Smokey Robinson, Being With You

In the 188^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Being With You” by iconic Motown singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 188^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Being With You” performed by Smokey Robinson.  

“I don’t care if they start to avoid me / I don’t care what they do / I don’t care about anything else / But being with you, being with you.”

Noted! Grammy-winning musician Smokey Robinson (William Robinson Jr., b. 1940) had already solidified his status as a musical icon long before starting his solo career. The Miracles marked an iconic collective in its own right. But Robinson did go solo, and he struck gold with “Being With You”. “Being With You” is the opener from his 1981 gold-certified album, also titled Being With You. Robinson composed “Being With You,” while George Tobin produced it. “You” marked the highest charting hit of his illustrious career.  One of his four top 10 hits on the pop charts, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Robinson wrote the song for Kim Carnes. Tobin convinced him to record it himself. It boded extremely well in his favor!

“Being With You” begins with a dramatic intro set in a minor key.  Here, Smokey Robinson first wows us with his warm, soulful vocals, singing “ooh.” Also, the listener hears that iconic saxophone solo (Joel Peskin) for the first time, a fantastic musical touch.  The musical accompaniment overall is lush, refined, and sophisticated. It comprises a rhythm section, including keyboards, strings, and of course, that sax! Following its C minor stint, “Being With You” settles into E-flat major. Robinson eats, singing incredibly smoothly – smooth like butter, baby! His falsetto is on point. He brings the tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics to life from the get-go. It begins with the chorus, excerpted above, in all of its glory.  The verses shine, too, focusing on their relationship despite what others say or might think. “Don’t let them say, ‘we told you so’ / They tell me you’ll love me and then let me go,” he sings in the first verse, and adds in the second, “People can change; they always do / Haven’t they noticed the changes in you?” Word.  “Being With You” is a surefire, undeniable masterpiece by Smokey Robinson.  Even though it was recorded in the early 1980s, it remains a timeless, unforgettable classic – one of the best songs released from that era without question!