The Contours – Do You Love Me

The Contours – Do You Love Me: A Soulful Inquiry That Became a Motown Anthem

In the golden age of Motown Records, a period teeming with innovation and infectious melodies, The Contours emerged as a group brimming with soulful energy and captivating harmonies. Among their enduring hits, none resonate quite as powerfully as Do You Love Me, a song that transcends generations with its raw emotion and timeless question.

Background

Released in 1962, Do You Love Me marked a pivotal moment for The Contours and solidified Motown’s dominance in the music industry. Its impact extended beyond the charts, becoming a signature tune for the group and a staple of the burgeoning Motown sound.

The song’s narrative unfolds with a captivating simplicity.  The lyrics, penned by Gordy himself, capture the vulnerability and yearning that often accompany budding romance. The repetition of the title phrase creates a hypnotic effect, amplifying the emotional intensity of the song.

Do You Love Me showcases the unparalleled vocal talents of The Contours. Smokey Robinson, a rising star at Motown and occasional member of the group, provided background vocals, adding his signature soulful touch to the song’s already potent blend.

Do You Love Me’s enduring legacy extends far beyond its initial success. The song has been covered by countless artists across genres, from soul legends like Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin to contemporary groups like The Black Keys.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

… You broke my heart
‘Cause I couldn’t dance
You didn’t even want me around
And now I’m back to let you know
I can really shake ’em down

… Do you love me? (I can really move)
Do you love me? (I’m in the groove)
Ah, do you love? (Do you love me?)
Now that I can dance (dance)

… Watch me now, hey (work, work)
Oh, work it out, baby (work, work)
Well, you’re drivin’ me crazy (work, work)
With a little bit of soul now (work)

… I can mash-potato (I can mash-potato)
And I can do the twist (I can do the twist)
Now tell me, baby (tell me, baby)
Do you like it like this? (Do you like it like this?)
Tell me (tell me), tell me