About the song
“My Girl” is more than just a song; it’s a cornerstone of soul music and a cultural touchstone. Recorded by the legendary Temptations for Motown Records, “My Girl” wasn’t just their first number one single, it became their signature anthem.
Written and produced by the Miracles’ Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, the song’s inspiration stemmed from a deep well of love – Robinson’s wife, Claudette Rogers Robinson, a member of The Miracles herself. Originally intended for The Miracles, fate intervened, and “My Girl” found its perfect home with The Temptations.
The song’s brilliance lies not only in its heartfelt lyrics, but in the powerhouse vocals that bring them to life. David Ruffin, a relatively new member of The Temptations at the time, was chosen by Robinson to deliver the lead vocals. Robinson recognized a unique quality in Ruffin’s voice – a blend of mellowness and grit – that perfectly captured the song’s essence.
“My Girl” is instantly recognizable from its opening notes. The iconic bass line, played by James Jamerson, sets the stage for a soulful journey. Layered on top is the unforgettable guitar riff by Robert White of The Funk Brothers, adding another layer of texture to the sonic tapestry. The Temptations themselves contributed their own magic with soaring background vocals, echoing David’s passionate delivery.
The song’s impact transcended borders. “My Girl” was released in German and Italian versions, showcasing its universal appeal. In 1991, a resurgence of interest was sparked by the film of the same name, propelling the song back into the charts in the UK.
“My Girl” isn’t just a love song; it’s a celebration of devotion, a testament to the power of music to connect hearts. Its enduring legacy is solidified by its inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame and its place on Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the greatest songs of all time. From its Motown roots to its continued influence, “My Girl” remains a timeless classic, a song that will undoubtedly continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve got sunshine, on a cloudy day
When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May (ooh)
I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl
I’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me
I’ve got a sweeter song, than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl
Ooh, ooh
Hey-hey-hey, hey-hey-hey
Ooh, ooh, yeah
I don’t need no money (ooh), fortune, or fame
I’ve got all the riches, baby (ooh) one man can claim
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl
(Talkin’ ’bout my girl)
I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day (whoa, whoa) with my girl
I’ve even got the month of May, with my girl (talkin’ ’bout my girl)
Talkin’ ’bout, talkin’ ’bout, talkin’ ’bout my girl (ooh)
Ooh, my girl (talkin’ ’bout my girl)
That’s all I can talk about is my girl (ooh)
Why don’t you believe she’s all my girl? (Talkin’ ’bout my girl)