The Contours – First I Look at the Purse: A Tongue-in-Cheek Look at Love and Money
Delving into the vibrant tapestry of Motown Records, one encounters a treasure trove of soulful melodies and unforgettable harmonies. Among these gems lies a song with a title that both intrigues and sparks amusement: “First I Look at the Purse” by The Contours.
Released in 1965, this track carves a unique niche within the Motown catalog, offering a lighthearted and surprisingly frank commentary on love and materialism.
Background
The Contours, a group known for their smooth vocals and infectious dance grooves, emerged as one of Motown’s early successes. Originally a quintet with Billy Gordon as the lead singer, the group faced lineup changes in the mid-1960s.
“First I Look at the Purse” marked the last single featuring Gordon before his departure and the arrival of Joe Stubbs, brother of Four Tops frontman Levi Stubbs.
Despite the personnel shifts, the song’s essence remained firmly rooted in playful humor. The opening line, delivered with a wink and a nudge by (likely) Miracles member Bobby Rogers, sets the tone: “First I look at the purse, then I look at the girl.” This audacious statement, both comical and slightly cynical, throws a playful jab at the traditional expectations of romance.
However, the song doesn’t delve into pure cynicism. The lyrics, penned by Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, weave a narrative around a man who acknowledges the allure of financial security in a relationship.
There’s a tongue-in-cheek honesty embedded within the playful lyrics, perhaps a reflection of the realities of navigating love in a young adult’s world.
The musical arrangement perfectly complements the lighthearted theme. A driving, upbeat tempo gets your feet tapping, while the smooth vocals of the Contours deliver the lyrics with a charming swagger.
The instrumentation, featuring a tight rhythm section and horns for punctuation, provides a dynamic backdrop for the song’s playful message.
“First I Look at the Purse” may not have been a chart-topping smash hit for The Contours, but it carved its own space within Motown’s legacy. It stands as a testament to the label’s willingness to experiment with themes and styles, and its enduring appeal lies in its candid and humorous take on love and relationships.
The song continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate its witty wordplay and infectious energy, offering a lighthearted perspective on the complexities of love and life.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Some fellas look at the eyesSome fellas look at the noseSome fellas look at the sizeSome fellas look at the clothesI don’t care if her eyes are redI don’t care if her nose is longI don’t care if she’s underfedI don’t care if her clothes are wornFirst I look at the purse!Some fellas like the smiles they wearSome fellas like the legs that’s allSome fellas like the style of their hairWant their waist to be smallI don’t care if their legs are thinI don’t care if their teeth are bigI don’t care if their hair’s a wigWhy waste time lookin’ at the waistline?