About the song
The Four Tops have been a cornerstone of the Motown sound since their inception, delivering timeless classics that have resonated through generations. One such enduring gem is “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)”, a song that encapsulates the rich, emotive style that has come to define the group.
Released in 1966, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” stands as a poignant example of the Four Tops’ ability to blend powerful vocals with profound lyrical content. The song is driven by Levi Stubbs’ lead vocals, which are as powerful and soul-stirring as ever. Stubbs’ voice, with its distinctive, raspy quality, brings an urgent intensity to the track, perfectly capturing the heartache and confusion conveyed in the lyrics.
The song tells a story of betrayal and disbelief. The protagonist is struggling to accept the end of a relationship, pleading to be woken from what he hopes is a bad dream. This theme of emotional turmoil is a recurring motif in the Four Tops’ catalog, and they handle it with a depth and sincerity that few others can match. The lyrics, “Somebody tell me that I’m dreamin’, and wake me when it’s over,” echo the universal pain of heartbreak, making the song relatable to anyone who has experienced the end of a significant relationship.
Musically, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” is a masterclass in Motown production. The arrangement, crafted by the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team, features a driving rhythm section, lush strings, and tight, intricate harmonies. The instrumental break in the middle of the song, with its dramatic orchestration, heightens the emotional impact, giving listeners a moment to feel the weight of the protagonist’s despair before Stubbs’ impassioned return.
The song’s success can also be attributed to the seamless interplay between the lead vocals and the backing harmonies provided by Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Lawrence Payton, and Abdul “Duke” Fakir. Their voices weave together to create a rich, textured sound that is quintessentially Motown. This synergy is one of the Four Tops’ greatest strengths, and it is on full display in this track.
In the broader context of the Four Tops’ discography, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” holds a special place. It showcases the group’s versatility and their ability to convey deep emotion through music. While they are perhaps best known for their more upbeat hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” this song reminds us of their capacity to handle darker, more introspective themes with equal skill and sensitivity.
For those familiar with the pain of lost love, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” offers a cathartic outlet. Its blend of heart-wrenching lyrics, soulful melodies, and impeccable vocal delivery makes it a standout track not only in the Four Tops’ repertoire but in the pantheon of soul music as a whole. Listening to it is like experiencing a piece of musical history, a testament to the enduring power of the Four Tops and their profound impact on the world of music.
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Lyrics
All through this long and sleepless nightI hear my neighbors talking (She don’t love him)Saying that out of my lifeInto another’s arms you’ll soon be walkingSomebody shake me, wake me when it’s overSomebody tell me that I’m dreamin’And wake me when its overThey say our love ain’t what it used to beAnd everyone knows but meI close my ears not wanting to hearBut the words are loud and clearThrough these walls so thinI hear my neighbors whenThey say “She don’t love him, she don’t love him”They say my heart’s in danger‘Cause you’re leaving meFor the love of a strangerSomebody shake me, wake me when it’s overSomebody tell me that I’m dreamin’And wake me when its overGirl you’re what my heart desiresMy whole world you inspireI can’t bear to be losing you‘Cause I’ve loved you my whole life throughRestlessly I pace the floorListening to my neighbor’s criticizeWhat a fool I am not to realizeYou don’t want me by your sideAs the tears stream down my faceI can’t believe I’ve been replacedIf I’ve ever ever dreamed beforeSomebody tell me I’m dreaming nowI said shake me, wake me somebody when its overSomebody tell me that I’m dreamingAnd wake me when its overC’mon wake me, shake me somebody