Introduction:
“Being With You,” a soulful love ballad by Smokey Robinson, was released in 1981 as the lead single and title track of his album Being With You. Written by Robinson himself, the song was initially intended as a favor for singer Kim Carnes, but producer George Tobin convinced Robinson to record it himself. The song became a major hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held from the top by none other than Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes” in an ironic twist. Nevertheless, “Being With You” achieved No. 1 on the R&B charts and was also a chart-topper in the UK, making it Robinson’s highest-charting solo single internationally.
The lyrics of “Being With You” express a deeply committed love, showcasing a protagonist who is willing to defy social judgment for the sake of his relationship. Robinson’s smooth, soulful delivery captures both the devotion and tension that come with choosing love over external expectations. This resonated with audiences, especially during the resurgence of soft soul in the early 1980s.
Produced during Robinson’s solo career after his time with The Miracles, Being With You also became one of his most commercially successful albums, achieving Gold certification with over 900,000 copies sold in the U.S. The song’s success solidified Robinson’s presence as a solo artist and underscored his versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter. Today, “Being With You” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and Robinson’s timeless vocal performance.