SMOOTH AS BUTTER|FIRST TIME HEARING Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks Of My Tears REACTION

[@Lona_Chess]

Jay, you got the lyrics wrong. Smokey's is not singing about being a player or treating this other woman like a "side piece." He had a break-up with the woman of his life and he can't live without her. Smokey is saying he's empty inside. And even if it looks like he's having fun at a party with a woman, he's crying inside. These lyrics have great depth about the masquerade we all put on sometimes to show we're happy, even though we're not.

[@gustavozaragosa]

Also it’s a song, not an autobiography.

[@margaretvargas1209]

Absolutely correct

[@LMmccallL57]

I'm so glad that you explained it to him, and I hope he read it. It hurt my feelings to have him think that way about the song.

[@PomegranateStaindGrn]

Exactly. Why would he be crying if he was a player? 🙄

[@tonydennis2116]

Alot of times it's best if you all get the back story, a feel of the time some history

[@Stoney_Snark]

You can’t lose with Smokey, smooth as butter!! “Tears of A Clown” is one of the greatest!! One of Motown’s key people as a writer, producer, and singer. The two songs have very similar themes: He can’t get her (or he lost her) so he’s sad. the 60’s and early 70’s. “I Second That Emotion” is another gem, but there are plenty!!

[@cindyr.522]

Yes!! All these mentioned songs, Must hear!!

[@STOCKHOLM07]

Beat me to it, I scrolled down to say they have to do Tears of a Clown

[@joshsmith302]

Can't forget the Temptations,-(My Girl). Smokey was in the Temptations and wrote this song. I'm sure they have heard this one.

[@jamesford3184]

"Second That Emotion" is one of my favorite songs ever, it always take me back to when I was a little kid!

[@jessicab881]

Definitely add Cruisin’ to that list!!

[@franklopez2803]

Bob Dylan said that Smokey Robinson is America’s greatest poet. He writes them. Sings them. Produces them.

[@paulr.3220]

Now that, is an endorsement!

[@steveduncan9256]

Jeez I just saw the video and was about to say the same thing, then I look to the comments and you beat me to it 😝

[@SUSANmann-mv4xg]

TEARS OF A CLOWN is one of my all time favorites he sings!!!!

[@joannevincent2035]

William "Smokey" Robinson was nicknamed as a child by his uncle. His lyrics and melodies are sublime (heavenly!). He wrote smash hits for his own group, the Miracles, as well as for other great Motown artists like Mary Wells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Marvelettes, and Marvin Gaye. He's one of Motown's greatest artists.

[@JANETTE74576]

They called him Smokey due to his light brown eyes. I think it's a good nickname, he has a smokey voice and is smoking hot!

[@karenheyou9946]

He said, in interviews, that his nickname was a joke. At that time, "Smokey" was AAVE for a dark-skinned Black man, and Smokey was the opposite end of the spectrum.

[@boosuedon]

In the song, if Smokey was a "Ladies Man" there would be no "tracks of Tears" to follow! He is in love with someone that has broken up with him. He goes on to say that his smile is just a disguise.

[@daverhoden445]

... And if you look closely you'll see that he's just pretending to be happy as proved by the tracks of his tears.

[@sparky6086]

I'm surorised, that they don't understand the song? It's nothing to do with a "side piece", etc. The lyrics are pretty straight forward. His girlfriend dumped him, and he plays it off in public, as if it doesn't bother him, but he's crying, when he's by himself, so "if you look closer, it's easy to trace the tracks of my tears".

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

Smokey Robinson and The Miracles actually helped define the motown sound of the 60s.

[@BigToeify]

Smokey is the king of Motown. “You really got a hold on me” or “Tears of a clown” are great ones.

[@johnlove7202]

Motown would have been nothing without the Funk Brothers. They were the true sound of Motown.

[@BettyGrin]

Tears of a clown is another great Smokey song.

[@rigger49er]

Crusin

[@topp2u81]

If not the king definitely the prince

[@stebstebanesier6205]

Or at least the V.P. of Motown from "72" until "88",

[@MrBobNLinda]

"My smile is my makeup I wear since my breakup with you" explains the whole story. Smokey is still alive and occasionally performs to this day. Next, check out "Tears of a Clown".

