Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)

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, and 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 us: "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." (Check out the full interview with Tom Johnston.)

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. (thanks, 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.'"