About the song
Mary Wells, a pioneering figure in the Motown sound, etched her name in music history with a string of hits. However, none resonates as profoundly as “My Guy”. Released in 1964, the song was more than just a chart-topper; it was a cultural touchstone that encapsulated the burgeoning spirit of the era.
Produced by the visionary Smokey Robinson, “My Guy” is a bold declaration of unwavering love and loyalty. Wells’ vocal prowess shines through as she delivers a powerful and soulful performance. Her voice, imbued with raw emotion and conviction, effortlessly carries the listener on a journey of romantic devotion.
The song’s lyrical simplicity is deceptive. It’s a masterclass in understatement, with Wells painting a vivid portrait of a woman deeply enamored with her partner. The refrain, “My guy, he’s a wonderful guy,” is repeated with such earnestness that it becomes an anthem of adoration. This repetition, far from being monotonous, serves to reinforce the depth of her feelings.
Beyond its romantic themes, “My Guy” also speaks to broader social and cultural shifts. The 1960s was a decade of immense change, with women beginning to assert their independence and redefine their roles in society. While “My Guy” celebrates traditional notions of love and partnership, it also showcases a woman’s confidence and agency. Wells’ portrayal of a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants is a refreshing departure from the submissive female archetypes often prevalent in popular music of the time.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. It has been covered countless times by artists from various genres, each adding their own unique interpretation to the classic. Yet, Wells’ original recording remains the definitive version, a benchmark for soulful vocal performances.
“My Guy” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. It is a reminder of the power of music to evoke deep emotions and to capture the essence of an era.
Video
Lyrics
“My Guy”
From my guy
Nothing you could do, ’cause I’m stuck like glue
To my guy
I’m sticking to my guy like a stamp to a letter
Like birds of a feather we stick together
I’m tellin’ you from the start
I can’t be torn apart from my guy
Nothing you could do could make me be untrue
To my guy (my guy)
Nothing you could buy could make me tell a lie
To my guy (my guy)
I gave my guy my word of honor
To be faithful and I’m gonna
You’d best be believing
I won’t be deceiving my guy
As a matter of opinion, I think he’s tops
My opinion is he’s the cream of the crop
As a matter of taste to be exact
He’s my ideal as a matter of fact
No muscle bound man could take my hand
From my guy (my guy)
No handsome face could ever take the place
Of my guy (my guy)
He may not be a movie star
But when it comes to being happy, we are
There’s not a man today who can take me away
From my guy
No muscle bound man could take my hand
From my guy (my guy)
No handsome face could ever take the place
Of my guy (my guy)
He may not be a movie star
But when it comes to being happy, we are
There’s not a man today who can take me away
From my guy (what’cha say?)
There’s not a man today who could take me away
From my guy (Tell me more!)
There’s not a man today who could take me away
From my guy