Back Stabbers

The O'Jays

About Back Stabbers

"Back Stabbers" is a 1972 song by the O'Jays. Released from the hit album of the same name, the song spent one week at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart. It was also successful on the pop charts, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in October 1972. The narrator in "Back Stabbers" warns men about their male "friends" who smile to their faces, but are secretly planning to steal their wives or girlfriends. It was also inspired by an earlier hit with a similar theme, the Undisputed Truth's "Smiling Faces Sometimes", the chorus of which is quoted at the end of the song. It was part of the soundtrack for the 1977 movie Looking for Mr. Goodbar. 


Year:
2017
3:05
45 
#2

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(What they do)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
All you fellows who have someone and you really care, yeah, yeah
Then it's all of you fellows who better beware, yeah yeah

Somebody's out to get your lady
A few of your buddies they sure look shady
Blades are long, clenched tight in their fist
Aimin' straight at your back
And I don't think they'll miss

(What they do)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
I keep gettin' all these visits from my friends, yeah, what they doin' to me
They come to my house again and again and again and again, yeah
So are they there to see my woman
I don't even be home but they just keep on comin'
What can I do to get on the right track
I wish they'd take some of these knives off my back

(What they do)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
Low down dirty

(What they do)
(They smile in your face)
Smiling faces smiling faces sometimes tell lies (back stabbers)
(They smile in your face)
I don't need low down, dirty bastards (back stabbers)

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The O'Jays

The O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1958 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert (born June 16, 1942), Walter Williams (born August 25, 1943), William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977), Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. The O'Jays made their first chart appearance with "Lonely Drifter" in 1963, but reached their greatest level of success once Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters, signed them to their Philadelphia International label in 1972. With Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays (now a trio after the departure of Isles and Massey) emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with "Back Stabbers" (1972), and topped the Billboard Hot 100 the following year with "Love Train". Numerous other hits followed thro… more »

4 fans

Written by: Leon Huff, Gene McFadden, John Whitehead

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Year
"Back Stabbers" was released in the summer of 1972.
Genre
The song belongs to the soul genre, and it is one of the classics that define the Philadelphia soul sound.
Chart Performance
"Back Stabbers" peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.
Album
"Back Stabbers" is the title track from The O'Jays' album of the same name.
Producer
The song was produced by Philadelphia International Records owners Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.
Songwriters
The song was written by Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and Leon Huff.
Legacy
Rolling Stone magazine listed "Back Stabbers" at #318 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Themes
The song has themes of paranoia and betrayal, stating that the people who are trusted the most (friends) are the ones who will backstab.
Recognition
"Back Stabbers" is credited with launching The O'Jays to stardom and being a cornerstone in the development of the Philadelphia soul sound.
Cover Versions
Artists such as Keb' Mo, Clarence Carter, and Wilson Pickett have covered the song.
Cultural Impact
The song's distinct sound and lyrical content have led to its continued relevance, being sampled or referenced in modern pop culture.

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    Back Stabbers

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #3


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