Peak
12
Weeks
20
Score
2,122
Chart Year
1966
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The Isley Brothers became one of the most successful acts of the '70s, and also one of the most independent - they wrote, produced and released their own music throughout the decade. But in 1966, they were signed to Motown Records, who teamed them with the songwriting/production team of Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland (Holland-Dozier-Holland), who put together this heartbreak song for the group. Released as their first Motown single, it was a hit, but their last Top 40 with the label, who reassigned Holland-Dozier-Holland to other artists. In 1968, The Isley Brothers left Motown to record on their own label, T-Neck Records. Their first T-Neck release was the group's biggest hit: "It's Your Thing." This is one of those Motown songs with an upbeat tune but heartwrenching lyrics about a guy who is devastated by the loss of his girl. The poor dude just can't move on, and like the singer in "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," he's abandoned his pride: "If you leave me a hundred times, a hundred times I'll take you back. I'm yours whenever you want me." Lamont Dozier said it was inspired by girl he just couldn't give up. "The more I tried the deeper I fell," he said. "I made excuses for her and all the wrong she had done to me. She was a necessary evil that I just couldn't overcome." Rod Stewart, a huge fan of both Motown and The Isley Brothers, recorded his own version in 1975 and released it as a single. His rendition was a big hit in the UK, climbing to #4, but it only went to #83 in America. He did a lot better stateside when he recorded the song as a duet with Ronald Isley in 1989. This version made #10 in the US. In the UK, this song originally charted at #47, but it reached #3 when it was re-released to coincide with a promotional tour of Britain from The Isley Brothers. Motown singer Tammi Terrell made #67 with her 1969 cover version of this song.
This old heart of mine been broke a thousand times Each time you break away, I fear you've gone to stay Lonely nights that come, memories that flow, bringing you back again Hurting me more and more Maybe it's my mistake to show this love I feel inside 'Cause each day that passes by you got me Never knowing if I'm coming or going, but I, I love you This old heart darling, is weak for you I love you, yes, I do These old arms of mine miss having you around Makes these tears inside start a-falling down Always with half a kiss You remind me of what I miss Though I try to control myself Like a fool I start grinnin' 'cause my head starts spinnin' 'cause I I love you This is old heart, darling is weak for you I love you, yes I do, yes I do Ooh, I try hard to hide, my hurt inside This old heart of mine always keeps me cryin' The way you're treating me, leaves me incomplete You're here for the day, gone for the week now But if you leave me a hundred times A hundred times I'll take you back I'm yours whenever you want me I'm not too proud to shout it, tell the world about it 'cause I I love you This is old heart, darling is weak for you I love you This is old heart, darling is weak for you I love you This is old heart, darling is weak for you I love you, yes I do, yes I do I love you, yes I do, darling is weak for you
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 19, 1966 | 99 | 27 |
| 2 | Feb 26, 1966 | 81 | 45 |
| 3 | Mar 5, 1966 | 64 | 62 |
| 4 | Mar 12, 1966 | 42 | 84 |
| 5 | Mar 19, 1966 | 27 | 99 |
| 6 | Mar 26, 1966 | 25 | 101 |
| 7 | Apr 2, 1966 | 20 | 106 |
| 8 | Apr 9, 1966 | 15 | 111 |
| 9 | Apr 16, 1966 | 15 | 111 |
| 10 | Apr 23, 1966 | 12 | 114 |
| 11 | Apr 30, 1966 | 30 | 96 |
| 12 | May 7, 1966 | 30 | 96 |
| 13 | May 14, 1966 | 52 | 74 |
| 14 | May 21, 1966 | 55 | 71 |
| 15 | May 28, 1966 | 54 | 72 |
| 16 | Jun 4, 1966 | 65 | 61 |
| 17 | Jun 11, 1966 | 66 | 60 |
| 18 | Jun 18, 1966 | 72 | 54 |
| 19 | Jun 25, 1966 | 66 | 60 |
| 20 | Jul 2, 1966 | 77 | 49 |