When Smokey Sings
ABC
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Debonair lullabies in melodies revealed In deep despair or lonely nights He knows just how you feel The slyest rhymes, the sharpest suits In miracles made real Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night You know you're right just to hold her tight He soothes it right, makes it out of sight And every thing's good in the world tonight When smokey sings, I hear violins When smokey sings, I forget everything As she's packing her things As she's spreading her wings The front door might slam But the back door it rings And smokey sings, he sings Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire Should I say yes, I match his best Then I would be a liar Symphonies soothe the rage When lovers hearts catch fire Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night You know you're right just to hold her tight He soothes it right, makes it out of sight And every thing's good in the world tonight When smokey sings, I hear violins When smokey sings, I forget everything, yeah As she's packing her things As she's spreading her wings Smashing the hell With the heaven she brings Then smokey sings, he sings (But if he couldn't sing) Luther croons Sly's the original, originator James screams Marvin was the only innovator But nothing can compare, nothing can compare When smokey sings When smokey sings, I hear violins When smokey sings, I forget everything As she's packing her things As she's spreading her wings She threw back the ring When smokey sings Smokey sings Smokey sings
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Written by: MARK ANDREW WHITE, MARTIN DAVID FRY
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Band History"When Smokey Sings" is a song by ABC, a band that was part of the New Romantic movement, which started in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band was formed by Martin Fry, David Palmer, Mark White, and Stephen Singleton.
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Album ReleaseThis track is part of their fourth studio album, "Alphabet City," which was released in 1987.
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Song InspirationThe single was a tribute to Smokey Robinson, a famous American singer-songwriter and record producer known as the "King of Motown."
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Commercial Success"When Smokey Sings" reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band's most successful singles.
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Chart CoincidenceInterestingly, it was on the Billboard Hot 100 alongside a Smokey Robinson song, "One Heartbeat," in the week it reached its peak, making the occasion one of the few where an artist and a tribute song simultaneously charted.
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Grammy NominationThe success of the song led to ABC receiving a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1988.
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Song InterpretationThe lyrics are full of references to Motown and Smokey Robinson's songs, such as "Tears of a Clown," "Second That Emotion," "Tracks of My Tears," and others, making it a fan favorite.
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Music VideoThe song's music video features the band performing on a stage resembling a 1960s variety show, much like those that Smokey Robinson would have performed on during the height of the Motown Era.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by various artists including Mitchell Ayres&His Fashions-In-Music and The Shadows, showcasing its enduring appeal.
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Smokey's ReactionSmokey Robinson himself has expressed his appreciation for the song and the admiration ABC had for his work.
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Citation
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"When Smokey Sings Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35228009/ABC/When+Smokey+Sings>.
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