As a music enthusiast, I often find that certain songs are able to capture and express emotions in a powerful and meaningful way. One song that does this exceptionally well is the hit single “Second That Emotion” by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, released in 1967. The lyrics are simple yet powerful and they have resonated with generations of music lovers ever since. In this article, I will examine the lyrics of this beloved classic and explore how they are able to evoke powerful emotions. The message of the song is both timeless and universal, and speaks to the human experience in a profound way.
“Second That Emotion” was released in 1967 as a single by American soul singer Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The song soon became a hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November 1967 and becoming the group’s third Top 10 single. It was also a success in the UK, where it reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is known for its iconic lyrics, which discuss a man questioning the emotion of love and how it can lead to pain. The song’s chorus – “I second that emotion, I understand the things that you’ve been going through” – expresses the singer’s willingness to be understanding and supportive of the person they’re in love with.
The song has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists, including Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Quincy Jones. It has also been featured in many movies and television shows, including “The Breakfast Club” and “The Big Bang Theory”.
Today, “Second That Emotion” continues to be celebrated by music fans, making it one of the most beloved songs of all time. According to the RIAA, it has been certified Platinum for sales of over one million copies in the United States. It has also been included in several greatest hits compilations, including Smokey Robinson’s “The Definitive Collection” and “The 35th Anniversary Collection”.
Overall, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “Second That Emotion” is a timeless classic that has been appreciated
What is “Second That Emotion”?
“Second That Emotion” is an upbeat soul song written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland in 1967 and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. It was released as a single on the Tamla label in August 1967 and became a hit in the United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number seven in the UK Singles Chart. The song was one of the first soul songs to cross over to the pop chart, and has been covered by several artists, including Diana Ross & The Supremes and Diana Ross & The Temptations.
The song was written by Smokey Robinson as a love song, and it contains a distinctive horn introduction and horn riffs throughout. The lyrics of the song are a plea for understanding in a relationship and speaks to the power of compromise: “If you don’t understand me, if you don’t feel the same, why don’t you second that emotion?” The song has been widely praised over the years for its catchy melody and lush production.
In 2013, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, an award to recognize recordings of “lasting qualitative or historical significance.” According to the Grammy Hall of Fame, “Second That Emotion” was chosen for its “creative, innovative and influential contributions to the development of recording arts.” It is also listed as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time
Meaning Behind the Lyrics:
“Second That Emotion” is a 1967 hit song by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. It was written by Robinson and Al Cleveland, and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart and number two on the R&B chart. The song is an upbeat yet bittersweet ode to the joys and pains of love. The lyrics capture the universal experience of falling in and out of love, and the emotions that accompany the cycle.
The lyrics, which are in the form of a conversation between two people, describe how the couple have both shared in the same emotion and are now feeling its absence. The main line of the song, “I second that emotion,” is a phrase that has been used in popular culture and music ever since.
The concept of “seconding an emotion” is one that has been explored in literature and music for centuries. It is the idea that one cannot truly understand another person’s emotions until they have been experienced firsthand. This message of empathy is one that many people have found to be comforting and inspiring.
The song has been covered numerous times, including by Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, and the Grateful Dead. It has also been sampled in songs by artists such as the Beastie Boys and Aretha Franklin. Smokey Robinson received a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for the song. The song’s success has stood the test of time, and it continues to be played on the radio and covered by various artists today.
Analysis of Lyrics
Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson is an iconic song that speaks to the power of emotions and how they can drive our behavior. Released in 1967, and coupled with its B-side, My Girl Has Gone, the single charted in the top 10 of the Hot 100 and was a defining moment in soul music. The lyrics describe how our emotions are linked to certain experiences and how we can use them to understand and better ourselves.
The song focuses on the idea of using emotions as a form of self-expression. In the chorus, Smokey croons “second that emotion, I know just how you feel,” emphasizing the shared human experience of emotions. This sentiment is echoed throughout the song, with lyrics like, “You’ve got to take it on the run, love won’t be denied,” and “Sometimes you just can’t hide your feelings inside.”
These words speak to the power of the human spirit and its ability to recognize and express emotion. We often think of emotions as too abstract to be tangible, but it’s clear from Second That Emotion that they are an integral part of the human experience. This is further supported by recent research that suggests emotions are a fundamental part of our decision-making, and can play a crucial role in our development.
The song also speaks to the importance of understanding our emotions. Smokey encourages us to embrace our feelings and use them to learn more about ourselves. He suggests we should use our emotions as a starting point and leverage them to gain self-knowledge. This idea is echoed in
Historical Context:
The song “Second That Emotion,” written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland, was released in 1967 and was an instant hit for the Tamla label. It was a big part of the Motown sound, bringing a smooth, soulful sound to the popular music scene. It was performed by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and sold over one million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles of the year.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman. The song speaks to the emotions and struggles of being in love and wanting to express your feelings even when it’s difficult. The song also talks about the joys and sorrows of a relationship. The lyrics are full of metaphor and imagery, as the narrator expresses his feelings and worries about the state of their relationship.