[@gregorymoore2877]

Ryan Howard will be so delighted to hear that Smokey is still alive as he still has a chance to go see him perform. 😉

[@Emelefpi]

'Cruisin' is also one of his best

[@davidsmith8813]

Check out The Beat (or English Beat as they were known in the US) cover of Tears of a Clown

[@Luellan]

I know I'm like 2 years late to the party but Smokey Robinson is actually one of the founding members of Motown records. He is actually instrumental in the writing and composition of a lot of songs that the musicians such as the Temptations performed. "My Girl" performed by the Temtations was written by him. Smokey Robinson is practically Motown and I was so excited to see the Rob Squad experience Tracks of my Tears for the very first time. I love y'all. And even though I'm 2 years late to this party and you probably already know what I'm telling you, I just had to comment.

[@leogothisoscar271]

You can't talk about Smokey and being smooth without listening to his song "Ooh, Baby Baby"

[@nkcbrazil]

Yes thank you Leo, they have no idea ofsmooth till they hear Ooh Baby Baby and another one is “Here I Go Again.”

[@nezahualcoyotlzinlope2471]

Especially with Aretha version

[@annettebatayias4290]

For sure!🥰👍

[@crzyoldmn]

Gotta listen to "Being With You", "Cruizin'", "Going To A Go Go", "I Second That Emotion", "I'm Really Going To Miss You", "Just To See Her", "OOO Baby Baby", "Shop Around", "Tears Of A Clown", "You've Really Got A Hold On Me". All Good Stuff. The Miracles were active from "55 to "72.

[@kscs51]

I love "Cruizin"

[@crzyoldmn]

Why wouldn't you, it's a great song. Dig it!

[@gwillis01]

Another vote for listening to "Cruizin' " That is a slow, smooth song

[@franklopez2803]

Playlist

[@nancymunroe3672]

I was obsessed with Ooh Baby Baby, I could listen to it hours on end!!!

[@izzonj]

Smokie was the king of Motown! He was late president of the company. Cruisin' is a great one, too

[@James-StJames]

One of the best singles ever recorded. "Tears of a Clown" and "I Second That Emotion" are also important songs.

[@marycourtier2435]

I love both songs. He is an Icon of Motown and my generation

[@nancy9891]

Smokey is still an icon of music. Smooth like butter. His song "Cruisin" has been sung in other movies, "My Girl" was performed by the Temptations but written by Smokey. He was honored by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts a few years ago and still sings as smooth as silk. He's been married for many years and is a gem.

[@normanleroy1874]

In the song, they've broken up, she dumped him, and outside he's acting like he's moved on and is enjoying life, but inside he's heartbroken and carrying a torch for her.

[@pigmeatmarkham898]

Yes. He’s cried so much the tears have left tracks down his face.

[@blackkatt777]

Perfectly said.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@andyo3689]

He is one of THE prime songwriters of Motown. He’s not being a player here he’s on the rebound. First artist status with Motown….super early 60s. I interviewed him for radio, super classy nice guy.

[@DMcElfresh101]

Wow! Very cool Andy O’

[@ThePmfan]

Tears of a Clown is one of his greatest songs (as is this one also).

[@ChuckHackney]

That's my fave, although this is up there

[@Pookiepup1]

"My smile is my makeup since my breakup with you." One of the great lyrics of all time, flawlessly delivered.

[@bam55sgarage77]

Smokey was actually the first act sign to Motown. He also wrote many hits for Motown including The Temptations mega hit My Girl. He also became the President of Motown Records. The song is about a man dealing with the breakup and lost of the love of his life. He is trying to get over it and pretending everything is okay but its not. Look close and you can see the tracks of his tears. He's been crying. This guy is a legend. He is consider one of the greatest writers of love songs.

[@kristennielsen2601]

Yes... Smokey is Motown... And please do Motown Mondays!!!

