I've Been Good to You

1961 single by The Miracles

"I've Been Good to You"

Single by The Miracles

from the album I'll Try Something New & The Fabulous Miracles

A-side

"What's So Good About Goodbye"

Released

December 14, 1961

Recorded

Hitsville USA (Studio A);
October 14 and 29, 1961

Genre

Doo-Wop/Soul/Pop

Length

3:00

Label

Tamla
T 54053

Songwriter(s)

Smokey Robinson

Producer(s)

Berry Gordy Jr.

The Miracles singles chronology

"Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues"
(1961)

"What's So Good About Goodbye" / "I've Been Good to You"
(1961)

"I'll Try Something New"
(1962)

"I've Been Good to You"

Single by The Temptations

from the album Gettin' Ready

A-side

"You're My Everything"

Released

June 13, 1967

Recorded

Hitsville USA (Studio A); 1964

Genre

Soul

Length

3:00

Gordy
G 7063

Smokey Robinson

The Temptations singles chronology

"All I Need" / "Sorry is a Sorry Word"
(1967)

"You're My Everything" / "I've Been Good to You"
(1967)

"(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need"
(1967)

"I've Been Good to You" is a 1961 R&B song by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla label.^[1] It was released as the B-side of their Billboard Top 40 hit, "What's So Good About Goodbye", and was included on their album I'll Try Something New the following year. This sad, melancholy ballad charted #103 on the Billboard Pop chart.^[2]^[3] Despite its relatively modest chart placing, this song has been hugely influential, and is noted as Beatle John Lennon's favorite Miracles tune, and was the inspiration for The Beatles' songs "This Boy" and "Sexy Sadie". Written by Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, the song begins with the lyric, "Look what you've done...You've made a fool out of someone..." which Lennon later paraphrased in Sexy Sadie song as, "What have you done...You've made a fool of everyone."

The song was performed live by the group on their album, The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage, and has inspired cover versions by Marshall Crenshaw, Joe Meek, The Temptones, Ray, Goodman & Brown (The Moments), The Ones, and fellow Motown artists, Brenda Holloway, and The Temptations. The Temptations' version would also be released as a "B" side and would chart at #124 on the Pop charts in 1967 (as well be released on their 1966 album Gettin' Ready).^[4]^[5]^[6] In addition to being on their first Live album, The Miracles' original version of "I've Been Good to You" actually appears on two other of their early 1960s albums; 1962's I'll Try Something New, and 1963's The Fabulous Miracles.

During a 2009 appearance by Robinson on the Internet/television show Live from Daryl's House, hosted by Daryl Hall, the duo performed "I've Been Good to You" (video on YouTube), among other songs. During some playful, improvisational singing at the end, Robinson sang, "I don't know where you came up with this song... I haven't heard it in so long..."

Personnel – The Miracles

Smokey Robinson – Lead vocals
Bobby Rogers – Background vocals
Pete Moore – Background vocals
Claudette Robinson – Background vocals
Ronnie White – Background vocals
Marv Tarplin – Guitar

Personnel – The Temptations

Eddie Kendricks – Lead vocals
David Ruffin – Background vocals
Melvin Franklin – Lead & Background vocals
Paul Williams – Background vocals
Otis Williams – Background vocals

Additional instruments

By The Funk Brothers

References

^ Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: The 35th Anniversary Collection (1994)Discography: "The Miracles' Albums" [CD liner notes]. Motown Records
^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (21 April 1962). "Billboard". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
^ Hackel, Stu. The Miracles:Depend On Me-The Early Albums [CD Liner Notes]. Motown Records/Hip-O Select
^ The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 7: 1967 [CD liner notes]. New York: Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal Records
^ 50th Anniversary: The Singles Collection 1961-1971 [CD liner notes]. New York: Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal Records
^ Wynn, Ron. "Gettin' Ready - The Temptations - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic".

External links

I've Been Good to You- by The Miracles on YouTube
I've Been Good to You- by The Miracles – Song review from the "Motown Junkies" website.