The song is still a beloved classic among fans and has been covered by many artists, including Diana Ross & The Supremes, Bobby Womack, and Amy Winehouse. It has been included in several movie soundtracks, including The People vs. Larry Flynt and Eyes Wide Shut. It has been sampled multiple times, including by Mariah Carey, Nas, and DaBrat.
“Second That Emotion” has become an iconic song that has been enjoyed by listeners for generations. It has been praised for its melodic and powerful lyrical content, and the message of love and commitment. It has also been recognized for its influence on the Motown sound
Background of the Song
The song “Second That Emotion” was written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland and released by the Motown label in 1967. It was recorded by the soul group, The Miracles, featuring lead vocals by Smokey Robinson. This song was one of the most successful singles released by The Miracles during the Motown era, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard pop chart and number 2 on the R&B chart. It was also a top 10 hit in the UK, reaching number 10.
“Second That Emotion” was a hit in multiple genres, including soul, R&B, and pop. It was later covered by a number of artists, including Art Garfunkel, Joan Armatrading, and The Youngbloods. The original 1967 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.
The song is a classic story of unrequited love: the protagonist expresses his deep emotion for a woman who is too busy to reciprocate his feelings. The song is driven by Smokey Robinson’s soulful lead vocals and gospel-tinged harmonies by The Miracles. It also features a prominent instrumental bridge with a haunting flute solo and a powerful guitar solo.
The song has been featured in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam” and was sampled in the 1995 song “1st of Tha Month” by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It has also
Music Composition:
Second That Emotion is a song written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland that has been covered by many artists, including Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and the Miracles. This popular song has been regarded as a classic and has been inspiring other musicians for decades.
The song is set in the key of F minor and has a typical 12-bar blues progression. It also features a unique mix of musical instruments, such as a Fender Rhodes piano, drum machines, electric guitar, and synthesizers. The lyrics are about the emotions of love, and they follow a poetic structure.
Second That Emotion was a huge hit and was nominated for a Grammy in 1968 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. Furthermore, Robinson and Cleveland were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 for their writing of the song.
The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Big Chill (1983), The Cosby Show (1984-1992), and Wings (1990-1997). It has also been covered by various artists, such as Sam Smith, Eric Clapton, and the Grateful Dead.
Second That Emotion is a classic song that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It is a testament to Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland’s amazing songwriting and musical composition, which has inspired and touched people from all walks of life.
Instrumentation and Arrangement
The classic R&B song “Second That Emotion” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles is an absolute favorite amongst many music enthusiasts. Delivered with grace and soulful poetry, this song is backed by a beautiful instrumentation and creative arrangement. The track was composed by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland, and arranged by Robert White and Marv Tarplin. The instrumentation of the song includes a clean electric guitar, a groovy yet intricate drum beat, a vibrant organ, and a vibrant, smooth bass.
Additionally, there is a notable background choir of 3-4 singers that deliver a powerful, soulful performance and support Smokey’s vocals. The track’s arrangement is unique in that it has an upbeat tempo but conveys an emotive message. The electric guitar line often follows the melody, harmonizing with Smokey’s voice. The organ in the song is constantly playing behind the guitar to bring in the groove.
The song’s arrangement is not only creative, but it also highlights the artist’s emotional depth. As the song progresses, it builds up with a rising intensity, giving the listener a sense of grandeur. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Diana Ross and The Supremes. In 2009, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, highlighting its impressive impact and influence in music.
The band’s combination of instrumentation and arrangement has served as an inspiration for many budding musicians. It is a
Reception:
Second That Emotion, written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland, is a soul classic that continues to be loved by many. It has been covered by many artists, including Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, and the Motels. Released in 1967, it peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and in the UK it charted as the B-side to Baby, Baby Don’t Cry.
The song was praised for its lyrical depth, as well its production quality. The lyrics were praised for their ability to evoke emotion and nostalgia, while the production was commended for its complexity and sophistication. The chorus has since been sampled by various hip-hop and R&B artists, including 50 Cent and Beyoncé.
Second That Emotion was also noted for its social relevance. It tackled themes of love, heartache, and racial tensions in America in the late 1960s. Smokey Robinson was praised for his ability to weave together these topics and make them accessible to a wider audience.
Today, Second That Emotion is still loved and appreciated by many music fans. It is still regularly played on radio stations and remains a favourite for karaoke fans. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018 and has been included in many lists of the greatest R&B songs of all time. It is an essential part of the Motown sound and a classic that stands the test of time.
Reviews and Popularity
The song “Second That Emotion” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles is one of the most beloved R&B classics of all time. Originally released in 1967, it dominated the charts, reaching number 4 on Billboard’s R&B chart and number 11 on the Hot 100. The song has continued to be popular throughout the decades, and is still regularly played on the radio today.
The lyrics of “Second That Emotion” are filled with emotion and soul. With its uplifting and inspiring message of understanding and compassion, it has been a source of comfort and joy for many listeners. Most notably, the chorus has become a catchphrase itself, with its phrase “second that emotion” being used to express agreement and understanding.