[@Lona_Chess]

I'm all for Motown Mondays! Great idea!

[@marthalowe1556]

Great IdeA!!!

[@tvgator1]

William “Smokey” Robinson and YES, this is definitely MOTOWN. Classic Motown. Smokey was Berry Gordy’s right hand in the formation of the company, writing a majority of the early hits for ALL their talent in the beginning.

[@mumbles215]

Smokey was a flat out stud writer, singer, performer, producer....and its seems a very nice man too.

[@johnlove7202]

Maybe but without the Funk Brothers neither one of them could have made it. The Funk Brothers was band that played for all of the singers. The Funk Brothers were the Motown sound.

[@lisal6121]

This man is a MOTOWN idol. Not sure how to classify in any other genre.

[@tidentrue]

Motown is it’s own genre

[@michaelbrooks2670]

Technically, Motown is not a music Genre, Motown is a music label. A music label signs the artist, helps get their music produced and distributed, and in many cases, the label rips off the artist. The music performed by the Miracles, Four Tops, Temptations and other artists on the Motown label is usually classified as being Soul, R&B or Pop, depending on the song.

[@tidentrue]

@@michaelbrooks2670 yeah, no shit. Are you seriously under the impression that you had to explain that?

[@lisal6121]

@@michaelbrooks2670 since Motown is such a combination of so many genres that is why it is so unique. Motown breaks all the rules of genre specific details. Open your mind to Motown being a genre.

[@troublenstrife5761]

@@lisal6121 Guess what guys...I SECOND THAT EMOTION....

[@BeautyIsMyLife]

I just have to give Smokey props. I saw him within the past 6 or 7 years in concert. I was lucky enough to be in the 1st row. That man has barely aged. He sounds the exact same and it was magical seeing him.

[@leonardcharley5917]

Smokey was the Talent coach for Motown back in the beginning. He is a Motown ICON

[@JonS0107]

After Berry Gordy, Robinson was the second most important person in Motown’s history - not only as the label’s talent but also as a producer and executive for the company.

[@michlkwitz]

Not to mention one of their most prolific songwriters.

[@johnlove7202]

Berry Gordy ran the company but without the Funk Brothers there would be no Motown. They are the true sound of Motown. The Funk Brothers are the band that played for all the singers.

[@Shrykespeare]

From all accounts, all interviews, everything I've ever seen, read, and heard, Smokey is as class an act as has ever lived. You'll never find anyone with a bad thing to say about him. He was 25 when this song debuted, and he's now 81 and still smooth as BUTTAH. Try "Ooh Baby Baby" for more smoothness. P.S. Linda Ronstadt did a great version of this song in 1975.

[@gordonclare2036]

There is also a great video of Smokey and Linda Robinson singing this song as a duet.

[@pattyestrada6]

100% Motown! They were referred to as Motown’s “Soul Supergroup” and were one of the first (if not the first) successful recording acts on Motown Records. “I Second That Emotion” next please 🙏🏼 a little more fast paced and upbeat. Also, one of my faves “Ooo Baby Baby, so smooth!

[@klr4729]

Smokey's poetry at its best. The passion he put in this is stirring..

[@kevinbarrett9068]

"Smokey" William Robinson has one of the great soul voices. He is brilliant either with The Miracles or in his solo output. "Ooh Baby Baby" with the miracles is just magnificent whereas solo "Just My Soul Responding" or "Being With You" are two fabulous songs worthy of your time.

[@kellylaflash1016]

So good they even made a song about him - "When Smokey Sings" by ABC.

[@serasmile6026]

Great suggestion

[@magcourse]

Yes! And of course as a kid I had no idea what it was about (thought it was a generic song about a performer called Smokey) but loved learning its real meaning later

[@willynilly2545]

Yes and Spandau Ballet mentions him in True!

[@jamesford3184]

I was trying to remember who did that song, COOL!

[@magcourse]

@@willynilly2545 Uh, excuse me, hold the phone... I've only heard "True" about 1.5 kajillion times and had no idea, mind blown, thanks for the tip!

