Four Tops – Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over): A Gospel-Infused Plea for Emotional Resolve
The Four Tops, a legendary vocal quartet, etched their name in the annals of Motown history with their soulful harmonies and unforgettable melodies. Among their treasure trove of hits, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” stands out as a powerful ballad, a gospel-tinged plea for emotional catharsis amidst the heartache of a love lost.
Background
Released in 1966, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” marked a turning point in The Four Tops’ career. While the group was already renowned for their upbeat dance tracks, this song showcased their versatility and ability to deliver raw emotion.
It reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and secured a coveted spot within the top five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, solidifying their place as soul music royalty.
The song’s narrative delves into the depths of heartbreak, following a man yearning for emotional release after a relationship’s demise.
The lyrics, penned by the legendary songwriting trio of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, capture the universal themes of love, loss, and the desperate search for solace.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
All through this long and sleepless nightI hear my neighbors talking (She don’t love him)Saying that out of my lifeInto another’s arms you’ll soon be walkingSomebody shake me, wake me when it’s overSomebody tell me that I’m dreamin’And wake me when its overThey say our love ain’t what it used to beAnd everyone knows but meI close my ears not wanting to hearBut the words are loud and clearThrough these walls so thinI hear my neighbors whenThey say “She don’t love him, she don’t love him”They say my heart’s in danger‘Cause you’re leaving meFor the love of a strangerSomebody shake me, wake me when it’s overSomebody tell me that I’m dreamin’And wake me when its overGirl you’re what my heart desiresMy whole world you inspireI can’t bear to be losing you‘Cause I’ve loved you my whole life through