Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) by The Doobie Brothers

Album: Stampede (1975)

Charted: 29 11

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This was written by the famous Motown songwriting team of Lamont Dozier and the brothers Eddie and Brian Holland, who were known as Holland-Dozier-Holland. It was recorded by Kim Weston, who had an R&B hit with the song in 1965; The Isley Brothers also recorded it in 1967. It wasn't until The Doobie Brothers released their version that the song became a mainstream hit. Doobies lead singer and guitarist Tom Johnston told Songfacts: "I had been a fan of that song since it came out somewhere in the '60s. I just loved that song. So somewhere around '72 I started lobbying to get the band to do a cover of that. And I didn't get anywhere until '75. Then finally in 1975 we actually did it. And we got to have some chick singers, which was to me the ultimate nirvana thing to do, come in and sing on the thing with us. And then the strings were put on by Paul Riser, who was the Motown string guy.

I was in hog heaven. I absolutely love that song. And when we actually got to do it, for me that was a real thrill. I felt not only satisfied, but elated. And then to get to go out and play it live as well, that was a kick."
This song was originally recorded by Eddie Holland in 1964; this version was never commercially released until 2005.
In the tale of this song, the narrator's boyfriend will soon be leaving her, so she asks him to love her one last time before they end their relationship once and for all.
This song ended up becoming Weston's biggest solo hit, despite failing to make the Top 40 on the US Pop charts. Other notable covers were by the Isley Brothers in 1968 and Blood, Sweat & Tears for their 1971 album BS&T 4. >>
Suggestion credit:
Jerro - New Alexandria, PA, for above 3
Asked in 1979 by Blues & Soul magazine which cover version of one of his many compositions was his favorite, Lamont Dozier replied: "It must be the Doobie Brothers and 'Take Me In Your Arms.'"

Comments: 9

Anderson from NjAnyone else notice the hook sounds similar to a small riff in L.A. Woman? around 2:53 on, you'll hear it. Can't seem to find any link, so perhaps it's coincidence, but god the sound is uncanny.
Stefanie Magura from Asheville, Nc United StatesIf any of you have not heard the demo version by Eddie Holland, stop what you're doing now, and go to Youtube to listen. Not only is it fascinating to hear this song as sung by a man with no lyrical changes, but from what I can gather, it gives a rare glimpse into how Holland/Dosier/Holland's songs were composed. Apparently, Eddie Holland would record a demo with vocals for the artist to learn the lyrics, and based on this evidence it seems one of these guide vocals survived. The reason I say this is because the book which the Holland brothers wrote said they would often erase these vocals and record the artist's vocals over the same backing track. Both Hollan'ds and Weston's versions have the same backing track. For what it's worth, I never have loved the Doobie Brother's version, and this is more true after hearing Holland's and Weston's. Obviously, this is my opinion though.
Dt from Perdido BeachThe lyrics are somewhat similar to "For the Good Times" a country ballad by Ray Price that was written by Kris Kristofferson, in that a pair of lovers are going to be breaking it off, but being a typical male he'd like one final farewell sex session. I guess it could also be from the woman's POV, except it wouldn't be hard to coax the man.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 5, 1965, Dick Clark interviewed Kim Weston on his ABC-TV network Saturday-afternoon program 'American Bandstand'...
Three months later on September 26th, 1965 her original version of "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)"* entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at #80; six weeks later it would peak at #50 {for 1 week} and it spent 8 weeks on the Top 100...
It reached #4 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart...
Between 1963 and 1967 she had five records on the Hot Top 100 chart; her biggest hit peaked at #14, "It Takes Two", a duet with Marvin Gaye in 1967...
Ms. Weston, born Agatha Nathalia Weston, will celebrate her 78th birthday this coming December 20th {2017}...
* Ten years later "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)" would be covered by the Doobie Brothers, their version would peak at #11 {for 2 weeks} on July 15th, 1975.
Dave from Wheaton, IlWhen the Doobies did it on 'What's happenin!', Michael McDonald sang to the studio track. Was there a copyright issue, that it couldn't be played live? Somebody let us know. Thanks!
Ricky from Ohsweken, -Canadian singer Charity Brown covered this in the 70's and it was a hit up here.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, Sc@Larry: Lol. You're right about that. It's been true since the 1940's when there was a whole slew of songs about "rocking."
Larry from Wayne, PaThat's pretty much what "rock" means, anyway.
Esskayess from Dallas, TxMy wife likes to crack me up by singing the title line and replacing "rock" with the f-word.

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