[@jvandervest2578]

Watch his appearance on "Darryl's House" - he is around 70 then still looks and sounds great, and is one of the nicest people you'd hope to meet. A true Idol.

[@chestrockwell8328]

Absolutely a must see. And when they are at lunch/dinner and Smokey was sharing stories; was great.

[@TechnicallyTexan]

OMG. Must see!

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

Absolutely.

[@michelemichele3375]

Not just Smokey, he’s fire 🔥! Other slow Miracle’s tunes: “Ooo Baby Baby” and “I Second That Emotion.” More uptempo: “Shop Around” and “Mickey’s Monkey.” Solo Romantic Gold: “Cruisin Together”!! Smokey was a poet with lyrics and had a deep influence on Motown. You both are so great as a couple! Thank you ✨🤪

[@user-ii4zf5iq3t]

"Cruisin' Together" !!

[@danieltrickey9285]

He wrote "My Girl" that the Temptations sang.

[@kevinholmes7164]

He wrote my girl

[@MsAppassionata]

The Beatles, especially George Harrison, were big fans of his also. They even covered one of his songs, “You Really Got A Hold On Me”.

[@margaretvargas1209]

He has so much talent. That's why he is a legend. I have original vinyl albums from the 60 and up of all of Motown artists. I don't think there is one I don't have. And I take care of them and the covers. Back then they didn't have their pictures on the album covers. But as time went on that changed. R&B is all I listen to since I was 9 yrs old. Love it

[@paulsims9310]

This is 60's and yes they are a Motown Act. The Lyrics say "My Smile is my Make since my break up with you" so no they were not together in the song. His real name is William Robinson Jr. and Smokey was a nick name his uncle gave him because he grew up such a fan of the western movies of the 50's. Mr. Robinson also wrote other songs for his groups and Artist at Motown. Like "The Temptations" (My Girl) (The Way You Do The Things You Do), Mary Wells (My Guy), Marvin Gaye (I'll Be Doggone).

[@billbradshaw6178]

Absolutely my favorite Smokey Robinson song! Linda Ronstadt’s cover is equally as good! If your now learning about Motown, check out Gladys Knight and the Pips- Midnight Train to Georgia. The absolute very best!!!!

[@ediefolta9494]

Kicking off Motown Monday! Great song by a great artist!

[@salliemoore5472]

Smokey did it all. He was a songwriter, singer later on down the road was executive producer of Motown. He wrote "My Girl" for The Temptations.

[@PickleBoot_Arts]

Smokey Robinson was essential to Motown's early years. Singer, writer, producer, and he even taught new artists personal hygiene and other essentials of life. What a man.

[@Music-Producers]

A little info for you. When Mowtown first started as" Hitsville", smokey was their first artist. Besides the songs he sings, he wrote many songs for others on the Motown lable. He saved the Temptations when he wrote, "My Girl for them after they couldn't come up with their own hits.

[@curtwatters4395]

The man was a musical genius. Writer, performer, producer. He was great!

[@barbpercy8849]

One of my former co-workers worked at Motown when she was young. She told me that Smokey was the nicest and most decent man she had ever met. I was so glad to hear that because that is exactly the way he comes across on stage. He's real. ❤

[@joannfravel6882]

No, no, no! She jilted him and he is heartbroken, thus the song’s title - “Tracks of my Tears.” He is simply trying unsuccessfully to move on.

[@johnathandavis3693]

His biggest smash in the 70's was "Cruisin' "- ESSENTIAL Smokey😉

[@patrickwellington4214]

Smokey Robinson, lead singer,songwriter.He started his career with Motown in 1957 at the age of 17 with the Miracles and stayed with until 1972.After that he went on to a solo career.He is now 81 years old, one month away from 82. The man is a musical poet, a marvellous lyricist, l do not think anyone will disagree.Make sure you listen to I Second That Emotion, Would I Love You, I'll Try Something New, Bad Girl and The Only One I Love. A legendary Motown group loved around the world.

