walking away
Let your friends laugh, even this I can stand
'Cause I wanna keep you any way I can
 
Ain't too proud to beg and you know it
Please don't leave me girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go), ooh hoo

Now I've got a love so deep in the pit of my heart
And each day it grows more and more
I'm not ashamed to call and plead to you, baby
If pleading keeps you from walking out that door
 
Ain't too proud to beg, you know it
Please don't leave me girl (don't you go)
Ain't too proud to plead, baby, baby
Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
Baby, sweet darling (please don't go)

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The Temptations

The Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success in the 60s and 70s at Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music. Known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy onstage suits, the Temptations have been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock. more »

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Written by: Norman Whitfield, Edward Jr. Holland

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Ain't Too Proud to Beg" was released in 1966 and became one of The Temptations' most famous songs. It is considered a defining track of the Motown label and has been covered by various artists, including Rolling Stones.
Chart Performance
Despite initial underperformance on the pop charts, the song skyrocketed to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held its position for an impressive 8 weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B charts.
Creative Credits
The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland Jr., and produced by Whitfield. Known for their work on Motown songs during this period, their creative inputs are thought to have significantly contributed to the song’s success.
Vocal Performance
The lead vocals were performed by David Ruffin, who reportedly was on his knees begging for the chance to lead the song. His soulful and emotional rendition became a hallmark of The Temptations' style.
Impact on Popular Culture
"Ain't Too Proud to Beg" has been featured in film soundtracks, television shows, and even video games. It was also used in the opening of the 1991 film "The Five Heartbeats."
Accolades
The song is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of '500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll' and it was also chosen for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2017.
The Temptations Musical
The song also lends its title to a Broadway musical about The Temptations, which traces the rise and fall of the legendary group.
Influence on Other Artists
The Rolling Stones covered "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" in 1974, and their version enjoyed considerable success, giving the song a new audience and propelling it to be on international charts again.
Song Style
The song, which encompasses elements of soul, pop, and R&B, has been acclaimed for its inventive blend of musical genres and its impassioned lyrics, which capture the raw emotions of unrequited love.
Historical Parallels
Coinciding with larger civil rights struggles and a cultural shift toward more openly expressed emotions in music, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," with its heartfelt pleading, is often seen as reflective of its times.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #13


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