of a Popular Song Beauty is a concept that captures the attention of many people, from movie stars to everyday people. But what do the lyrics of a popular song tell us about beauty? In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the lyrics of one of the most popular songs about beauty – “Beauty is Only Skin Deep” by the Temptations. We’ll examine how the lyrics provide a powerful message about the true nature of beauty, and how it is much more than what meets the eye. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of why beauty is more than skin deep. So, let’s dive in and explore the lyrics of this classic song.
The History of the Song
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” is a classic love song that has stood the test of time. It was written by the great Motown songwriting team of William “Mickey” Stevenson and Norman Whitfield in 196 Originally recorded by The Temptations, the song became an international hit when it was later covered by the Rolling Stones. The song paints a picture of a woman who is beautiful on the outside but lacking in inner beauty. The Temptations deliver the message with poignancy and the Rolling Stones version is equally powerful.
The lyrics are timeless and have been covered by many artists throughout the years. The inspiration for the song came from an old English proverb: “Beauty is only skin deep”. This proverb is thought to have been first recorded in 1616 by Thomas Fuller in his book Gnomologia. The proverb has been used in many cultures to remind us that true beauty lies within and external beauty is fleeting. The song was written by Motown songwriter William “Mickey” Stevenson and Norman Whitfield.
Whitfield was well known for his soulful writing style and he crafted the song to perfection. The lyrics are simple yet powerful. The first verse introduces the theme of the song and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The chorus is an anthem of sorts, urging us to look beyond the surface and find the true beauty in someone’s character. The song also features a bridge that is a call to action, telling us to look deeper and find what really matters.
The Temptations recorded the song in 1966 and it became a hit. It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 3 on the R&B chart. The song was also the title track of their album and was a huge success. The Rolling Stones version of the song was released in 1968 and became an even bigger hit than the Temptations version. The Stones’ version peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 9 on the R&B chart.
The Rolling Stones version of the song has been covered by many artists over the years. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty have all covered the song over the years. The song is still relevant today and is a reminder that true beauty lies beneath the surface. It is a song of hope and encourages us to look beyond physical beauty and appreciate what lies beneath. The message of the song is timeless and it will continue to be relevant for generations to come.
It is a reminder that beauty is more than skin deep. It is a reminder that we should look past the physical and appreciate the beauty in everyone, no matter what they look like.
This song is a testament to the power of music and the importance of lyrics. It is a reminder that music can be used to send powerful messages. It is a reminder that beauty is truly only skin deep.The Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” has been around for centuries and its message is timeless. It is a reminder that physical beauty is fleeting and superficial, and that true beauty lies within. The phrase was first used in the 17th century, and appears in a poem written by Sir Thomas Overbury in 161 The saying has since been used in literature, film and music, with perhaps the most famous example coming from the 1966 hit single by The Temptations. The song’s lyrics highlight the importance of looking beyond superficial beauty, and of appreciating and loving someone for their inner qualities.
Its message of self-love and acceptance still resonates today, reminding us of the importance of recognizing the beauty in all people.

The Song’s Inspiration
The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” is one of the most well-known sayings in modern culture. It is often used to remind people to not judge others based on their physical appearance, and to recognize that there is more to a person than what can be seen on the surface. This phrase has been used in songs, books, and movies, as it communicates a powerful message that can encourage people to think more deeply about how they view and interact with others. The lyrics of these songs serve as a reminder to appreciate the beauty that lies within, and to look beyond someone’s physical appearance.
Interpreting the Lyrics
When it comes to popular music, the lyrics often resonate with listeners for a variety of reasons. One of the oldest and most well-known lyrics is the phrase “beauty is only skin deep.” This phrase resonates with many because it speaks to the idea that beauty is more than just physical appearance. It suggests that beauty is also found in the qualities of a person’s character and in their actions. The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” was first used in the 1966 Temptations song of the same name.
The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland, Jr., and was released on the Temptations’ album, “The Temptations Sing Smokey.” The song lyrically speaks to the idea that physical beauty is fleeting and that true beauty is found in a person’s character, their soul, and their inner beauty. It speaks to the idea that we should not judge someone solely on their physical appearance, but instead value and appreciate the person for their character and inner qualities. The idea of “beauty is only skin deep” has been explored in many other songs over the years.
In the 1970s, British glam rock band Slade released the hit single “Cum On Feel the Noize,” which included the line: “But beauty is only skin deep and that’s what you find, when you’re lookin’ for the kind.” This lyric speaks to the idea that physical beauty is not always what it seems and that true beauty is found in the inner qualities of a person. The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” has also been used in many other songs and contexts over the years. In the 1996 hit song “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton, she sings the line “Beauty is only skin deep, so don’t judge a book by its cover.” This lyric speaks to the idea that we should not judge someone based on their appearance, but instead on their character and inner qualities.
The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” has been interpreted by many in different ways. To some, it is a reminder to value inner beauty and character more than physical beauty. To others, it is a reminder to appreciate people for who they are and not judge them based on their appearance. To still others, it is a reminder that beauty is subjective and that everyone’s definition of beauty is different. No matter how one interprets the phrase “beauty is only skin deep,” it is a reminder that beauty is found in more than physical appearance.
It is a reminder that beauty is found in the qualities and character of a person and that we should appreciate and value people for who they are. It is a reminder that beauty is subjective and that everyone’s definition of beauty is different. And it is a reminder to not judge someone based on their physical appearance, but to instead appreciate them for their character and inner qualities.
The Meaning Behind the Words
We’ve all heard the phrase “beauty is only skin deep,” but what does it really mean? It’s a proverb that has been around for many years and is used to remind us that true beauty isn’t just about physical appearance, but rather the inner beauty of a person. The words “skin deep” refer to the idea that beauty only goes as far as one’s outward appearance, and not into their true character or inner self. This proverb emphasizes that outer beauty is temporary, and that real beauty lies within. So, the next time you hear someone say “beauty is only skin deep,” remember that there is much more to a person than what meets the eye.
Themes in the Song
Beauty is a concept that has been explored in music for centuries. The phrase “beauty is only skin deep”, taken from the 1966 Motown hit of the same name, has been used to express the idea that beauty has no intrinsic value and is only skin-deep. This phrase has been used in other songs, including the 1971 classic “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon. The theme of these songs is that beauty is fleeting and ultimately doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. The lyrics of both songs express the idea that physical beauty is only skin-deep and that true beauty comes from within.
Ultimately, these songs serve as a reminder that beauty should not be our primary focus in life, and instead we should focus on developing our inner selves.
The Social Significance
Beauty is only skin deep, as the old saying goes, and the lyrics of this popular phrase often ring true. This phrase has been around for centuries and is still relevant today, as it reminds us that our physical appearance should not be our primary source of self-worth. Instead, our true worth and value come from our internal characteristics such as kindness, intelligence, and compassion. Beauty is a subjective concept that is shaped by culture, and it does not necessarily reflect who someone is on the inside. It is important to keep in mind the saying “beauty is only skin deep” and to recognize that everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of their physical features.
Analysis of the Lyrics
Beauty is only skin deep is a phrase used to encourage people to look beyond physical appearance when assessing others. It is a reminder that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, and that true beauty comes from within. The phrase has been used throughout history in literature and poetry, and has been popularized by the popular 1966 Temptations Motown song of the same name.
The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” has great relevance in today’s society. In an era where physical appearance is so highly valued, it is easy to forget that beauty truly does come from within.Beauty is not confined to what we can see externally. Instead, beauty comes from the soul and our personality. We should not judge another person based on their appearance, but rather on their actions and the kindness they show to others. The lyrics of the Temptations song “Beauty is Only Skin Deep” are a reminder of this important lesson. The lyrics describe a woman who is beautiful on the outside, but who is lacking in inner beauty.
The chorus of the song states, “But beauty is only skin deep, and beauty fades away, yeah, beauty is only skin deep, and beauty fades away.” This is a reminder that beauty is temporary, and that true beauty comes from within. The lyrics of the song also highlight the importance of loving someone for more than physical beauty. The lyrics state, “It doesn’t matter if you’re tall or small, ’cause beauty is only skin deep.” This line implies that true beauty is not determined by physical attributes, and that we should look beyond physical appearance when assessing others.
The lyrics of the song also highlight the importance of being kind and loving to others. The lyrics state, “It doesn’t matter where you come from, ’cause beauty is only skin deep.” This is a reminder that we should not judge people based on their background, but rather on their actions and their inner beauty. In conclusion, the phrase “beauty is only skin deep” is a reminder that true beauty comes from within. We should not judge people based on their physical appearance, but rather on their actions and kindness.
The lyrics of the Temptations song “Beauty is Only Skin Deep” are a great reminder of this important lesson. By looking beyond physical beauty and focusing on inner beauty, we can appreciate true beauty in all its forms.
The Musical Style
Beauty is often thought of as something that is skin deep, but when it comes to music, beauty can truly be found in the lyrics. From the classic country songs of Johnny Cash to the soulful melodies of Stevie Wonder, the words of a song can bring out a profound range of emotions. Whether it be a message of hope, loss, or even love, the beauty of the lyrics in a song can be the spark that starts the fire of inspiration. In this section, we’ll explore the lyrics of some of the greatest musicians and songwriters of all time, and discover the true beauty that lies within their music.
The Impact of the Lyrics
The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” has been around for centuries, but its impact on how we perceive beauty still rings true today. This phrase, often attributed to the English poet and playwright Richard Steele, serves as a reminder that beauty should not be judged solely by one’s physical appearance. Although we may be initially drawn to someone based on their looks, it is ultimately their inner beauty, character, and personality that will determine whether or not our attraction lasts. This phrase encourages us to look beyond the surface and focus on the qualities that truly matter.
Conclusion
Though beauty is often just seen on the surface, it’s what’s within that is truly beautiful and matters most in the end.”
FAQs
What are the lyrics to the song \”Beauty is Only Skin Deep\”?
\”Beauty is only skin deep, it’s what is in your heart that counts. Just look around and you will see, true beauty lies in you and me.\”