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.
Ball Of Confusion
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People moving out, people moving in
Why, because of the color of their skin
Run, run, run but you sure can't hide
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
Vote for me and I'll set you free
Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is the preacher
And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration
Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation
Ball of confusion
Oh yeah, that's what the world is today
Woo, hey, hey
The sale of pills are at an all time high
Young folks walking round with their heads in the sky
The cities ablaze in the summer time
And oh, the beat goes on
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul
Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon
Politicians say more taxes will solve everything
And the band played on
So, round and around and around we go
Where the world's headed, nobody knows
Oh, great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you
Just a ball of confusion
Oh yeah, that's what the world is today
Woo, hey
Fear in the air, tension everywhere
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas
And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation
And the band played on
Eve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectors
Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand, suicide, too many bills
Hippies moving to the hills, people all over the world are shouting, end the war
And the band played on
Great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you
Sayin' ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, hey, hey
Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
Sayin', ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, hey, hey
Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
Ball of confusion
The Temptations' "Ball of Confusion" is a social commentary on the world's state in the late 1960s when the civil rights movement, Vietnam War, and counterculture were at their peaks. The lyrics describe the chaos, confusion, and uncertainty of the time and the various issues that were causing this turmoil. The socio-political climate of the time was characterized by racial tensions, protests, violence, and social unrest. The song highlights the rampant racial discrimination and segregation that was rampant in American society, and the frustration of the oppressed.
The juxtaposition of the lyrics, where politicians promise freedom and love, but oppression and segregation continue, emphasizes the confusion that the world was grappling with. The song addresses issues such as drug addiction, rising unemployment, and the global arms race. The song also comments on the lack of direction and leadership, as exemplified by the line: "Where the world's headed, nobody knows."
"Ball of Confusion" has been relevant for decades and remains so. This thought-provoking song speaks of the turbulent times and is a call to analyze the ongoing turmoil and come up with a solution that can lessen the confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
People moving out, people moving in
Society is in a constant state of flux, with people of different races and cultures continuously migrating.
Why, because of the color of their skin
Racial discrimination is a primary factor for the movement of people, with those of color being treated unfairly.
Run, run, run but you sure can't hide
Despite moving away, discrimination and prejudice remains a pervasive issue that cannot be escaped from.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
Violence and retaliation is a widespread reaction to discrimination and injustice, further adding to societal problems.
Vote for me and I'll set you free
Politicians use empty promises of freedom and equality to gain votes, but seldom do they deliver on their promises.
Rap on, brother, rap on
The African American community has found a way to cope with their struggles through hip-hop and other forms of music.
Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is the preacher
The only person advocating for love and unity is the religious leader, while society as a whole ignores these values.
And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher
Teachers are often the only ones genuinely concerned with educating people on the realities of discrimination, while others turn a blind eye.
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration
The fight for equality and an end to discrimination involves a variety of methods, including protests, determination, and integration of different races.
Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation
The reality of discrimination leads to feelings of frustration, shame, and a sense of responsibility towards the country to make things right.
Ball of confusion
The world is in a constant state of confusion and discord.
Oh yeah, that's what the world is today
This is the current state of society, a chaotic and confusing mess.
Woo, hey, hey
An expression of frustration and disappointment with the state of the world.
The sale of pills are at an all time high
Drug use is rampant and on the rise, with pills being a popular choice of drug.
Young folks walking round with their heads in the sky
The youth are often disconnected from the reality of society, oblivious to the problems around them.
The cities ablaze in the summer time
Social unrest is growing in urban areas, leading to violent and destructive riots.
And oh, the beat goes on
Despite the chaos and problems, life continues on for most people, with little change occurring.
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul
The world is grappling with various issues, including political change, gun control, and the flourishing music scene.
Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon
Despite technological advances, society is also grappling with issues related to youth growing up too fast and being exposed to too much too soon.
Politicians say more taxes will solve everything
Leaders often use higher taxes as a solution to societal problems, despite evidence that it may not be the best approach.
