"This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" is a classic soul single by The Isley Brothers, released on Motown’s Tamla label in January 1966. Written by the legendary team Holland–Dozier–Holland with Sylvia Moy, and produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier, it became the Isley Brothers’ biggest hit during their Motown tenure12.
Chart Performance and Legacy
- Peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B Singles chart in the US1.
- In the UK, it initially reached No. 47 in 1966, but after re-release in 1968, soared to No. 3, becoming the group’s highest-charting UK single1.
- The song is now regarded as a Motown and soul standard, covered by numerous artists including Rod Stewart, and remains a staple of classic soul playlists34.
Musical Features
- Vocals: Ronald Isley leads with a passionate, pleading vocal, supported by O’Kelly and Rudolph Isley and Motown’s session singers, The Andantes2.
- Instrumentation: Features the signature Motown sound—driving drums, lush strings, and The Funk Brothers’ vibrant backing2.
- Song Structure: The verse uses a classic I–vi–IV–iii–ii–V7 progression, giving it an instantly memorable, bittersweet feel. The bridge shifts to the relative minor, building emotional tension before the chorus’s release3.
Lyrics and Themes
The song is a heartfelt confession of vulnerability and devotion, with the narrator repeatedly hurt by love but unable to let go. Lamont Dozier described the inspiration as a relationship he couldn’t break away from, despite repeated heartbreak3. Key lines include:
"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 love you / This old heart, darling is weak for you"35.
The lyrics combine self-awareness (“Maybe it’s my mistake to show this love I feel inside”) with an almost desperate willingness to forgive and return, capturing the pain and persistence of true love65.
Cultural Impact
- The song was originally intended for The Supremes, who also recorded a version1.
- It became the Isley Brothers’ signature Motown hit and was prominently featured in pop culture, including the 1980s TV show Moonlighting1.
- Its emotional directness and irresistible melody have made it a favorite for covers and reinterpretations across generations34.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Isley Brothers |
| Release Date | January 12, 1966 |
| Writers | Holland–Dozier–Holland, Sylvia Moy |
| Producer(s) | Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier |
| Chart Performance | US #12 Hot 100, #6 R&B; UK #3 (re-release, 1968) |
| Notable Features | Passionate vocals, Motown sound, bittersweet love lyrics |
| Legacy | Motown/soul standard, widely covered, enduring classic |
Summary
"This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" is a quintessential Motown soul track, blending emotional vulnerability with a danceable, uplifting groove. The Isley Brothers’ impassioned performance and the song’s timeless melody have ensured its place as a soul classic, resonating with anyone who’s ever loved—despite the risk of heartbreak136.
