Get out, get out of my life
And let me sleep at night.
“You Keep Me Hangin On” is another Motown classic from the Supremes. They really were a machine in the late 60s. This is a song about getting free from a relationship that might not be that healthy. The Supremes ask to “set me free, cause you keep hanging on”. It sounds like a compelling reason to not come around to me! It is a great breakup song that a lot of women and men can get enjoyment from. If is in that tradition of women empowerment songs that came out of Motown (e.g. Respect).
Diana Ross and her vocals sound accessible and the rest of The Supremes sound great singing backup. The harmonies sound nice. The band also delivers a tight sound driven by the drums and bass. There is that muted electric guitar sound that is so prevalent in Motown sound and would also be featured in disco 10 years later.
You Keep Me Hanging On Lyrics
The love bug done bit me
Didn’t mean for him to get me
Woo, get up in the morning
And I’m filled with desire
No, no, I can’t stop the fire
Love is real live wire
Oh, it’s a burning sensation
Far beyond imagination
Love is like an itching in my heart, tearing it all apart
Just an itching in my heart
And, baby, I can’t scratch it
Keeps me sighing, oh
Keeps me yearning
No mama can’t help me
No daddy can’t help me
I’ve been bitten by the love bug
And I need some information
To help me out of this situation
Now, when you’re ill you take a pill
When you’re thirsty, drink your fill
What you gonna do, oh yeah
When love gets a hold, a hold on you
Love is like an itching in my heart
And, baby, I can’t scratch it
Love is a nagging irritation
Causing my heart complication
Love is a growing infection
And I don’t know the correction
Got me rocking and a-reeling
And I can’t shake the feeling
Love is like an itching in my heart, tearing it all apart
Just an itching in my heart
Baby, I can’t scratch it
Keeps me sighing, oo
Keeps me yearning
Keeps me burning
Keeps me tossing
Keeps me turning
Keeps me yearning
I’ve been bitten by the love bug
And I need some information
To help me out of this situation
Love is a nagging irritation
Causing my heart complication
I’ve been bitten by the love bug
Songwriters: Jr. / Brian Holland / Edward Holland / Edward / Jr. Holland / Lamont Dozier / Lamont Herbert Dozi