About the song
Released in 1962 on the Motown label, Mary Wells’ single “Two Lovers” stands as a quintessential example of the enchanting soul music of the era. This track, penned and produced by the legendary Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, marks the third consecutive hit in a series of successful collaborations between Robinson and Wells. Their prior successes, “The One Who Really Loves You” and “You Beat Me to the Punch,” had already solidified their musical synergy, making “Two Lovers” a highly anticipated release.
“Two Lovers” captivates listeners with its innovative lyrical twist. At first, the song seems to tell the story of a girl caught between two very different lovers: one who is kind and affectionate, and another who is cruel and causes her heartache. The clever narrative unfolds to reveal that these contrasting qualities are embodied by a single individual. This revelation not only showcases Wells’ emotive vocal performance but also demonstrates Robinson’s songwriting prowess in crafting a narrative that defies expectations.
The song’s success was substantial. It soared to #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and achieved #7 on the Billboard pop chart, making it Wells’ most successful release to date. This achievement, however, would be surpassed two years later by her even more acclaimed hit, “My Guy.”
Cash Box praised “Two Lovers” for its “soft beat cha cha groove” and noted Wells’ performance as being set against an “attention-getting ork-choral backdrop,” highlighting the song’s unique blend of rhythm and orchestration. The track features lead and harmony vocals by Wells, with background vocals provided by The Love Tones, including Joe Miles and Stan Bracely, alongside Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations. Instrumentation was handled by The Funk Brothers, a group renowned for their role in shaping the Motown sound.
The song’s influence extends beyond its initial release, as it has been covered by various artists, including Louise Cordet, Steve Goodman, Dolly Parton, and La Toya Jackson. Additionally, it was featured in a Disney Channel DTV music video, illustrating its enduring appeal across different mediums and generations.
“Two Lovers” remains a cherished classic, exemplifying the magic of Motown and the extraordinary talents of Mary Wells and Smokey Robinson.
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Lyrics
Well, I’ve got two lovers, and I ain’t ashamed
Two lovers, and I love them both the same
Let me tell you ’bout my first lover
He’s sweet and kind, and he’s mine, oh mine
He treats me good like a lover should, and makes me love him
I really, really love him, oh-oh, oh-oh (oh-oh), I love him so (love him so)
And I’ll do everything I can to let him know
But I’ve got two lovers, and I ain’t ashamed
Two lovers, and I love them both the same
Let me tell you ’bout my other lover
Well, you know he treats me bad, makes me sad
Makes me cry, but still, I can’t deny
That I love him, I really, really love him, oh-oh, oh, oh (oh-oh)
I love him so (love him so), and I’ll do everything I can to let him know
Darling, well, don’t you know that I can tell
Whenever I look at you, that you think
That I’m untrue, ’cause I say that I love two
But, I really, really do
‘Cause you’re a split personality (split personality)
And in reality (and in reality)
Both of them are you (they both are you)
Well, I’ve got two lovers, and I ain’t ashamed
Two lovers, and I love them both the same
Two lovers, and I ain’t ashamed
Two-