About the song
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” is a Motown classic that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its infectious energy, irresistible melody, and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 1965 by the renowned vocal group The Four Tops, the song quickly soared to the top of the charts, becoming an enduring anthem of love and devotion.
Penned by the songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland, “I Can’t Help Myself” is a prime example of the Motown sound that defined an era. The song’s opening lines, “Sugar pie, honey bunch / You know that I love you,” immediately set the tone for a love song that is both sweet and soulful. The lyrics that follow paint a vivid picture of a man deeply smitten with his beloved, expressing his unwavering affection and inability to resist her charms.
The song’s infectious rhythm, punctuated by the signature horns and percussion that define The Four Tops’ sound, provides an irresistible backdrop for the heartfelt lyrics. Lead vocalist Levi Stubbs delivers the song with an impassioned fervor, his soulful vocals perfectly conveying the depth of the singer’s emotions. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I can’t help myself,” serves as a powerful declaration of love, capturing the overwhelming emotions of the smitten singer.
Upon its release in 1965, “I Can’t Help Myself” took the world by storm, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard R&B charts. The song’s popularity extended beyond the United States, topping charts in numerous countries around the globe. Its success solidified The Four Tops’ status as one of the most popular and influential groups of the Motown era.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal emotions of love and devotion. “I Can’t Help Myself” has become a staple at weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations of love, serving as a timeless reminder of the power of love to sweep one off their feet.
Beyond its popularity as a love song, “I Can’t Help Myself” has also found its place in popular culture, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including “The Big Chill,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Shrek 2.” The song’s enduring presence in popular culture further cements its status as a classic of the Motown era.
“I Can’t Help Myself” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the irresistible force of attraction. It’s a song that has touched the hearts of millions and continues to be a beloved part of celebrations of love worldwide. With its infectious melody, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful vocals, “I Can’t Help Myself” is sure to remain a cherished classic for generations to come.
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Lyric
Ooh, sugar pie, honey bunch
You know that I love you
I Can’t Help Myself
I love you and nobody else
In and out my life (In and out my life)
You come and you go (You come and you go)
Leaving just your picture behind (Ooh)
And I’ve kissed it a thousand times (Ooh)
When you snap your finger or wink your eye
I come a-running to you
I’m tied to your apron strings
And there’s nothing that I can do, ooh
I Can’t Help Myself
No, I Can’t Help Myself
‘Cause sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
I’m weaker than a man should be
I can’t help myself
I’m a fool in love, you see
Wanna tell you I don’t love you
Tell you that we’re through, and I tried
But every time I see your face (Can’t help myself)
I get all choked up inside
When I call your name
Girl, it starts to flame (Burning in my heart, tearing it all apart)
No matter how I try
My love, I cannot hide
‘Cause sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I’m waiting for you (Waiting for you)
Can’t Help Myself
I love you and nobody else, ooh
Sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
Do anything you ask me to (Ask me to)
Can’t Help Myself
I want you and nobody else, ooh
Sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I love you (Love you)
Can’t Help Myself
No, I can’t help myself, ooh