About the song
The O’Jays, renowned for their soulful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, have gifted us with countless timeless classics throughout their illustrious career. One such gem is “Back Stabbers”, a captivating track that showcases the group’s enduring talent and ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in 1972 as the title track of their critically acclaimed album Back Stabbers, the song is a quintessential example of the O’Jays’ signature sound. The upbeat melody, coupled with the group’s emotive vocals, creates a captivating atmosphere that draws listeners in from the very first note.
The talented songwriting duo of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, known for their work with Philadelphia International Records, crafted “Back Stabbers”. Their ability to pen lyrics that capture the essence of betrayal and deceit is evident in this insightful track. Gamble and Huff played a significant role in shaping the sound of soul music during the 1970s, and their influence is clearly felt in this timeless classic.
“Back Stabbers” achieved remarkable success on the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its blend of soulful rhythm and poignant lyrics made it a favorite among fans and solidified its place in the pantheon of great soul music.
The O’Jays’ “Back Stabbers” is a testament to their enduring talent and their ability to create music that transcends time. This timeless classic continues to resonate with audiences, proving that the O’Jays’ legacy will live on for generations to come.
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Lyrics
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
(They smilin’ in your face)
All the time, they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
All you fellas who have someone and you really care, yeah, yeah
Then it’s all of you fellas who better beware, yeah, yeah
Somebody’s out to get your lady
A few of your buddies, they sure look shady
The blades are long, clenched tight in their fists
Aimin’ straight at your back
And I don’t think they’ll miss
All the time, they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
I keep gettin’ all these visits from my friends, yeah, what they doin’ to me?
They come to my house again and again and again and again, yeah
So are they there to see my woman?
I don’t even be home but they just keep on comin’
What can I do to get on the right track?
I wish they’d take some of these knives out my back
All the time, they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
Ha, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, low down, dirty
Smilin’ faces smilin’ faces sometimes tell lies (back stabbers)
(They smilin’ in your face)
I don’t need low down, dirty bastards (back stabbers)
down, down, down, down, down
Down, down, down, down, down, down, down (back stabbers)
(They smilin’ in your face) might be your neighbor
Your next door neighbor, yeah (back stabbers)