1. The Temptations … Read Full Bio ↴The Temptations may refer to at least two groups
1. The Temptations are an American Motown singing group whose repertoire has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, rnb, and adult contemporary. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins. The group, known for its finely tuned choreography, distinct harmonies, and stylish suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to rock. Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982, The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in black music history and were the definitive male vocal group of the 1960s. In addition, they have the second-longest tenure on Motown (behind Stevie Wonder), as they were with the label for a total of 40 years: 16 years from 1961 to 1977, and 24 more from 1980 to 2004 (from 1977 to 1980, they were signed to Atlantic Records). As of 2005, The Temptations continue to perform for Universal Records with only one original member, founder Otis Williams, in its lineup.
Like its sister group The Supremes, The Temptations' lineup has changed frequently over the years. The original group included members of two local Detroit vocal groups: second tenor/baritone Otis Williams, first tenor Elbridge Bryant and bass Melvin Franklin from The Distants; and first tenor/falsetto Eddie Kendricks and second tenor/baritone Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) from The Primes. Among the most notable future Temptations were lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (both of whom became successful Motown solo artists after leaving the group, as did Kendricks), Richard Street (another former Distant), Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, and G.C. Cameron.
Over the course of their career, The Temptations have released four number-one pop hit singles and 14 number-one R&B hit singles, and their material has earned them three Grammy Awards. Most of the early Temptations hits, including "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "My Girl", and "Get Ready" were written and produced by Smokey Robinson and other members of The Miracles, while composer/producer Norman Whitfield and lyricists Eddie Holland and Barrett Strong crafted most of the group's later hits, including "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Cloud Nine", "I Can't Get Next to You", "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".
2. There was also a 50s doo-wop group from New York named the Temptations. They are best remembered for their 1960 top 40 hit "Barbara. After this hit, lead singer Neil Stevens went solo.
1990
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Poverty in the ghetto
When will it end?
Nobody knows!
People are asking now
"How can you spend another dollar on the space race"
"When families at home are starving right in front of your face."
Thousand of jobless people walking the streets
With no food or place to sleep
What will become of them, America?
I heard some people saying they had a solution,
"All we got to do is change the constitution!"
What about air pollution, America?
America!
Don't get me wrong, I still love ya,
In spite of all your troubles and woes
In my eyes you're still the greatest of them all!
America!
I ain't ashamed to say that I love ya
There ain't another place on Earth I'd rather be.
We won all the battles there were to win
Pray that the war is at an end
That's what people pray
Listen to them, America!
America!
Don't get me wrong, I still love ya,
In spite of all your troubles and woes,
In my eyes you're still the greatest of them all!
America!
I ain't ashamed to say that I love ya,
There ain't another place on Earth I'd rather be.
The Temptations' song "1990" critiques the state of American society in the late 1960s. It highlights the hypocrisy of the government, who are funding the space race but failing to address poverty in the ghettoes. The lyrics "Where is your heart, America?" express the frustration of people who are wondering why their government is prioritizing space exploration over providing basic necessities to citizens who are struggling.
The song also touches on the issue of unemployment, as thousands of jobless people are walking the streets with no food or place to sleep. The line "What will become of them, America?" emphasizes the desperation of people who are struggling to survive in a society that does not seem to care about their well-being. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the lyrics "Pray that the war is at an end / That's what people pray / Listen to them, America!" This suggests that the people are hoping for change, and they are urging their government to listen to their concerns and take action to address them.
Overall, the song "1990" is a powerful critique of American society in the late 1960s. It highlights issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, and urges America to take action to address these problems.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, we got trouble in the White House
The government is facing issues and problems
Poverty in the ghetto
There are impoverished areas with a lack of basic resources and opportunities
When will it end?
There is a feeling of hopelessness and uncertainty about when these issues will be resolved
Nobody knows!
The solution to these problems is unknown and elusive
People are asking now
There is a general sense of questioning and concern among the public
"How can you spend another dollar on the space race"
There is frustration with the prioritization of resources towards space exploration instead of addressing domestic issues
"When families at home are starving right in front of your face."
There is criticism of the government's inability to provide basic necessities for citizens
Where is your heart, America?
There is a call for empathy and consideration for the struggles of fellow Americans
Thousand of jobless people walking the streets
Many people are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet
With no food or place to sleep
There is a lack of basic necessities for survival among the unemployed population
What will become of them, America?
There is concern about the future of those experiencing unemployment and poverty
I heard some people saying they had a solution,
Some individuals believe there is a straightforward solution to these complex problems
"All we got to do is change the constitution!"
There is a belief that changes to governing laws and systems can address societal issues
What about air pollution, America?
There are other pressing issues, such as environmental concerns, that also require attention and action
Don't get me wrong, I still love ya,
Despite critiques and concerns, there is still a love and appreciation for America
In spite of all your troubles and woes
Acknowledgment of the many difficulties and obstacles faced by the country
In my eyes you're still the greatest of them all!
Despite shortcomings, there is a belief in the country's potential and strengths
I ain't ashamed to say that I love ya
There is no shame in expressing love and pride for the country
There ain't another place on Earth I'd rather be.
Despite challenges, there is still a strong affection and attachment to America
We won all the battles there were to win
America has succeeded in many past conflicts and challenges
Pray that the war is at an end
A hope that current conflicts and tensions will be resolved peacefully
That's what people pray
Many individuals have a desire for peace and resolution to conflicts
Listen to them, America!
There is a call for the government and society as a whole to listen and respond to the concerns and hopes of the people
Writer(s): Darrin Kevin Mullins, Paul Patrick Power, Brendan Martin Markham, Brian Francis Kennedy Copyright: Chrysalis Music Ltd.
Contributed by Liam E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
nbattle1999
MY FAVORITE GROUP OF ALL TIME!! AND THIS SONG SOOOO DEFINES WHATS GOING ON TODAY... 2017..AMERICA
Tenth jones
Here to in 2020....👹👺🐷👺👱♂️👹
Michael Cheatham
This was a good song in terms of what was going on at the time in which this song came out, I think it was done well.
Willie Burns
Rest in peace, Dennis Edwards.
Ronchel
ESPECTACULAR !!!!!
Miss Tish
And to think they made this album 1990 decades before 1990..... so damn ahead of their time. Temps ✊🏾
Charles W. Artis
Will, also in 1973,Stevie Wonder, used a similar if not identical voice when a Black man is arrested by the police on the song "Living For The City".
Wakili Aliyu
My favourite group in 1973
tyree jackson
Hmmmm it's 2020 and still the same thing continues to persist...no legislation in the world will make people have a heart condition to practice " The Golden Rule "
Mohammed Yassien
It shows maturity and not a matter of “shoving an opinion down throats”. If they only sang about love they wouldn’t have the relevance they do today. How many Teddy Pendagras song’s can you listen to In a row😎