1. … Read Full Bio ↴There are at least three artists who recorded as The Sandpipers.
1. The Sandpipers were a U.S. pop/folk-rock group.
Founding members Jim Brady, Mike Piano, and Richard Shoff first performed together in the Mitchell Boys Choir, before deciding to go it alone as 'The Four Seasons'. It was quickly pointed out to them that a group of that name already existed in New York, and they changed their name to The Grads. Although they didn't set the charts on fire with their early recordings, they performed well enough to secure a residency in a Lake Tahoe nightclub, where a friend brought them to the attention of trumpet playing A&M Records boss, Herb Alpert. Alpert was impressed enough to give The Grads a shot, but after a couple of singles without success the group agreed upon a name change to The Sandpipers, apparently unaware that a girl trio in Florida was already using that name. After the name change, their producer, Tommy LiPuma, recommended they record the Cuban song "Guantanamera", and the group finally had their first hit.
Although sidelined by the original trio for reasons which may never become clear, Pamela Ramcier had now become an integral part of The Sandpipers' sound. Her lyricless vocals were used much like a second string section, adding what several reviewers described as an "ethereal" quality to The Sandpipers' sound.
"Guantanamera" charted in the U.S. in September 1966, and in the U.K. the following month, and remains the group's biggest hit. They had many lesser chart entries, including a 'Guantanamera-ised' cover version of Richard Berry's "Louie Louie", and songs from the films The Sterile Cuckoo and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
Having not had a hit in the previous five years, The Sandpipers finally broke up in 1975.
2. The Sandpipers was a quartet (sometimes The Golden Sandpipers) - Mike Stewart, Ralph Nyland, Dick Byron and Bob Miller - who sang a lot of material for children with Golden Records. This included recording the Mighty Mouse theme - perhaps the original (though on at least some 78 vinyl it's credited to The Terrytooners, Mitch Miller and Orchestra), but in any case likely the version that is now well known.
3. A female trio that recorded in the 1960s. They are most famous for having the Allman Joys as a backing band before their own success.
temptation
The Sandpipers Lyrics
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I should have known you were temptation
You smiled, luring me on
My heart was gone, you were temptation
It would be thrilling
If you were willing
If it can never be
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
You were born to be kissed
I can't resist.
You are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
The Sandpipers' song "Temptation" explores the irresistible pull of lust and desire. The singer speaks of meeting someone who they knew was "temptation" but couldn't resist the lure of this person's charm and beauty. The lyrics are honest in acknowledging the singer's own weakness and vulnerability in the face of attraction. When the singer says, "You smiled, luring me on/My heart was gone, you were temptation," it shows how easily one can be swept away by the physical and emotional pull of another.
The lyrics go deeper when the singer acknowledges that the attraction cannot and should not be acted upon. The line "It would be thrilling/If you were willing/If it can never be/Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours" shows the singer grappling with the idea of acting on the attraction but ultimately realizing it's not a realistic or desirable outcome. The line "Here is my heart, take it and say/We'll never part," is a sort of resigned acceptance that even if the attraction cannot be acted upon, the singer is still a slave to it.
Overall, "Temptation" is a relatable song about the all-consuming feelings of lust and desire that can sometimes overtake us. The lyrics are straightforward but poignant in their acknowledgement of the difficulties that come with resisting temptation.
Line by Line Meaning
You came, I was alone
When you arrived, I was by myself
I should have known you were temptation
I should have been aware that you would be a strong urge or desire for me
You smiled, luring me on
You grinned, enticing me to follow
My heart was gone, you were temptation
My heart was gone, because you had become my temptation
It would be thrilling
It would be extremely exciting
If you were willing
If only you were agreeable to my desires
If it can never be
If what I hope for is impossible
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
I am pleading for your sympathy because you have become my temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
I am offering you my heart, please take it and tell me
We'll never part
That we will never be separated
I'm just a slave
I am just a prisoner
Only a slave to you, temptation
I am only a prisoner to you, my temptation
You were born to be kissed
You were created to be kissed
I can't resist.
I cannot resist my desire for you
You are temptation and I am yours
You have become my temptation, and I am yours
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LARRY JOHNSON, LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind