You've Got to Earn It

Four Tops, The Temptations

About You've Got to Earn It

"You've Got to Earn It" is a 1964 song recorded by the Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. It was released as the B-side to their 1965 Top 40 hit "Since I Lost My Baby", and was also able to chart on its own, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Pop Charts. On Billboard's R&B singles chart, "You've Got to Earn It" peaked at number 22. It was written by Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, who also was the song's producer, and the group's main guitarist, Cornelius Grant. Grant did not play guitar on the song as he was out on tour during the recording session. 


Year:
1994
2:41
100 

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(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
To get stones from a rock, you've got to break it
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
To get bread from dough, you've got to bake it
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
To get water from a faucet, you've got to turn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it (earn it, earn it, earn it)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
To get fire from a match, you've got to strike it
(Strike it, strike it, strike it, strike it)
To get the feeling from a kiss, you've got to like it
(Like it, like it, like it, like it)
To get ashes from wood, you've got to burn it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it (earn it, earn it, earn it)
You've got to treat me kind, all the time
Throw the other guys right out of your mind
(Yeah, yeah)

Now listen
To make broken things work, you've got to fix them
(Fix them, fix them, fix them, fix them)
To make two things one, you've got to mix them
(Mix them, mix them, mix them, mix them)
To get butter from milk, you've got to chum it
And if you want my love, if you want my love
You've got to earn it (earn it, earn it, earn it)
If you deserve it you can get it
I'll be glad to see you with it
Just show me that you love me
And that you're thinking of me
You can get it in a

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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: CORNELIUS GRANT, SMOKEY ROBINSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"You've Got to Earn It" by The Temptations falls under the genre of R&B and Soul music.
Album Details
The song is featured on the group's seventh studio album, "Gettin' Ready," released in 1966.
Songwriters
The song was penned by legendary song-writing duo Cornelius Grant and Eddie Holland.
Producer
Responsible for establishing The Temptations' signature sound, the famous Motown producer and songwriter Smokey Robinson produced the "You've Got to Earn It" track.
Chart Performance
Even though this specific song did not chart separately, the album "Gettin' Ready" made it to number #12 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart and was also a #1 hit on the R&B Albums chart in the United States.
Historical Context
"You've Got to Earn It" was recorded during the period known as The Temptations' "Classic Five" era. The lineup consisted of David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, and Melvin Franklin, who are often considered the definitive lineup of the band.
Message
The lyrics of "You've Got to Earn It" underscore the message that love, trust, and respect in a relationship are not given freely, but must be earned.
Musical Arrangement
As with much of The Temptations' music, the song features an upbeat tempo, harmonic vocals, and a poignant, soulful lead vocal, embodying the Motown Sound of the mid-1960s.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by other artists including Stardust Revue, a Japanese band, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence.
Legacy
Despite being over 50 years old, "You've Got to Earn It" along with other songs by The Temptations, is still played on oldies and classic soul radio stations, reflecting the enduring legacy of the band.

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