The Temptations, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg | Throwback Vibez

In the 52nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by The Temptations.   

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 52^nd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” performed by The Temptations.

“I know you wanna leave me / But I refuse to let you go / If I have to beg and plead for your sympathy / I don’t mind ‘cause you mean that much to me.” Those lyrics from the legendary Motown collective The Temptations are nothing short of iconic. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” is among their most revered songs.  It appears as the third track from their 1966 album, Gettin’ Ready. Songwriter Hall of Fame inductees Eddie Holland and Norman Whitfield (1940 – 2008) composed “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.” Whitfield also produced it.  It performed well on the pop charts, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed even better on the R&B charts, spending eight weeks at number one.

David Ruffin (1941 – 1991) sings lead vocals, showing off the grit, power, and robustness of his pipes.  Who else could bring ample drama, personality, and soul like Ruffin? Nobody.  Ruffin brushes masculine stereotypes aside in the second verse, asserting, “But if I have to cry to keep you, I don’t mind weepin’ / If it’ll keep you by my side.” In the third, he’s willing to “Sleep on your doorstep all night and day,” while in the fourth, he asserts, “I’m not ashamed to come and plead to you, baby.” Ruffin is persistent, conveyed masterfully through an authentic, honest, and sincere performance.  He’s backed marvelously by his fellow Temptations Otis Williams (1941 – ),  Melvin Franklin (Blue) (1942 – 1995), Eddie Kendricks (1939 – 1992), and Paul Williams (1939 – 1973).  They ‘bring it’ in the centerpiece, the chorus:  

“Ain’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’

Please don’t leave me, girl, don’t you go

Ain’t too proud to plead, baby, baby

Please don’t leave me, girl, don’t you go.”

Further solidifying the musical excellence is the backing band, The Funk Brothers.  With electrifying vocals, a cooking instrumental, and top-notch songwriting, . “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” is a timeless classic from The Temptations.  This is one of the greatest songs from the soul catalog, PERIOD!

The Temptations // Gettin’ Ready // Motown // 1966

The Temptations, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 52 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]