Standing In The Shadows
Some songs seem immortal. This one happened on the radio over the weekend. I am still thinking about it. Standing In The Shadows of Love by the Four Tops was one of Motown’s greatest hits. There is a driving, surging passion in the tune that mimics the tide of life that is reminiscent of nature. Recall what its like to stand outside in late April at the peak of mating season. The sky is filled far and near with musical mating calls. There is also a properly human metaphysical dimension to the lyric. The texture of reality depends upon the reciprocity of love. One’s world is now dependent upon another, with a different history, and distinct expectations. Love is risky business. Ego is always at hand, and can interpose itself between the lovers. Its a dance, a mutual feedback of give and take. The lesson is life-long. One always is standing in the shadows of love. Everything is at risk, and may be lost, always.
Admittedly I do not know that Brian Holland, Edward Holland and Lamont Dozier had that in mind when they composed the lyric. Likely they were writing of a romantic breakup. No matter. There is always more to great writing than the writer knows.
Here are the lyrics, and a extended instrumental youtube of this great song. Can you “see” the Four Tops masterfully perform in your imagination as you listen?
Standing In the Shadows of Love
Four Tops
Standing in the shadows of love
I’m getting ready for the heartaches to come
Can’t you see me standing in the shadows of love
I’m getting ready for the heartaches to comeI want to run but there’s nowhere to go
‘Cause heartaches will follow me, I know
Without your love, the love I need
It’s the beginning of the end for me
‘Cause you’re taking away all my reasons for livin’
When you pushed aside all the love I been givin’
Now wait a minuteDidn’t I treat you right, now baby, didn’t I?
Didn’t I do the best I could now, didn’t I?So don’t you leave me
Standing in the shadows of love
I’m getting ready for the heartaches to come
Don’t you see me standing in the shadows of love
Trying my best to get ready for the heartaches to comeAll alone
I’m destined to be, with misery my only company
It may come today, it might come tomorrow
But it’s for sure I ain’t got nothing but sorrow
Now don’t your conscience kind of bother you
How can you watch me cry after all I done for you
Hold on a minuteGave you all the love I had now, didn’t I?
When you needed me I was always there now, wasn’t I?I’m trying hard not to cry out loud
You know crying it ain’t gonna help me now
What did I do to cause all this grief?
Now what’d I say to make you want to leave
Now wait a minuteGave my heart and soul to you now, didn’t I?
And didn’t I always treat you good, now didn’t I?I’m standing in the shadows of love
I’m getting ready for the heartaches to come
Don’t you see me standing in the shadows of love
Trying my best to get ready for the heartaches to come
Oh I’m standing in the shadows of loveSongwriters: Brian Holland / Edward Holland / Edward / Jr. Holland / Lamont Dozier / Lamont Herbert Dozier
