About the song
You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” a song penned by the legendary songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, has solidified its place in the annals of popular music. Originally recorded by the iconic Motown group, the Supremes, in 1966, this soulful ballad has transcended its era to become a timeless classic.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal experience of emotional turmoil and uncertainty. With its infectious melody and Diana Ross’s powerful vocals, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” effortlessly conveys a sense of longing, frustration, and hope. The song’s relatable themes have resonated with audiences across generations, ensuring its continued popularity.
Beyond its initial success, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” has been reinterpreted by numerous artists, each adding their own unique spin to the original. From the psychedelic rock cover by Vanilla Fudge to the pop-infused rendition by Kim Wilde, the song has proven its versatility and adaptability.
The enduring legacy of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” is a testament to the songwriting genius of Holland-Dozier-Holland and the enduring power of great music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this classic track is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
Set me free why don’t cha, babe
Get out my life why don’t cha, babe
‘Cause you don’t really love me
You just keep me hangin’ on
Set me free why don’t cha, babe
Get out my life why don’t cha, babe (ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you don’t really need me
But you just keep me hangin’ on
Why do you keep a-comin’ around playing with my heart?
Why don’t cha get out of my life and let me make a brand new start?
Let me get over you the way you gotten over me, yeah
Set me free why don’t cha, babe
Get out my life why don’t cha, babe (ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you don’t really love me
You just keep me hangin’ on
No, you don’t really want me
You just keep me hangin’ on
You say although we broke up you still just wanna be just friends
But how can we still be friends when seeing you only breaks my heart again
(And there ain’t nothing I can do about it)
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Yeah, yeah
Get out, get out of my life
And let me sleep at night
‘Cause you don’t really love me
You just keep me (hangin’ on) hangin’ on
You say you still care for me but your heart and soul needs to be free
And now that you’ve got your freedom you wanna still hold on to me
You don’t want me for yourself so let me find somebody else
Set me free why don’t cha, babe
Get out my life why don’t cha, babe (ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you don’t really love me
You just keep me hangin’ on
Why don’t cha be a man about it and set me free
Now you don’t care a thing about me
You’re just using me
Hey, abusing me
Get out, get out of my life
And let me sleep at night (ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you don’t really love me
You just keep me hangin’ on (ooh, ooh, ooh)