"My World Is Empty Without You" is a 1965 song recorded and released as a single by the Supremes for the Motown label.
Overview Written and produced by Motown's main production team of Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song's fast tempo accompanies a somber lyric which delves into the feelings of depression which can set in after a breakup.
"My World Is Empty Without You" was one of the few songs written by the team for the Supremes to not reach number 1, peaking at number 5 on the US pop chart for two weeks in February 1966 and at number 10 on the R&B chart; the single failed to chart on the UK Singles Chart. The group performed the song on the CBS hit variety program The Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday, February 20, 1966.
Billboard described the song as being "right in their pulsating rhythm groove of 'I Hear a Symphony' with even more excitement in the performance". Cash Box described it as a "throbbing, rhythmic soulful tearjerker about a love-sick girl who spends her days carrying the torch for her ex-boyfriend".
In the view of pop historian Andrew Grant Jackson, the Rolling Stones' later song "Paint It Black" bears a strong resemblance to "My World Is Empty Without You".
Personnel Lead vocals by Diana Ross Background vocals by Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra:Liner notes. The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 5: 1965, Hip-O Select – B0006775-02, USA August 4, 2006 Earl Van Dyke – organ James Gittens – piano James Jamerson – bass Benny Benjamin – drums Joe Messina – guitar Jack Ashford – vibraphone Mike Terry – baritone saxophone Paul Riser – string arrangements
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1965–1966)Peakposition Australia (Kent Music Report) 88Canada (Billboard)1scope="row" Singapore (Billboard)7scope="row" scope="row" US Cashbox Top 1005US Cashbox R&B7 US Record World 100 Top Pops4 US Record World Top 40 R&B12
Year-end charts Chart (1966) Rank US Billboard Hot 10072 US Cashbox Top 10055
Certifications
References
External links List of "My World Is Empty Without You" cover versions at SecondHandSongs.com