The Miracles (1955–1964) / Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1965–1972) / The Miracles (1973–2011)

Smokey Robinson
Ronnie White
Pete Moore
Bobby Rogers
Claudette Robinson
Marv Tarplin
Billy Griffin
Donald Griffin
Carl Cotton
Mark Scott
Dave Finley
Sydney Justin
Alphonse Franklin
Tee Turner

Studio albums

Hi... We're the Miracles (1961)
Cookin' with the Miracles (1961)
I'll Try Something New (1962)
The Fabulous Miracles (1963)
Christmas with The Miracles (1963)
The Miracles Doin' Mickey's Monkey (1963)
I Like It Like That (1964)
Going to a Go-Go (1965)
Away We a Go-Go (1966)
Make It Happen (The Tears of a Clown) (1967)
Special Occasion (1968)
Time Out for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (1969)
Four in Blue (1969)
What Love Has Joined Together (1970)
A Pocket Full of Miracles (1970)
The Season for Miracles (1970)
One Dozen Roses (1971)
Flying High Together (1972)
Renaissance (1973)
Do It Baby (1974)
Don't Cha Love It (1975)
City of Angels (1975)
The Power of Music (1976)
Love Crazy (1977)
The Miracles (1978)

Live albums

The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage (1963)
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles LIVE! (1969)
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: 1957–1972 (1972)

Compilations

Greatest Hits: From the Beginning (1965)
Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1968)
Anthology (1974)
Anthology '86 (1986)
Anthology: The Best of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1995)
The Ultimate Collection (1998)
Ooo Baby Baby: The Anthology (2002)
Depend On Me: The Early Albums (2009)

Singles

"Bad Girl"
"Way Over There"
"Shop Around"
"Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues"
"What's So Good About Goodbye"
"I've Been Good to You"
"I'll Try Something New"
"You've Really Got a Hold on Me"/"Happy Landing"
"A Love She Can Count On"
"Mickey's Monkey"
"I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying"
"(You Can't Let the Boy Overpower) The Man in You"
"I Like It Like That"
"That's What Love Is Made Of"
"Come On Do the Jerk"
"Ooo Baby Baby"
"The Tracks of My Tears"
"A Fork in the Road"
"My Girl Has Gone"
"Going to a Go-Go"
"Choosey Beggar"
"Whole Lot of Shakin' in My Heart (Since I Met You)"
"(Come 'Round Here) I'm the One You Need"
"The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage"
"More Love"
"I Second That Emotion"
"If You Can Want"
"Yester Love"
"Special Occasion"
"Baby, Baby Don't Cry"
"Here I Go Again"
"Doggone Right"
"Abraham, Martin and John"
"Point It Out"
"The Tears of a Clown"
"I Don't Blame You at All"
"We've Come Too Far to End It Now"
"Give Me Just Another Day"
"Do It Baby"
"Love Machine"

Videography

The Definitive Performances (1963–1987) (2006)

v t e The Temptations
Otis Williams Ron Tyson Terry Weeks Tony Grant Jawan Jackson Melvin Franklin Eddie Kendricks Paul Williams Elbridge Bryant David Ruffin Dennis Edwards Ricky Owens Richard Street Damon Harris Glenn Leonard Louis Price Ali-Ollie Woodson Theo Peoples Harry McGilberry Barrington "Bo" Henderson Ray Davis G. C. Cameron Joe Herndon Bruce Williamson Larry Braggs Willie Green Mario Corbino
Studio albums	Meet the Temptations The Temptations Sing Smokey The Temptin' Temptations Gettin' Ready The Temptations with a Lot o' Soul The Temptations Wish It Would Rain Cloud Nine Puzzle People Psychedelic Shack Sky's the Limit Solid Rock All Directions Masterpiece 1990 A Song for You House Party Wings of Love The Temptations Do the Temptations Hear to Tempt You Bare Back Power The Temptations Reunion Surface Thrills Back to Basics Truly for You Touch Me To Be Continued... Together Again Special Milestone Phoenix Rising Ear-Resistible Awesome Legacy Still Here Temptations 60
Cover albums	The Temptations in a Mellow Mood For Lovers Only Reflections Back to Front All the Time
Live albums	Temptations Live! Live at the Copa Live at London's Talk of the Town The Temptations in Japan
Other albums	Diana Ross & the Supremes Join the Temptations TCB The Temptations Show Together On Broadway The Temptations Christmas Card Give Love at Christmas Lost and Found: You've Got to Earn It (1962–1968)
Compilations	Greatest Hits Greatest Hits II Anthology Emperors of Soul The Ultimate Collection My Girl: The Very Best of the Temptations Psychedelic Soul
Singles (US/UK Top 10)	"My Girl" "Get Ready" "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" "(I Know) I'm Losing You" "All I Need" "You're My Everything" "I Wish It Would Rain" "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)" "Cloud Nine" "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" "Run Away Child, Running Wild" "I Can't Get Next to You" "Psychedelic Shack" "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" "Masterpiece" "Let Your Hair Down" "Happy People" "Shakey Ground" "Treat Her Like a Lady" "The Motown Song" "My Girl" (reissue)
Related	Band members The Temptations (miniseries) Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations Discography The Supremes The Undisputed Truth Smokey Robinson Norman Whitfield Barrett Strong Sly Stone George Clinton
Category

