The Four Tops – Bernadette: A Soulful Yearning for Stability in a Changing World
Among the illustrious names etched in the annals of Motown soul, The Four Tops stand out for their smooth harmonies, electrifying performances, and poignant lyricism.
Nestled within their vast repertoire of hits, “Bernadette” emerges as a powerful and dynamic song, capturing a yearning for stability amidst a backdrop of social and personal upheaval.
Background
Released in 1967, “Bernadette” marked a shift in the group’s sound. While earlier hits reveled in the effervescent energy of youthful love, “Bernadette” delved into a more mature and introspective space.
Composed by the legendary songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, the song became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number three on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, solidifying The Four Tops’ status as one of Motown’s most versatile and successful acts.
The song’s narrative unfolds as a man’s passionate plea to a woman named Bernadette. The lyrics, brimming with raw emotion, paint a picture of a world in flux.
Social unrest and personal challenges loom large, yet the protagonist finds solace and stability in his devotion to Bernadette.
These lines, delivered with Levi Stubbs’ iconic baritone, convey a sense of possessiveness that transcends mere romantic attachment. Bernadette becomes a symbol of refuge, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainties of life.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Bernadette, people are searchin’ forThe kind of love that we possessedSome go on, searchin’ their whole life throughAnd never find the love, I’ve found in youAnd when I speak of you, I see envy in other men’s eyesAnd I’m well aware of what’s on their mindsThey pretend to be my friend, when all the timeThey long to persuade you from my sideThey’d give the world and all they ownFor just one moment we have knownBernadette, they want you because of the pride that givesBut Bernadette, I want you because, I need you to liveBut while I live, only to hold youSome other men, they long to control youBut how can they control you BernadetteWhen they can not control themselves, BernadetteFrom wanting you, needing youBut darling you belong to meI’ll tell the world, you belong to meI’ll tell the world, you’re the soul of meI’ll tell the world, you’re a part of me, BernadetteIn your arms I find the kind of peace of mindThe world is searching forBut you, you give me the joy, this heart of mineHas always been longing forIn you I have what other men long forAll men need someone to worship and adoreThat’s why I treasure you, and place you high aboveFor the only joy in life is to be lovedSo whatever you do, Bernadette, keep on loving meBernadette, keep on needing meBernadetteBernadetteYou’re the soul of meMore than a dream, you’re a plan to meAnd Bernadette, you mean more to meThan a woman was ever meant to beBernadette, my darling, Bernadette