temptation
Heaven Lyrics


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I've never been closer
I've tried to understand
That certain feeling
Carved by another's hand

But it's too late to hesitate
We can't keep on living like this
Leave no track
Don't look back

(All I desire)
Temptation
(Keep climbing higher and higher)
Temptation
(Adorable creatures)
Temptation
(With unacceptable features)
Temptation
(Trouble is coming)
Temptation
(It's just the high cost of loving)
Temptation
(You can take it or leave it)
Temptation
(But you'd better believe it)

You've got to make me an offer
That cannot be ignored
So let's head for home now
Everything I have is yours
Step by step and day by day
Every second counts I can't break away
Leave no trace
Hide your face

(All I desire)
Temptation
(Keep climbing higher and higher)
Temptation
(You can take it or leave it)
Temptation
(But you'd better believe it)

Step by step and day by day
Every second counts I can't break away
Keep us from temptation
Keep us from temptation
Keep us from temptation
Lead us not into temptation

(All I desire)
Temptation
(Keep climbing higher and higher)
Temptation
(Adorable creatures)
Temptation
(With unacceptable features)
Temptation
(Trouble is coming)
Temptation
(It's just the high cost of loving)
Temptation
(You can take it or leave it)
Temptation
(But you'd better believe it)

You've got to make me an offer
That cannot be ignored
So let's head for home now
Everything I have is yours
Step by step and day by day
Every second counts I can't break away
Leave no trace
Hide your face

(Trying to find it)
Temptation
(You've got to get up behind me)
Temptation
(Put your dime in the hot slot)
Temptation
(But it's a million to one shot)
Temptation
(You think that you're right now)
Temptation
(You're going to fake it tonight now)
Temptation
(Give me a breakdown)
Temptation
(Because it's time for a shakedown)

(Temptation)
It's just temptation





(Temptation)

Overall Meaning

The song Temptation by Heaven 17 is about succumbing to temptation and the lustful desires that come along with it. The opening lines suggest that the singer has never been closer to understanding this certain feeling, which has been carved by another's hand. However, it is too late to hesitate and they must move forward. The chorus emphasizes that the temptation is desirable and climbing higher, with adorable creatures but also unacceptable features. Trouble is coming and it's just the high cost of loving. The singer asks for an offer that cannot be ignored so that they can head for home, and everything they have is the other person's. The song ends with the singer trying to resist temptation and asking to be led not into it.


The song's lyrics explore the difficult choices that come along with temptation and the conflicting desires that arise within ourselves. It also highlights how the cost of giving into temptation, like trouble and heartbreak, can be high. The pleading nature of the song, expressed through the repetition of "temptation," highlights how strong the desires can be and the difficulty in resisting them.


Line by Line Meaning

I've never been closer
I have never felt this close to someone or something before.


I've tried to understand
I have made efforts to comprehend my feelings and situation.


That certain feeling
A particular emotion or sensation that I cannot name or fully explain.


Carved by another's hand
A feeling that was created or influenced by another person.


But it's too late to hesitate
I can no longer hesitate or doubt my actions, I must act now.


We can't keep on living like this
Our current way of life or situation is unsustainable and cannot continue.


Leave no track
Cover our tracks and leave no evidence of our actions or decisions.


Don't look back
Do not dwell on past events or decisions, focus on the present and future.


(All I desire) Temptation
The thing I desire that is both appealing and potentially dangerous.


(Keep climbing higher and higher) Temptation
The appeal of temptation is constantly increasing and becoming stronger.


(Adorable creatures) Temptation
Temptation is often presented in an attractive and alluring way.


(With unacceptable features) Temptation
Despite its positive attributes, temptation may also have negative or undesirable aspects.


(Trouble is coming) Temptation
Indulging in temptation may lead to problems or consequences in the future.


(It's just the high cost of loving) Temptation
If you truly love someone or something, you may be willing to endure the costs or risks associated with temptation.


(You can take it or leave it) Temptation
The decision to indulge in temptation is up to the individual, but they must accept the consequences of their choice.


(But you'd better believe it)
Accept the reality of the situation, whether it is positive or negative.


You've got to make me an offer
You need to present me with an enticing proposition or temptation.