And the band played on
The troubles of society continue on, even as entertainment persists.
So, round and around and around we go
Society is in a constant cycle of repeating the same problems and making little progress.
Where the world's headed, nobody knows
The future of society is uncertain and unclear.
Oh, great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you
An expression of urgency and desperation to be heard by others about the dire state of the world.
Just a ball of confusion
A lamentation about the chaotic state of society, with little hope for change.
Fear in the air, tension everywhere
Society is full of fear and tension, as people grapple with deep-seated societal issues.
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas
While societal problems persist, people are still able to find small moments of joy and pleasure, such as a new hit song from the Beatles.
And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation
The reality of societal problems is so dire that even the solution of living on an Indian reservation is only a marginal improvement.
Eve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectors
Society is grappling with a variety of issues, including environmental destruction, rampant taxes, and issues with city governance.
Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand, suicide, too many bills
Other societal issues include the rise of new fashion trends, an out of control population, and a sense of hopelessness due to financial struggles.
Hippies moving to the hills, people all over the world are shouting, end the war
Despite the chaos, some people are actively trying to change things by moving away from mainstream society or advocating for an end to war.
Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
An invitation to others to join in on the conversation about the state of the world and work towards solutions.
Sayin', ball of confusion
Emphasizing the state of society as a chaotic and confusing mess.
That's what the world is today, hey, hey
Reiterating the current state of society as a chaotic and confusing mess.
Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
Encouraging others to contribute to the conversation and work towards solutions.
Ball of confusion
A phrase that encapsulates the feeling of chaos and confusion in society.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TonyPaskitti
Love this song! So ahead of its time!! Here are the lyrics:
People moving out,
People moving in,
Why, because of the color of their skin,
Run, run, run, but you just can't hide.
An eye for an eye,
Tooth for a tooth,
Vote for me and I'll set you free,
Rap on, brother, rap on.
Well, the only person talking about loving thy brother is the preacher,
And it seems nobody's interested in learning, but the teacher,
Segregation, demonstration, integration, determination, aggravation, humiliation,
Obligation to our nation.
Ball of confusion,
That's what the world is today, hey.
The sale of pills is at an all time high,
Young folks walk with their heads in the sky,
The cities aflame in the summertime,
And oh the beat goes on.
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul-shooting rockets to the moon,
Kids growing up too soon,
Politicians say, "More taxes will solve everything,"
The band played on.
So, round and around and around we go,
Where the world's headed, nobody knows
Oh, Great Googamooga,
Can't you hear me talking to you,
Just a ball of confusion,
That's what the world is today, hey.
Fear in the air, tension everywhere,
Unemployment rising fast,
The Beatles new record's a gas,
And the only safe place to live,
Is on an Indian reservation,
The band played on.
Eve of destruction, tax deduction,
City inspectors, bill collectors, mod clothes in demand,
Population out of hand, suicide, too many bills,
Hippies moving to the hills,
People all over the world are shouting, "End the war!",
And the band played on.
Great Googamooga,
Can't you hear me talking to you,
Just a Ball Of Confusion
Written by: Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong
@hannahsings19
The fact that this song still speaks the truth in 2023 shows that we as a society really haven't changed...
@David-zd6jj
Damn
@Sloryde
And likely never will change๐ข
@bobmalon7244
Someone's been watching too much MSNBC
@bojibear7957
500 years of the Big Bang Spinning Water ball having its impact. โThe Global Lieโ by celebrate truth Robbie Davidson
@jduwayne1
@@bobmalon7244 why you say that!?
@mdt007
The Temptations were ahead of their time. This world we live in from back then to today is truly a "Ball Of Confusion". Nothing but chaos. A damn shame too.
@wtf_usa5597
Written in 1970. And here we are in 2023. Thank you for posting this. Good luck everyone. God bless you all. ๐
@jefferyparchman1392
First recorded by Undisputed Truth I like both version and yes we still living on a ball of confusion
@richardrodriguez4229
Although this record is 53yrs old, it still has a lot of meaning today! The world is a ball of confusion!