When Soul Meets Sentiment: The Four Tops Deliver Heartfelt Emotion in “It’s All In The Game” 💔✨
Few songs manage to bridge genres and generations the way “It’s All In The Game” does—and when soul powerhouse The Four Tops recorded their version in 1970, they breathed new life into a timeless ballad. With Levi Stubbs’ unmistakable voice leading the charge, the group turned a well-known pop standard into a soul-stirring experience that continues to resonate with listeners decades later.
Background
Originally penned as an instrumental in 1911 by Charles G. Dawes—who later became Vice President of the United States—the melody for “It’s All In The Game” took on lyrics in 1951 thanks to songwriter Carl Sigman. The song had already enjoyed chart success when pop singer Tommy Edwards made it a No. 1 hit in 1958, but it was The Four Tops’ rendition that gave it a deep emotional edge and brought it into the Motown universe with power and grace.
By the time The Four Tops released their version, they were already Motown royalty, known for hits like “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Baby I Need Your Loving.” Their take on “It’s All In The Game” came as part of their “Still Waters Run Deep” album, showcasing a more mature, contemplative side of the group. The orchestration is lush, but it’s Levi Stubbs’ impassioned delivery—full of ache, tenderness, and raw vulnerability—that transforms the track into something unforgettable. It’s not just a love song; it’s a heart laid bare.
Introduction
What makes this rendition so enduring is its sincerity. The lyrics speak to the unpredictable highs and lows of romance—words that feel as relevant now as they did over 50 years ago. And when Stubbs sings, “Many a tear has to fall, but it’s all in the game,” you don’t just hear the words—you feel them. That emotional authenticity is what turned a classic standard into a soul masterpiece. 🎤❤️
This is the kind of song that brings memories rushing back—the kind that played on the radio during long drives, quiet nights, or heartbroken reflections. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning to an old favorite, “It’s All In The Game” reminds us that love, with all its ups and downs, is worth the journey.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
Many a tear has to fall
But it’s all in the game
All in the wonderful game
That we know, that we know as love[Verse 2]
You have words, you have words with him
And your future’s looking dim
But these things
Your heart can rise, rise above (Oh, yeah, yeah)[Verse 3]
Once in a while he won’t call (Mhm)
But it’s all in the game
Soon he’ll be there at your side
With a sweet, a sweet bouquet
With a sweet bouquet[Chorus]
Then he’ll kiss your lips
And caress your waiting fingertips
And your heart, your hearts got to fly
Fly away
Come on, sing it now