About the song
“Since I Lost My Baby” by The Temptations is a soulful classic that exemplifies the heartfelt emotion and polished artistry of Motown in the mid-1960s. Released on July 21, 1965, as part of their album “The Temptations Sing Smokey”, this track was written by the legendary songwriting duo Smokey Robinson and Warren “Pete” Moore. Known for its aching lyrics, lush instrumentation, and the group’s signature harmonies, the song remains a standout in The Temptations’ illustrious catalog.
A Reflection on Loss and Longing
The lyrics of “Since I Lost My Baby” explore the profound sorrow and emptiness that follow the end of a cherished relationship. Sung from the perspective of someone grappling with heartbreak, the song conveys an overwhelming sense of longing for a lost love. Lines such as “The sun is shining, there’s plenty of light, a new day is dawning, sunny and bright… but after I’ve been crying all night” poignantly illustrate the contrast between external optimism and internal despair. The narrator’s pain is universal, touching on the kind of loss that listeners from all walks of life can relate to.
David Ruffin’s Soulful Delivery
A significant highlight of this track is David Ruffin’s lead vocal performance. His rich, emotive voice perfectly conveys the song’s melancholy, balancing vulnerability and strength in a way that makes the listener feel every ounce of the narrator’s pain. The harmony vocals from the rest of The Temptations—Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams—provide a smooth yet dynamic backdrop, elevating the emotional weight of the track.
Smokey Robinson’s Songwriting Brilliance
Smokey Robinson, a master of blending emotional depth with pop sensibility, crafted lyrics and melodies that were accessible yet deeply poignant. His ability to write about heartache with such elegance and sincerity is fully realized in “Since I Lost My Baby.” The song’s clever structure and recurring phrases create a sense of cyclical longing, mirroring the feeling of being stuck in a loop of grief.
Impact and Legacy
While “Since I Lost My Baby” was not a chart-topping hit, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, it has endured as one of The Temptations’ most beloved songs. Its influence can be heard in subsequent soul and R&B ballads, with its themes of heartbreak and yearning becoming a staple in the genre. Additionally, the track exemplifies the sophistication of Motown’s production, thanks to the Funk Brothers’ instrumental contributions, including the smooth rhythm section and lush string arrangements.
A Timeless Ballad
“Since I Lost My Baby” is more than just a love song—it’s a testament to The Temptations’ ability to convey profound emotion through their music. The timeless quality of the track has made it a favorite for generations of listeners, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of the Motown sound. Whether you’re rediscovering it or hearing it for the first time, this song is a reminder of the power of music to connect us to our deepest feelings and shared experiences.
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Lyrics
Sun a-shining, there’s plenty of lifeA new day is dawning sunny and brightBut after I’ve been crying all night the sun is coldAnd the new day seems oldSince I lost my baby (since I lost my baby)Since I lost my baby (since I lost my baby)Birds are singing and the children are playingThere’s plenty of work and the bosses are payingNot a sad word should my young heart be sayingBut fun is a bore and with money I’m poorSince I lost my baby (since I lost my baby)Since I lost my baby (since I lost my baby)Next time I’ll be kinder (next time I’ll be kinder)Won’t you please help me find her (won’t you please help me find her)?Someone just remind her (someone just remind her)‘Bout this love she left behind her (’bout this love she left behind her)‘Til I find her I’ll be tryin’ now, every day I’m more inclined to find herInclined to find her, inclined to find my babyBeen a-looking everywhere, baby, I really, really careOh, determination is fading fastInspiration is a thing of the pastCan’t see my hope’s gonna lastGood things are bad and what’s happy is sadSince I lost my baby (since I lost my baby)Since I lost my baby (since I lost my baby)I feel so badOh, I’ll feel so sadEverything is wrong (since I lost my baby)This heart is hard to carry on(Since I lost my baby) I’m lost as can be(Since I lost my baby) what’s gonna happen to me?