Smokey Robinson Almost Kept ‘My Girl’ for Himself — And Music History Nearly Changed Forever
Few songs are as instantly recognizable as My Girl.
From its iconic bass line to its unforgettable opening melody, the song has become one of the most beloved recordings in American music history. For generations of listeners, “My Girl” is inseparable from The Temptations and the smooth, emotional lead vocals of David Ruffin.
But what many fans don’t know is that the song almost had a very different destiny.
Its writer, Smokey Robinson, initially considered recording it himself.
Background
Yet he also saw something special in David Ruffin.
According to Motown history, Robinson believed Ruffin possessed a voice capable of bringing a unique emotional warmth to the song. Up to that point, David Ruffin had not yet fully emerged as the dominant lead singer audiences would come to adore. Smokey felt that “My Girl” could be the perfect vehicle to showcase his talent.
What followed became one of the smartest decisions ever made in popular music.
Introduction
The record also helped define the classic Motown sound: elegant production, irresistible melodies, emotional storytelling, and performances that felt both polished and deeply human. More than sixty years later, the song remains one of the most played and celebrated recordings ever to emerge from Hitsville U.S.A.
Ironically, Smokey Robinson never seemed to regret giving the song away.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Pre-Chorus]
I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?[Chorus]
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl[Verse 2]
I’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me
I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees[Pre-Chorus]
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?[Chorus]
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl