Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
The Detroit Spinners’ “Working My Way Back To You – Forgive Me, Girl” is an infectious combination of classic soul and upbeat disco, bringing together two familiar musical ideas in a lively, carefully crafted medley. Released in 1980, the recording paired the group’s smooth vocal harmonies with a polished dance arrangement that captured the changing sound of American soul music at the turn of the decade.
The first part of the song, “Working My Way Back To You”, was originally recorded by the Four Seasons in 1966 and written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell. Its lyrics tell the story of a man regretting his treatment of a former lover and trying desperately to win her back. The Detroit Spinners combine it with “Forgive Me, Girl”, creating a seamless musical journey that develops the original theme of remorse and reconciliation.
Produced by Michael Zager and Jerry Love, the recording features a buoyant bassline, bright brass, lively percussion and the distinctive harmonies that had become central to the Spinners’ sound. The contrast between the group’s individual vocal performances and their tightly arranged chorus gives the song an irresistible sense of movement.
The medley demonstrates the group’s ability to revisit familiar material while giving it a fresh identity. Their interpretation retains the melodic charm of the original composition but adds the rhythmic energy and sophistication of late-1970s disco and soul.
With its memorable melody, infectious groove and expressive vocal delivery, “Working My Way Back To You – Forgive Me, Girl” remains a fine example of the Detroit Spinners’ ability to bring warmth and energy to classic pop songwriting.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 12th April 1980.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Working My Way Back To You / Forgive Me, Girl (Medley) (Single Version) (4:02) (S. Linzer, D. Randell, M. Zager) Produced By Michael Zager, Jerry Love |
| B-Side | Disco Ride (3:48) (M. Zager, J. Skinner, E. Weathersby) Produced By Michael Zager, Jerry Love |
CHART PERFORMANCE (80s Chart only)
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 8th March 1980 – 10th May 1980 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Working My Way Back To You / Forgive Me, Girl (Medley) (Single Version) (4:02)
- Working My Way Back To You / Forgive Me, Girl (Medley) (Album Version) (6:04)
See ALL releases of ‘Working My Way Back To You / Forgive Me, Girl (Medley)’ on Discogs.
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Ooh, ooh-ooh
I’ll keep working my way back to you, babe
With a burning love inside
Yeah, I’m working my way back to you, babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away (Do-do, do, do-do)
Been payin’ every day (Do-do, do, do-do)
When you were so in love with me
I played around like I was free
Thought I could have my cake and eat it, too
But how I cried over losing you
See, I’m down and out
But I ain’t about to go living my life without you
Hey, every day, I made you cry
I’m paying, girl, ’til the day I die
I’ll keep working my way back to you, babe
With a burning love inside
Yeah, I’m working my way back to you, babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away (Do-do, do, do-do)
Been payin’ every day (Do-do, do, do-do)
Oh, I used to love to make you cry
It made me feel like a man inside
If I had been a man in reality
You would be here, baby, loving me
Now my nights are long and lonely
And I ain’t too proud, babe, I just miss you so
Girl, but you’re too proud and you won’t give in
But when I think about all I could win
I’ll keep working my way back to you, babe
With a burning love inside
Yeah, I’m working my way back to you, babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away (Do-do, do, do-do)
Been payin’ every day (Do-do, do, do-do)
(You, you, babe) My road is kinda long
(You, you, babe) I just gotta get back home
Whoa, I’m really sorry for actin’ that way
I’m really sorry, ooh, little girl
I’m really sorry for telling you lies for so long
Oh, please, forgive me, girl, come on (Give me a chance)
Won’t you forgive me, girl, hey (Let’s have romance)
Ooh, forgive me, girl (Let’s start again)
Come on, forgive me, girl
I want you over and over and over and over again
I keep working my way back to you, babe
With a burning love inside
Hey, I’m working my way back to you, babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away (Do-do, do-do-do)
Payin’ every day (Do-do, do-do-do)
I keep (Working my way back to you, babe)
Yeah (Burning love inside)
(Working my way back to you, babe)
And the happiness that died
Written By S. Linzer, D. Randell, M. Zager
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