Don't Mess With Bill

The Marvelettes

About Don't Mess With Bill

"Don't Mess with Bill" is a million-selling Gold-certified 1966 single recorded by The Marvelettes for Motown Records' Tamla label. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, "Don't Mess with Bill" features a lead vocal by Wanda Young. The single peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1966, and at number three on Billboard's R&B singles chart. "Don't Mess with Bill" was the Marvelettes' final Top 10 single. The titular "Bill" referenced in the song is not an allusion to the song's author, Bill "Smokey" Robinson. Robinson reports that he chose the name because it fit the lyrics, not because it was his. "Don't Mess With Bill" has also been recorded and released by Monalisa Young. It was also included as part of The Spinners "Superstar Medley" and released on the 1975 "Spinners Live!" album. 


Year:
1989
2:52
37 

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Don't mess with Bill
Don't mess with Bill
Don't mess with Bill
Don't mess with Bill

Now I know he's the guy who put tears in my eyes
A thousand times or more
Oh, but ev'rytime he would apologize
I loved him more than before

Hear what I say, girls, keep away, uh huh
Don't mess with Bill
No, no, no, no
Don't mess with Bill

Leave my Billy alone
Don't mess with Bill
Get a guy of your own
Don't mess with Bill

Now there's Johnny, there's Joe
And there's Frank and Jim, just to name a few
Now Bill's got me and I've got him
I'm sure there's one for you

Hear what I say, girls, keep away, uh huh
Don't mess with Bill
No, no, no, no
Don't mess with Bill

He is mine all mine
Don't mess with Bill
I'll say it one more time
Don't mess with Bill

Though I tell myself he wants no one else
'Cause he keeps coming back to me
Now I'm in no position to want competition
I want to be sure as can be

Hear what I say, girls, keep away, uh huh
Don't mess with Bill
No, no, no, no
Don't mess with Bill

Leave my Billy alone
Don't mess with Bill
Get a guy of your own
Don't mess with Bill

'Cause he is mine all mine
Don't mess with Bill
I'll say it one more time
Don't mess with Bill

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The Marvelettes

The Marvelettes were an all-girl group who achieved popularity in the early to mid-1960s. They consisted of schoolmates Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson (later Katherine Anderson Schnaffer), Georgeanna Tillman (later Georgeanna Tillman-Gordon), Juanita Cowart (later Juanita Cowart Motley) and Georgia Dobbins, who was replaced by Wanda Young (later Wanda Rogers) prior to the group signing their first deal. The group was the first major successful act of Motown Records after The Miracles and were its first significant successful girl group on the label's early years after the release of the number-one single, "Please Mr. Postman", one of the first number-one singles recorded by an all-female vocal group and the first by a Motown recording act. more »

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Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Original Artist Information
Don't Mess With Bill" was originally performed by The Marvelettes.
Release Information
The song was released in the year 1965 under the Motown label.
Songwriter Information
Don't Mess With Bill" was written by William "Smokey" Robinson.
Chart Performance
The track reached the seventh spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a significant hit for The Marvelettes.
Song Popularity Facts
Despite not reaching the top spot, it was one of The Marvelettes' most popular and enduring hits.
Cover Song Information
Monalisa Young, an American singer, covered "Don't Mess With Bill" years after its original release.
Live Performance
This cover version is often sung by Monalisa Young in her live performances.
Song Meaning
The song's lyrics have been praised for their empowering message, urging respect for one's partner.
Critical Acclaim
Smokey Robinson’s lyrical insight and The Marvelettes' vocal harmonies are two factors that made "Don't Mess With Bill" an iconic Motown song.
Historical Significance
Don't Mess With Bill" is often considered one of the signature hits that helped define the Motown Sound of the 1960s.
Album Information
The song was included in The Marvelettes' sixth studio album titled "The Marvelettes Greatest Hits.
Musical Style
Monalisa Young's version of "Don't Mess With Bill" showcases her soulful vocal style.
B-side Track Information
The original single by The Marvelettes included "Anything You Wanna Do" as the B-side track.
Music Production Information
The music for "Don't Mess With Bill" was arranged by Paul Riser, and the Funk Brothers provided instrumental backing.
Artistic Interpretation
Young's rendition of "Don't Mess With Bill" proved her ability to give classic songs a fresh, unique twist.

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    Don't Mess With Bill

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #7


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