The Meaning Behind The Song: I Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
“I Second That Emotion” is a timeless classic from Smokey Robinson & the Miracles that was released in 1967. The song’s title is a play on words, as the phrase “I second that motion” is often used in meetings to show agreement and support for a proposal or idea. However, in this case, “emotion” is substituted for “motion,” with the song’s lyrics telling a story of unrequited love and emotional turmoil. Let’s dive deeper into the meaning behind this iconic song.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics explore the pain of being in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way. The opening lines set the tone for the entire song:
> Maybe you’ll wanna give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat
Maybe you’ll go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all
The song’s narrator knows that the object of their affection is unlikely to reciprocate their feelings. They fear that any romantic gestures or affection they receive will be fleeting and insincere, leaving them worse off than if they had never experienced them at all.
The chorus of the song is what really drives home the emotional tone of the lyrics:
> I second that emotion
So if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
The narrator is so desperately in love with their crush that they would second any motion or proposal that person made, including offering a lifetime of devotion. This line perfectly encapsulates the vulnerability and helplessness that comes with unrequited love.
The Music
The song’s upbeat, Motown-inspired sound stands in contrast to its emotional lyrics. The instrumentation features upbeat guitar and horn sections that evoke a feeling of joyfulness and celebration, creating an almost ironic contrast to the pain conveyed in the lyrics.
Interestingly, the song’s opening melody was inspired by a jazz standard by Thelonious Monk. Robinson is said to have heard the melody in a jazz club and repurposed it for “I Second That Emotion.”
The Legacy
“I Second That Emotion” has remained a beloved song in the Motown canon for over 50 years. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal nature of its themes and lyrics.
In addition to being covered by numerous artists throughout the years, the song has been used in popular culture in various ways. It has been featured in movies such as “Bugsy” and “Mermaids,” as well as TV shows like “Mad Men” and “The Simpsons.”
FAQs
1. Who wrote “I Second That Emotion”?
The song was written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland.
2. Who originally recorded the song?
The song was first recorded and released by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1967.
3. What inspired the song’s title?
The song’s title is a play on the phrase “I second that motion,” which is often used in meetings to show agreement and support for a proposal or idea.
4. Who covered “I Second That Emotion”?
The song has been covered by a wide range of artists, including The Supremes, Petula Clark, and Diana Ross.
5. What genre is “I Second That Emotion”?
The song is classified as a Motown/soul song.
6. What is the meaning behind the song’s lyrics?
The lyrics explore the pain and vulnerability of being in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
7. What movies and TV shows has the song been featured in?
The song has been featured in movies such as “Bugsy” and “Mermaids,” as well as TV shows like “Mad Men” and “The Simpsons.”
8. How has the song’s legacy endured over the years?
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the universal nature of its themes and lyrics, as well as its infectious melody and Motown sound.
9. What other songs are similar to “I Second That Emotion”?
Other songs that explore the theme of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability include “Something” by The Beatles, “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake, and “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.
10. Was “I Second That Emotion” a commercial success?
Yes, the song was a commercial success upon its release in 1967, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
11. Was the song’s melody inspired by another song?
Yes, the song’s opening melody was inspired by a jazz standard by Thelonious Monk.
12. What other songs did Smokey Robinson & the Miracles record?
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles recorded numerous hit songs throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including “Shop Around,” “The Tears Of a Clown,” and “Going To A Go-Go.”
