About the song
“**Still Water (Love)**” by The Four Tops is a soulful gem that beautifully captures the essence of the 1970s Motown sound. Released in 1970, this track is a testament to the Four Tops’ enduring talent and their ability to evolve with the changing musical landscape. The Four Tops, comprised of Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton, were already established icons by this time, known for their powerful harmonies and emotive performances.
“Still Water (Love)” was written by the prolific songwriting team of Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, who were renowned for their ability to craft hits with deep emotional resonance and catchy melodies. The song was featured on the Four Tops’ album “Still Waters Run Deep,” which marked a period of artistic growth and exploration for the group, showcasing a more introspective and soulful sound.
Upon its release, “Still Water (Love)” received critical acclaim and achieved notable success on the charts. The song reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart, further solidifying the Four Tops’ status as one of Motown’s premier acts. The track’s rich, layered sound and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, making it a standout hit of the era.
The lyrics of “Still Water (Love)” delve into themes of love and longing, with lines like “Still water, run deep, the love that you gave me” beautifully expressing the depth and sincerity of the emotions involved. Levi Stubbs’ commanding lead vocals bring these sentiments to life, delivering a performance that is both powerful and deeply moving. The harmonies provided by Fakir, Benson, and Payton add a lush, soulful quality to the song, enhancing its emotional impact.
The Four Tops’ rendition of “Still Water (Love)” is a masterclass in vocal performance and musical arrangement. The production, characterized by its smooth instrumentation and sophisticated sound, exemplifies the quality and artistry that the Four Tops brought to their music.
“Still Water (Love)” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and musical brilliance. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Four Tops and their ability to create music that speaks to the heart. For those who lived through the 70s, the song evokes fond memories of a rich musical era, and for newer generations, it offers a timeless message of love and reflection. The song’s lasting popularity is a tribute to the incredible talent of the Four Tops and the powerful impact of their music.
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Lyrics
Walk with me
Take my hand
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Still water
Ah, ah, ah
Never you mind if I
Don’t tell strangers passing by
If I don’t brag
If I don’t brag or boast
Click my glass and say a toast
About my love for you
How it runs so deep and true
And yet it’s so
‘Cause don’t you know, oh
Still waters run deep
Still waters run deep
Still waters run deep
Still waters run deep
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Oh, oh oh
Walk with me
Take my hand
Still waters
Still water
Walk with me
Take my hand
Whoa, whoa, whoa now
Still waters run deep
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Whoa, whoa, whoa now
Still waters run deep