v t e The Temptations singles discography
1960s	"Oh Mother of Mine" (1961) "Check Yourself" (1961) "(You're My) Dream Come True" (1962) "Paradise" (1962) "I Want a Love I Can See" (1963) "Farewell My Love" (1963) "The Way You Do the Things You Do" (1964) "I'll Be in Trouble" (1964) / "The Girl's Alright with Me" (1964) "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)" (1964) "My Girl" (1964) "It's Growing" (1965) "Since I Lost My Baby" (1965) / "You've Got to Earn It" (1965) "My Baby" (1965) / "Don't Look Back" (1965) "Get Ready" (1966) "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (1966) "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" (1966) "(I Know) I'm Losing You" (1966) "All I Need" (1967) "You're My Everything" (1967) / "I've Been Good to You" (1967) "(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need" (1967) "I Wish It Would Rain" (1968) "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)" (1968) "Please Return Your Love to Me" (1968) "Cloud Nine" (1968) "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1968) / "Silent Night" (1968) "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (1969) "Runaway Child, Running Wild" (1969) "I'll Try Something New" (1969) "I Second That Emotion" (1969) "I Can't Get Next to You" (1969) "The Weight" (1969)
1970s	"Psychedelic Shack" (1970) "Why (Must We Fall in Love)" (1970) "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (1970) "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" (1971) "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)" (1971) "Mother Nature" (1972) "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (1972) "Masterpiece" (1973) "Law of the Land" (1973) "Let Your Hair Down" (1973) "Happy People" (1974) "Shakey Ground" (1975) "Glasshouse" (1975)
1980s	"Standing On The Top - Pt. 1" (1982) "Treat Her Like a Lady" (1984) "My Girl" (re-issue) (1986) "Lady Soul" (1986) "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (re-issue) (1987)
1990s	"The Motown Song" (1991) "My Girl" (re-issue) (1992)

v t e The Miracles singles
Discography
1950s	" Bad Girl" (1959)
1960s	"Way Over There" (1960) "Shop Around" (1960) / "Who's Lovin' You" (1960) "Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues" (1961) "What's So Good About Goodbye" (1961) / "I've Been Good to You" (1961) "I'll Try Something New" (1962) "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962) / "Happy Landing" (1962) "A Love She Can Count On" (1963) / "I Can Take a Hint" (1963) " Mickey's Monkey" (1963) "I Gotta Dance to Keep from Crying" (1963) "The Christmas Song" (1963) "(You Can't Let the Boy Overpower) The Man in You" (1964) "I Like It Like That" (1964) "That's What Love Is Made Of" (1964) "Come On Do the Jerk" (1964) "Ooo Baby Baby" (1965) "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965) / "A Fork in the Road" (1965) "My Girl Has Gone" (1965) "Going to a Go-Go" (1965) / "Choosey Beggar" (1965) "Whole Lot of Shakin' in My Heart (Since I Met You)" (1966) "(Come 'Round Here) I'm the One You Need" (1966) "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" (1967) "More Love" (1967) "I Second That Emotion" (1967) "If You Can Want" (1968) "Yester Love" (1968) "Special Occasion" (1968) "Baby, Baby Don't Cry" (1969) "Here I Go Again" (1969) / "Doggone Right" (1969) "Abraham, Martin and John" (1969) "Point It Out" (1969) / "Darling Dear" (1969)
1970s	"The Tears of a Clown" (1970) "I Don't Blame You at All" (1970) "We've Come Too Far to End It Now" (1972) "Give Me Just Another Day" (1973) "Do It Baby" (1974) "Love Machine" (1975)