I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) – Four Tops

About the Song

In 1965, Motown Records witnessed the birth of a soul classic with the release of “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops. This irresistible tune isn’t just a love song; it’s a full-fledged celebration of lovestruck devotion, a declaration of affection so strong it overpowers reason itself.

Four Tops, synonymous with soulful harmonies and Levi Stubbs’ powerful vocals, deliver a performance overflowing with infectious energy. Stubbs sets the tone from the get-go, showering his “Sugar pie, honey bunch” with love in the opening line. The lyrics are delightfully uncomplicated, relying on playful terms of endearment to paint a vivid picture of an all-consuming love.

Lines like “In and out of my life / You come and you go / Leaving just a burning desire” showcase the protagonist’s inability to resist this powerful pull. Despite the potential chaos this love brings, the singer surrenders completely, drawn back by an irresistible force.

The melody perfectly complements the lyrics. The driving beat and handclaps create a song that practically begs you to move, mirroring the protagonist’s inability to resist the emotional whirlwind. The call-and-response sections between Stubbs and his fellow Tops add another layer of infectious energy, further emphasizing the song’s irresistible charm.

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” transcends a simple love song. It’s an ode to the intoxicating power of giving in to your heart’s desires. While the song might depict a somewhat obsessive love, it does so with such infectious joy that it’s impossible not to be swept up in its enthusiasm. This Motown gem reminds us of the moments when emotions rule our logic, the sheer pleasure of being completely captivated by love’s throes.

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Lyrics: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”

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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
And I’ve kissed it a thousand times

When you snap your finger or wink your eye
I come a-running to you
I’m tied to your apron strings (Can’t help myself)
And there’s nothing that I can do, ooh

Can’t help myself (Ooh)
No, I can’t help myself (Ooh)
‘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’ve tried
But every time I see your face (I can’t help myself)
I get all choked up inside

When I call your name
Girl, it starts the 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 weak for you (Weak 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)
I can’t help myself
No, I can’t help myself (Ooh)

Sugar pie, honey bunch (Sugar pie, honey bunch)
You know that I love you