About the song
**”You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”** is a quintessential track from the early 1960s that showcases the soulful brilliance of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Written by Robinson himself while on a business trip to New York, the song was influenced by Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.” Robinson penned the song in his hotel room, capturing a raw, emotional depth that would come to define the Miracles’ sound.
Recorded at Motown’s Studio A on October 16, 1962, the song features Robinson’s lead vocals alongside the harmonies of Bobby Rogers. The recording session also included contributions from guitarists Eddie Willis and Marv Tarplin, with Robinson himself producing the track. Despite being released initially as the B-side to “Happy Landing” on November 9, 1962, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” quickly emerged as the more popular side. It soon ascended to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number eight, and claimed the number one spot on the Billboard R&B singles chart during the winter of 1962–63.
The track’s enduring appeal is evident in its numerous accolades. In 1998, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its lasting impact and significance in music history. Additionally, it was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. The Miracles’ original recording of the song sold over a million copies, marking their second million-selling single after “Shop Around.”
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is known for its captivating beat and emotive delivery, elements that were praised by critics and fans alike. Cash Box, for instance, described it as “a pulsating beat-ballad romancer” with a “captivating instrumental assist,” highlighting its appeal across both pop and R&B audiences.
The song’s influence extended beyond its initial success, as it was later covered by a range of artists, including The Beatles for their 1963 album *With The Beatles*. This cover further cemented the song’s status in popular music.
In sum, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its emotive power and its role in shaping the sound of Motown and the broader landscape of 1960s pop and R&B.
Video
Lyrics
I don’t like you, but I love you
Seems that I’m always thinking of you
Oh, oh, oh, you treat me badly
I love you madly, you really got a hold on me
You really got a hold on me, you really got a hold on me, you really got a hold, baby
I don’t want you, but I need you
Don’t want to kiss you, but I need you
Oh, oh, oh, you do me wrong now
My love is strong now you really got a hold on me
You really got a hold on me, you really got a hold on me, you really got a hold, baby
I love you and all I want you to do is just hold me
Hold me, hold me, hold me
Tighter
Tighter
I want to leave you, don’t want to stay here
Don’t want to spend another day here
Oh, oh, oh, I want to split now, I can’t quit now
You really got a hold on me, you really got a hold on me, you really got a hold, baby
I love you and all I want you to do is just hold me, please
Hold me, squeeze, hold me, hold me
You really got a hold on me
You really got a hold on me
I said you really got a hold on me