[@margaretvargas1209]

Smokey has always been as you say BUTTER. From the 1960's till present. He has so many hits. He wrote song for a lot of the artist at Motown. Love love love Smokey 🥰🥰🥰

[@mikegaskin3196]

"Since you left me, if you see me with another girl..." She left him and he's pretending he's not heart-broken.

[@kathyp1563]

Furthermore, he doesn't want her to think he doesn't want her. So, he's trying to get on with life & have fun, but doesn't want HER to think he is over her.

[@bakilacat1]

Smokey solo Cruising and Being with you is awesome. An early of Motown…. Beautiful voice and very down to earth in interviews.

[@serasmile6026]

One of the best songs ever buy Smokey Robinson and the miracles

[@stephenhough4957]

It’s poetry this song. Smokey just had a way of saying things so simply that they were universal and that’s why this track is so popular. Just imagine writing lines as good as the chorus in this. Beautiful.

[@drc1989]

In some countries, living artists are officially declared as national treasures. SMOKEY ROBINSON is our national treasure. Tracks of My Tears is the classic "I can't cope since our breakup" song.

[@mike04574]

Stevie wonder or Bruce Springsteen are national treasures. Springsteen is probably the prime embodiment of america

[@georgesigala3716]

Smokey Robinson voice is legendary but the Ladies loved his Eyes as well. The black singer with Green eyes! 😁😃😊

[@terryroper5860]

I have always loved this song.

[@josephdurham6051]

A whole lot of great smokey Robinson. "Cruisin" is my absolute favorite of his

[@wrightrhodes2332]

Smokey is iconic and was an original Motown, Super Talent artist. The Motown studio musicians known as "The Funk Brothers" were the ones who developed and refined "The Motown Sound" for all the headline artist that came through the studio. They created music you not only could hear but feel it in your soul. It was magical!

[@davidcooley275]

Smokey IS Motown and the greatest poet as he writes all the songs. This song might be the best ever made in all types of music... ; ))

[@MichaelJones-sh7nu]

Oh, yeah. One of the three or four finest, smoothest falsettos in the history of American music!

[@davidtullis2810]

When Barry Gordie founded Motown he needed help of a singer songwriter and he picked Smokey . Without Smokey Motown wouldn't have been the same . Barry and Smokie are Motown. Alot of Temptations songs he wrote. He wrote 37 top 40 songs for Motown. He is called Mr Motown

[@abelincoln3287]

Smokey is a living legend. Check out "I second that emotion". Check out his solo "Cruise".

[@sourisvoleur4854]

I second that vote for "I second that emotion."

[@drakeswarchannel2530]

Great stuff! Thank you!

[@dustee]

Smokey was a MAJOR prolific songwriter for Motown, like My Girl, Since I lost my Baby, both by the Temptations, Mary Wells songs many, many more.

[@andreaknapp2394]

Love Smokey's voice....so smooth! Oooh Baby Baby & Cruisin are 2 of my favorites by him!

[@scapito]

*Being with You* is one of his most popular songs

[@ThePmfan]

Check out Smokey on the Tom Jones show singing Heard it through the Grapevine with Tom and the Miracles.

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

Smokey Robinson was Mr. Motown because he wrote many of the hits from not only The Miracles but many of the other Motown acts including The Temptations! That voice is legendary!❤❤

[@bigpants6121]

Berry Gordy rated him as his 2nd in command.

[@TheAntigone43]

Loving your reaction to this song. One of my favorites. My daughter always tells me that I will stay lost in the 60's forever, but jeez! The Motown singers, the talent, the message songs, (swooning here) just so many heartfelt sounds. tytytyty

[@schmangyharris1428]

Smokey was a one of the founders of Motown and wrote a lot of the Motown hits for other groups. Smokey was a nickname given when he was really young by his uncle I think. He has a great autobiography

[@walterpanovs]

One of America's greatest songwriters, truly a poet.

[@mockingbird7544]

Smokey was the king of Motown and The Supremes were the absolute Goddesses. Tear tracks are the lines that form on your face when you cry. Think running mascara.

[@sandraerickson794]

We saw Smokey Robinson at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT., mid 80s. He had such a suductive presence, onstage. And his voice, was pure heaven.

