The Temptations may refer to at least two groups

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.

Baby Baby I Need You
The Temptations Lyrics

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I need you
Whoa, I need you
Baby, baby, baby don't you know
That I need you (so), (so), (so), (so)
I want you
Whoa, I want you
Baby, baby, baby don't you know
That I want you (so), (so), (so), (so)

You knew my lips were lonely for, the kisses you could give to me
Ever since the first day, baby, that we met

So if you say you're mine and let our hearts combine
I swear I'll never let you forget how much...
I love you
Whoa, I love you
Baby, baby, baby don't you know
That I love you (so), (so), (so), (so)
I need you
Whoa, I want you
Baby, baby, baby
Baby
Whoa, I love you.
Darling, darling
Oh, darling
Whoa, whoa
Come home, come home, come home, come home
Can't you see that I need it

Bring it home to me, baby
Come home, come home, come home, come home

Overall Meaning

The Temptations's song Baby Baby I Need You is a song about longing, desire and love. The lyrics communicate the singer's intense need and want for their lover. The repetition of 'I need you' and 'I want you' emphasizes the urgency of their emotional state. The lyrics suggest that the singer's emotional well-being and happiness is inextricably linked to their lover, who they need to come back to them.

The singer describes their feelings of loneliness and how they feel incomplete without their lover. They recall the first time they met and how their lips were "lonely for the kisses" that only their lover could give them. The lyrics communicate the idea that their love and desire for their partner is a constant need that cannot be quenched until they are together again.

The last section of the song pleads for the lover to come back home. The repetition of 'come home' emphasizes the singer's desperation to be reunited with their lover. They emphasize that they 'need it' and ask their lover to 'bring it home to me'. The song captures the intensity of longing and desire that comes with being deeply in love.

Line by Line Meaning

I need you
I cannot imagine my life without you and your presence in it.

Whoa, I need you
I passionately and intensely need you in my life.

Baby, baby, baby don't you know
I am trying to tell you that you are the most important person in my life, and I cannot imagine living without you.

That I need you (so), (so), (so), (so)
I need you so much that I cannot express it in words alone, and hence the repetition to emphasize my feelings.

I want you
I crave your love, affection, and attention in my life, and I want to be with you always.

Whoa, I want you
I am deeply and passionately in love with you, and I want to be with you every moment of my life.

You knew my lips were lonely for, the kisses you could give to me
I have been longing for your touch, love, and affection, and only you can fulfill my desires and make me feel complete.

Ever since the first day, baby, that we met
Since the day I met you, I have been drawn to you, and I knew that you were the missing piece of my life that I had been searching for.

So if you say you're mine and let our hearts combine
If you agree to be with me and give me a chance to love you, I promise to share my life with you, and together we can create a beautiful life filled with love and happiness.

Baby Baby I Need YouThe Temptations Lyrics

Baby Baby I Need You
The Temptations Lyrics