That cannot be ignored
The offer or temptation must be too good to resist or overlook.


So let's head for home now
Let us return to our safe haven or familiar surroundings.


Everything I have is yours
I am willing to share everything with you if you accept my offer or temptation.


Step by step and day by day
We must make progress slowly and steadily, one day at a time.


Every second counts I can't break away
My time and attention are valuable and I cannot be easily distracted or swayed from my goals.


Keep us from temptation
A request for guidance or protection from the allure of temptation.


Lead us not into temptation
A plea or prayer to be steered away from the appeal of temptation.


(Trying to find it) Temptation
Searching for something that is both exceptionally attractive and potentially dangerous.


(You've got to get up behind me) Temptation
You need to follow closely behind or indulge in my risky behavior.


(Put your dime in the hot slot) Temptation
Take a gamble or risk on something alluring but potentially costly.


(But it's a million to one shot) Temptation
The chances of success may be slim, but the reward is still appealing.


(You think that you're right now) Temptation
Feeling confident in your current actions or decisions, despite the potential risks.


(You're going to fake it tonight now) Temptation
Indulging in something fake or superficial for the sake of temporary pleasure or satisfaction.


(Give me a breakdown) Temptation
Requesting a detailed analysis or explanation of the temptation before making a decision.


(Because it's time for a shakedown)
A breaking apart or disruption of current patterns or habits is necessary in order to indulge in the temptation.


(Temptation)
The persistent, alluring allure of temptation.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY JOEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@sauquoit13456

On this day in 1983 {May 15th} "Temptation" by Heaven 17 peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 100 Singles* chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "True" by Spandau Ballet...
"Temptation" reached #3 in Ireland and #11 in Germany...
Between 1981 and 1998 the Sheffield, England band had eighteen records on the U.K. Singles chart, three made the Top 10 with the above "Temptation" being their biggest hit...
Besides "Temptation", their other two Top 10 records were "Come Live With Me" {#5 in 1983} and a re-mix of "Temptation" with Brothers In Rhythm {#4 in 1992}...
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K. Singles' Top 10 on May 15th, 1983:
At #3. "Candy Girl" by New Edition
#4. "Dancing Tight" by "Galaxy featuring Phil Fear
#5. "Can't Get Used To Losing You" by The Beat
#6. "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" by The Human League
#7. "Our Lips Are Sealed" by The Fun Three
#8. "Pale Shelter" by Tears For Fears
#9. "Words" by F. R. David
#10. "Blind Vision" by Blancmange



All comments from YouTube:

@sauquoit13456

On this day in 1983 {May 15th} "Temptation" by Heaven 17 peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 100 Singles* chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "True" by Spandau Ballet...
"Temptation" reached #3 in Ireland and #11 in Germany...
Between 1981 and 1998 the Sheffield, England band had eighteen records on the U.K. Singles chart, three made the Top 10 with the above "Temptation" being their biggest hit...
Besides "Temptation", their other two Top 10 records were "Come Live With Me" {#5 in 1983} and a re-mix of "Temptation" with Brothers In Rhythm {#4 in 1992}...
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K. Singles' Top 10 on May 15th, 1983:
At #3. "Candy Girl" by New Edition
#4. "Dancing Tight" by "Galaxy featuring Phil Fear
#5. "Can't Get Used To Losing You" by The Beat
#6. "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" by The Human League
#7. "Our Lips Are Sealed" by The Fun Three
#8. "Pale Shelter" by Tears For Fears
#9. "Words" by F. R. David
#10. "Blind Vision" by Blancmange

@talex408

This is a prettty good song. More hooks than a tackle box!

@Iamlegend1987

"ive got balls like fuckin watermelons im tellin ya"

@nikolaspana

Fantastic Vocals!

@arwahsapi

The girls: "What yous talking bout?"
The boys: "Football"

@joaquincassagnetezcurra5875

The boys: "What yous talking bout?"
The girls: "Shopping"

@oswald1068

80s music rules!

@jjamo5

Cracking Tune ah the 1980's

@aaronkenna3502

“It’s me or Iggy Pop!”

@billman69

I’ve been shazaming songs from my radio station

One of my favourite songs I’ve shazamed

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