I’ve known about this Motown classic for years, but it wasn’t until my early 30’s where I sat down and analyzed the lyrics for myself. And the first time I understood the song I was tearing up because it made me feel like someone out there wanted to make sure I was doing alright, whoever they were they were ready to protect me. How could a 50-year-old song understand me so well? It’s not even a sad song but its lyrics are about reassurance even when you feel hopeless, it’s a feel-good song that makes you feel bad sometimes (if that makes sense). The first time I listened to it as an adult I was on the blue line going somewhere south, I can’t recall what was going on in my life but it triggered something within me that felt completely vulnerable. It was so powerful at the time that I had it on repeat for hours, how could I have overlooked this song for so long?
It was so impactful that I told my best friend about it, I told her about how it made me feel and asked her to listen to the song herself. Coincidentally, when I ran into her on the gold line she looked like she was ready to cry. When I asked her what was up she showed me that the song was ending on her phone, while she was fighting back tears I told her: “It’s a tough one huh?”. Without saying anything else to each other, I felt that we made a mutual agreement at that moment where we felt the same way when it comes to the song lyrics (protecting each other). And it still holds true today (on my part at least).
I try to stray away from the song to the best of my ability, but I’m attached to it like a moth to a flame once I see the name. I heard it for the first time in over a year and the waterworks were on standby, it still holds value and it stays true to this day for 50 years running with 50 more to go. With what’s going on in my life I’m kind of thankful I ran into it right now and not earlier, I feel a little more hopeful now whereas I would’ve been miserable hearing it months ago. This was my secret goto song when I felt miserable where I was in life and I need a little pick me up to lift my spirits. When I listen to the song today, I know someone is looking over me and I know someone doesn’t want me to feel low. Whoever you are or wherever they are, thank you. I’ll be alright, not now but eventually.
- I had this song on repeat while I was writing this
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