[@micheleboyd1742]

I went to see Smokey in concert in Westbury, NY. I brought him flowers. Went to the stage to give him the flowers, He kissed me on the cheek.. Then one of his people found me in the audience and asked me to join him backstage. My husband was furious. lol. Never will forget..

[@sometimeslyrical]

"Cruisin'" will positively make you FLOAT! Amber, in particular. But, actually, it's the perfect song for you both to chill to, when you finally can get a minute together to yourselves. Also driving to or from school, or in the car on a shopping trip or other errand, a family outing, going anywhere, or for an exercise vibe. Smokey's voice will pour over you like silk.

[@emmef7970]

I had a visual reading your comment. I'm doing that soon!

[@lisahumphries3898]

“Smokey” was his nickname because he had unusual Smokey-grey eyes. He had said the Tracks of Tears lyrics signifies that he has cried so much that it left tracks on his face.

[@audracrawford8836]

William “Smokey”Robinson has a epic falsetto and green eyes.. your right Amber his voice is butter

[@isaackovitz4791]

Smokey Robinson didn't sing falsetto - that is his regular singing voice - that was his greatness....

[@audracrawford8836]

@@isaackovitz4791 Robinson projects a sweet sound that begins at a lower falsetto and works its way upward three octaves. His normal speaking voice is a falsetto just south of Michael Jackson’s without the breathiness.

[@beachbumsailordude]

Smokey is one of the most brilliant artists of his time as a singer and a writer. He's written over 4,000 songs and many hits for other artists. I was lucky enough to see him live twice. I'd like to explain how got it was but there are no words to possibly express Smokey's cool. You just had to be there.

[@kenw7296]

"Tears of a Clown" is definitely another great song to listen to and "Love Machine" by the Miracles is also really good and funky.

[@josephcombs391]

The song is about a break up and he's trying to be cool and move on. But when he's alone he's crying

[@willie1027]

I heard Smokey on a podcast a few years ago, wow he is really fascinating. Also his voice is still sounds great.

[@klw3876]

Yes,you guys finally did Smokey Robinson , although Cruisin was my request.Also ,please do Marvin Gaye "Let's Get It On ".

[@margaretmarks6685]

You must react to Smokey singing " Oooo Baby Baby"! That is Butta' with a capital B! ❤😘

[@JamesCarson-tm8df]

The Great Smokey Robinson great singer and songwriter fir other artists also was lucky to see him at the LA fair he filled in for Hall and Oates who didn't show fir some reason with only a couple of hours notice just awesome still great voice

[@brianlove9941]

The lyrics tell you she left him, he’s not running around on his girl… he became Vice President of Motown and was one of the main songwriters for all of the acts on the Motown record label. This era was 1960- the mid seventies

[@randykerchmar5296]

Smokey is a prolific song writer. He was big in the 60s, but is still alive and working. You will like his other songs.

[@sherryheim5504]

Smokey is not his real name, his name is just plain William but with a smokey voice like he has, it is not hard to imagine where the nickname might have come from. What a gorgeous voice he has, he was a mainstay in music during my high school years. I love this song, thank you. Linda Ronstadt does an amazing cover of this song, you should check that one out too. Yeah this is early Motown for sure. No, no, no!! She left him, and he has been crying (tracks of my tears). He wants her to know as far as he is concerned, she is the permanent one, even if he is dating someone else in her absence. "Take a good look at my face, you'll see my smile looks out of place, if you look closer it's easy to trace, the tracks of my tears." "My smile is my makeup I wear since my breakup with you. Baby, Baby, Baby take a good look at my face.....

[@sallygalfriday]

oh LOVE Linda Ronstadt cover of this.

[@extdiso]

I don’t quite understand how anyone can misunderstand the meaning of this song

[@ronnie237]

Been a fan of Smokey for about 60 years. Wonderful music.

[@mst3ktemple421]

Smokey is one of the greatest poets in music history. Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics of every one of his songs. In this case he is sad because his girl left him, so even if she sees him with another girl, the first girl is the one he will always love.

