Lynne's first recording for Epic was a duet with George Jones, "If I Could Bottle This Up", which became a top-50 hit in 1988. In 2000 she won a Grammy award for "Best New Artist", despite the fact that she had been recording and releasing records for more than ten years
With Tears, Lies, and Alibis the follow-up to 2008's Just A Little Lovin' and the first release on her own label, Everso Records, Shelby Lynne affirms her position as a visionary, iconoclastic artist who deftly weaves country, soul, rock, blues, pop and folk influences to forge her own unique style. Like Identity Crisis (2003) and Suit Yourself (2005), this sparse, unguarded collection was produced by Lynne, who evokes a live-in-the-studio vibe from a stellar group of musicians. Born in Quantico, VA, she grew up in Jackson, AL and headed to Nashville at an early age. At 18, Lynne s demos landed her an appearance on TNN s Nashville Now series, which led to a Top 50 duet ( "If I Could Bottle This Up" ) with George Jones and a record deal. Following the release of the critically acclaimed I Am Shelby Lynne in 2000, she won the GRAMMY® for Best New Artist. She made her acting debut in 2005, playing Johnny Cash's mother in the Fox Searchlight motion picture Walk the Line.
temptation
Shelby Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See the look that's in your eye
My poor heart just skips a beat
I feel the Earth move under me
I lose my sense of gravity
Ev'rything is in a spin
Lord, what am I to do?
Should I give in to this temptation?
Temptation (uh-huh) ... Temptation (that's right)
Should I give in to this sweet temptation?
Oh yeah
You left a trail of broken hearts
and I'd hate to see mine torn apart
I know that I should run away
But, these feet of mine ain't got no sense
They got me stuck up on this fence
Feel like I'm about to fall
Oh, what am I to do?
Temptation ... Temptation
Should I give in to this temptation?
Temptation (uh-huh) ... Temptation (that's right)
Should I give in to this sweet temptation?
Oh yeah
Your reputation precedes you dear
For breakin' hearts and bringin' tears
and causing the blues
But, boy you sure are lookin' fine
and truth be known I am inclined to love you
Temptation ... Temptation
Should I give in to this temptation?
Temptation (uh-huh) ... Temptation (that's right)
Should I give in to this sweet temptation?
Temptation!
Should I give in to this temptation?
Oh. Temptation (uh-huh) ... Temptation (that's right)
Should I give in to this sweet temptation?
Oh yeah
Ah, yeah
Uh-huh ... That's right
The lyrics of "Temptation" by Shelby Lynne describe the struggle between the singer's desire for someone who has a reputation for breaking hearts and her fear of being hurt by him. She is torn between her heart's desire and her head's logic, as she knows that he has caused pain to others in the past. The lyrics reflect the singer's indecisiveness and vulnerability, with lines like "Feel like I'm about to fall" and "These feet of mine ain't got no sense."
The chorus of the song, with the repeated refrain of "Temptation ... Temptation / Should I give in to this temptation? / Temptation (uh-huh) ... Temptation (that's right) / Should I give in to this sweet temptation?" captures the internal conflict that the singer is experiencing. She is tempted to follow her heart's desire, but she is also aware of the potential consequences of doing so. The use of rhetorical questions also suggests that the singer is looking for guidance or validation from someone else, as she is unable to make the decision on her own.
Overall, "Temptation" by Shelby Lynne is a poignant exploration of the struggles and complexities of desire and choice, and the fear of being hurt by someone you are attracted to. It highlights the internal struggle people often face when trying to navigate matters of the heart and the push and pull between the heart and the head.
Line by Line Meaning
When I see you walkin' by
Whenever I see you pass me by
See the look that's in your eye
I notice the expression in your gaze
My poor heart just skips a beat
My heart starts racing uncontrollably
I feel the Earth move under me
It feels like the ground shakes when I'm near you
I lose my sense of gravity
I feel disoriented and unsteady
Ev'rything is in a spin
My head and heart are in chaos
Lord, what am I to do?
I feel lost and don't know what to do
Temptation ... Temptation
I'm struggling with this feeling of temptation
Should I give in to this temptation?
Wondering if I should allow myself to be tempted
You left a trail of broken hearts
Your past relationships have all ended badly
and I'd hate to see mine torn apart
I don't want to experience the pain of a failed relationship
I know that I should run away
I'm aware that I should distance myself
But, these feet of mine ain't got no sense
My actions don't always align with my intentions
They got me stuck up on this fence
I feel caught between two choices
Feel like I'm about to fall
I'm on the verge of making a wrong decision
Your reputation precedes you dear
I'm aware of your past and what people say about you
For breakin' hearts and bringin' tears
You've hurt people in the past
and causing the blues
Your actions have resulted in sadness and pain
But, boy you sure are lookin' fine
Despite everything, I find you attractive
and truth be known I am inclined to love you
I have feelings for you that I can't ignore
Temptation!
The pull of temptation is strong
Oh. Temptation (uh-huh) ... Temptation (that's right)
I'm acknowledging the temptation that I feel
Should I give in to this sweet temptation?
I'm considering indulging in this alluring temptation
Oh yeah
Expressing hesitation and uncertainty
Ah, yeah
A sigh of resignation
Uh-huh ... That's right
Agreeing with the fact that temptation exists
Contributed by Bella T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nite Owl
I love this song! I love the country/swing and wish Shelby Lynne did more of this. She is fantastic. A soulful person, song writer and singer. She makes me flyyyyy!
Bryon Myers
Real lively jazzy voice