You've Really Got a Hold on Me | The Miracles | Lyrics | Music

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"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" is a song written by Smokey Robinson, which became a 1962 top 10 hit single for the Miracles. One of the Miracles' most covered tunes, this million-selling song received a 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame Award. It has also been selected as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. It was recorded by the Beatles for their second album, With the Beatles (1963).

"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" was written by Smokey Robinson while in New York in 1962 on business for Motown; he heard Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me", which was in the charts at the time, and—influenced by it—wrote the song in his hotel room.

🎙️ Controversial / Juicy Trivias
1. Written out of frustration — not inspiration
Smokey Robinson admitted he wrote the song after being inspired by Sam Cooke's “Bring It On Home to Me.” He reportedly felt competitive frustration — not romantic heartbreak — which contradicts the song's deeply emotional and conflicted lyrics. That ironic origin gives the song a twist: it wasn’t born from love, but from creative rivalry.

2. Berry Gordy nearly buried the song
When Smokey first presented the track, Berry Gordy, Motown founder, didn’t initially see the song’s hit potential. In fact, the original intended A-side was “Happy Landing.” DJs, however, flipped the record — and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” became the unexpected hit. This caused internal friction on how Motown handled single releases and B-sides.

3. The Beatles covered it — better?
The Beatles recorded the song for their 1963 album With the Beatles. Some critics and fans over time have claimed their version sounded more passionate or musically tight — stirring ongoing debates about whether The Beatles eclipsed the original. Robinson himself, however, praised their rendition.

4. Theme: Emotional abuse or devotion?
The song’s lyrics — “I don’t like you, but I love you” — have sparked modern re-evaluations. Some listeners and scholars see it as an early portrayal of toxic emotional entanglement or emotional manipulation, especially by today's standards. While clearly heartfelt, the dependency and inner conflict described aren’t always seen as healthy love.

5. Race and radio play
In the early 1960s, many mainstream (mostly white) radio stations were reluctant to play music by Black artists. Even though it became a top hit on the R&B charts, crossing over to mainstream radio required persistent DJ advocacy. The Beatles' version got widespread white radio play in the UK — highlighting racial barriers in music distribution and airplay.

Smokey Robinson – lead vocal
Claudette Rogers Robinson – backing vocal
Pete Moore – backing vocal
Ronnie White – backing vocal
Bobby Rogers – co-lead vocal and backing vocal
Marv Tarplin – guitar
Other instruments by the Funk Brothers