The song has been covered by a variety of artists, including the Grateful Dead, Diana Ross, and even Alvin and the Chipmunks. Most recently, it was used to great effect in a scene of the Academy Award-winning film “Green Book”. This further shows its enduring popularity and influence.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. This is a testament to its lasting success and influence. It is no wonder that “Second That Emotion” is one of the most beloved R&B classics of all time, and continues to be a source of comfort and joy for many listeners.
Cover Versions:
The Second That Emotion lyrics has a unique meaning that has been interpreted differently over the years. The cover versions that followed the release of the original track have allowed this timeless classic to remain relevant and popular. The iconic track was originally performed by the band Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1966, and since then there have been over 100 versions of the song recorded by popular artists.
The song was covered by the Supremes and peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1967. This version was a huge success and used the original melody but changed some of the lyrics. Since then, there have been many other versions of the song by artists like Barbra Streisand, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross. Most recently, the song was covered by singer-songwriter, John Legend in a duet with Alicia Keys.
The Second That Emotion lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways over the years, with each artist trying to give a unique interpretation of the song. The lyrics are often seen as expressing a longing for love and can be interpreted to be a story of unrequited love. It is also seen to be the story of a person feeling confused and unable to express their emotions.
Cover versions of the track have helped to keep it alive and relevant over the years. The track is well-loved by many people and it is easy to see why. According to a survey conducted by the recording industry, the Second That Emotion lyrics is one of the most popular and most-covered songs of all
Notable Covers
The lyrics to Smokey Robinson’s ‘Second that Emotion’ are some of the most memorable of his ever-popular catalogue. Released in 1967, the song has since been covered by dozens of notable singers, from popular artists like Al Green and Diana Ross to more recent cover versions by The Kooks and The Roots.
Statistics suggest that the cover of ‘Second that Emotion’ by Al Green is the most popular version, having peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. However, the cover by Diana Ross, released in 1970, has also been well-received, reaching number 16 on the Hot 100.
The Kooks released a cover of ‘Second that Emotion’ as a single in 2008, which gained widespread recognition and charted at number 26 in the UK Singles Chart. More recently, in 2018, The Roots released a cover of the song on their album ‘Endgame’. This version is more electronic and soulful than the original, and has been praised for adding a new layer to the classic song.
Overall, the universal appeal and timeless nature of ‘Second That Emotion’ has allowed the song to stand the test of time, and be covered by a variety of artists in a range of different genres. Each cover carries its own unique style and interpretation, and together they demonstrate how a single song can evolve over time.
With its classic lyrics and iconic melodies, ‘Second That Emotion’ has become a fan favourite over the years, and its many covers serve as a testament to the enduring
Cultural Impact:
The Motown classic “Second That Emotion” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles is an iconic song with tremendous staying power. Since its release in 1967, the song has become a fixture in popular culture, with references appearing in literature, television, and film. It’s been sampled by hip-hop artists, covered by numerous other artists, and was even the basis of a musical stage production.
The lyrics to “Second That Emotion” paint a picture of finding love and embracing it fully, with lines such as “Don’t ever let go of the emotion/Second that emotion,” conveying a sense of commitment and passion. This universal message has resonated with people of all backgrounds for over five decades.
The song has even had a significant impact on the music industry. It was the first song to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart solely written and produced by a black artist, breaking racial barriers in music and paving the way for future generations of black artists.
In addition, the song has become a cultural touchstone around the world. It has been used in campaigns in the US and Europe for companies such as Coca-Cola and Nike. It was the basis of a musical stage production in Japan, and it has appeared in several movies, including “GoodFellas” and “Singles.”
Clearly, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ “Second That Emotion” is a timeless classic that has had
Impact of the Song
“Second That Emotion” is a 1967 song by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, released as a single and included on the album of the same name. The song is an exploration of the emotions felt during a romantic relationship, and its impact on the lives of its participants.
The impact of the song is clear from its chart performance. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967 and also topped the R&B singles chart for two weeks, becoming one of the most successful singles of the year. It was also nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 1968, and was listed as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
The song’s lyrical content has also had a lasting impact. Its exploration of love’s joys and challenges resonates with listeners, and its simple message – that when it comes to love, it is always best to “second that emotion” – is a reminder of the importance of opening oneself to the complex experience of emotion.
The influence of “Second That Emotion” continues to this day. The song has been covered by artists including Neil Young and Al Green, and its influence can be felt in countless other musical works. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the song has been certified Gold, having sold over 1 million copies.
In conclusion, “Second That Emotion” has left an indelible mark on popular music, both in terms of its chart performance and its lyrical content. A timeless
Conclusion
Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles is a timeless classic that captures the essence of the human condition. Its powerful lyrics and dynamic instrumentation make it a classic that stands the test of time. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melodies make it an ideal choice for a summer playlist. It’s a song about understanding and accepting our feelings, both good and bad, and using them to create a better world. Listening to it is an inspiring reminder that no matter what, we can always count on the power of love and compassion. Listening to this song is a great way to start your day and end your night with a positive outlook. So go ahead, give it a listen, and let the power of music and love into your life.
