Shop Around: The 495th Greatest Song of All Time

Okay, I admit it...my introduction to Shop Around was NOT Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' definitive version. The first time I heard it was in 1976 (16 years after Smokey made it Motown's first million-seller) and it was the cover version recorded by The Captain & Tennille.

Going backward to hear the original hit not only involved a gender shift and a welcome entrance to the world of doo-wop, but a realization that Smokey Robinson's mama must have been one controlling wad of overbearing womanhood.

Seriously.

The verses are written as words of wisdom coming from the mouth of a caring mother, but check 'em out:

Just because you've become a young man now

There're still some things that you don't understand now

Before you ask some girl for her hand now

Keep your freedom for as long as you can now

My mama told me, you better shop around

Oh yeah, you better shop around

Translation: You're still my baby boy and I want you to stay with me instead of running off with some other woman. 

Oh, there're some things that I want you to know now

Just as sure as the wind's gonna blow now

The women come and the women are gonna go now

Before you tell 'em that you love 'em so now

My mama told me, you better shop around

Oh yeah, you better shop around

Translation: I'm the only female on Earth who will be true to you!

And then, as if this blatant neediness and industrial-strength-apron-stringiness isn't enough, Mama gets...

well...

very interesting:

Try to get yourself a bargain, son

Don't be sold on the very first one

I know, I know...it's supposed to be a metaphor, but seriously? Why are we talking about the search for a lifemate in terms of a financial transaction? Doesn't this strike anyone else as pimpishly creepy?

And then there's this bit of anti-female gender-centric sexism that would never be allowed today:

Pretty girls come a dime a dozen

Immediately followed by a broad, general instruction with no hint of how to practically carry it out:

Try to find you one who's gonna give you true lovin'

Not to mention that it perpetuates the stereotype that an experienced guy is a good find, but a girl who's been around is...well...you know...