[@christianman73]

This song is not about being a "ladies' man." It's actually about *being dedicated* to one woman. This is not a cheating song at all. It's a very vulnerable love song. It's about a man who is brokenhearted over losing the woman he loves. Even if he tries to move on and go out with another woman, he's still not happy, because he has lost his true love. I wish that more songs were still being made like this one.

[@christianmattison6096]

That's the way I always heard this song. It's a broken man crying for her to come back to him!

[@l-bird]

Exactly!

[@Lona_Chess]

Exactly! It bugs me when they get the lyrics so wrong like that. Besides, if you're trying THAT hard to decipher the lyrics on a first-listen, you'll miss out on the incredible voice singing them!

[@christianman73]

@@Lona_Chess In this video, it seems like they were so impressed with Smokey's great singing voice (and I can't blame them at all, because he is utterly amazing!), that they just misunderstood the meaning of the lyrics. The meaning has always seemed clear to me, but apparently, some people understand the lyrics to have a very different meaning. I have *never, ever* thought of this song as being about the consequences of cheating on a woman, or about being a "ladies" man," or anything like that. The words seem pretty clear to me that this is about a man who is crying (literally-- tears are running down his face) over his lost love, and wishing he could get her back, and saying to her, in the song, basically, "Even if you see me out with another woman, that's just me trying to *convince myself, and maybe you too* that I'm okay, because really, I still want you back." At least, that's how I've always understood the song. I *think* that's how most other people understand it too, but obviously, I could be wrong about that!

[@michaelwalsh1035]

Thanks for emphasising that. There's a lot of shallow analysis.

[@xtrememarine169]

This is a great song. You should watch Eric Burden (lead singer for the Animals) and a group called WAR singing "Spill The Wine" Watch the live version

[@TrashWerewolf]

Smokey was inspirational to generations of singers that followed!! His influence was so strong he made hits all the way into the 80s-90s! In fact, an 80s hit group, ABC, wrote a song about him called When Smokey Sings!

[@KarenMcGehee]

Ah, Smokey, one of my favorite favorites. He's amazing, truly.

[@joelliebler5690]

Great song and voice. Smokey wrote many of Motown’s greatest hits!

[@donnagonatas3155]

Motown Monday!!!!!!! Next react to Cruising by Smokey.✌❤

[@lonnielongino798]

Smokey was part of Motown from the beginning. "Shop Around" was Motown's first platinum record in 1960. He was very close friends with Barry Gordy(the owner & creater of Motown)

[@lauriesandt5371]

Nice....Smokie's in the house!🔥❤️

[@tonigreen7004]

❤️❤️❤️❤️Motown ❤️❤️❤️❤️one of the best songs ever!!! Smokey Robinson one of the best artists ever❤️❤️❤️

[@Lakeshore14]

Love your reaction to Smokey. Have seen him several times in concert. Seeing is believing. He still performs and still sounds smooth. He is a genius, still writing, producing and performing.

[@syvajarvi2289]

That Motown sound. Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, the list is endless. Thank you.

[@johnlove7202]

The Funk Brothers were the Motown sound. They were the band for every group.

[@richmiddlebrook3103]

I don't think I've heard this song in over 15 years, but when I saw this notification, I had a moment.

[@ErnieB]

Smokey got dumped, but still loved his girl. He's trying to present a face to the world that he's moved on, but, no, he still needs her.

[@maryfudge4073]

Hi Rob Squad. It's the first time I've viewed your channel. I loved seeing your reactions to the wonderful, fabulous Smokey "William" Robinson. I bought this record as a single in 1967, onTamla Mowtown Records. I was 13 and blown away by his soulful voice. and emotion. Needless to say, I bought all the releases available in the UK! I wish you fun, pleasure and enjoyment on your journey of musical discoveries. Charles Augins 'Baby I need your loving' from 1982 is worth a listen. Very sensual, soulful voice. 😊

[@susanbryner656]

Wow. This is an oldie and a goodie. Top drawer!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you. This one can't be beat for the time. Thanks for finding this.