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.
Blue Bird
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothing but blue skies
Blue skies (see me)
There's nothing but blue skies
(Throw it up when you see me)
Look, never had a cent now I got a bent
I ain't talkin Bentley's, I'm talkin' a bitch
I got her bent over she bustin' them splits
Hoes come around me tryna leave rich
But I give ‘em no shit so they leave pissed
Fuck ‘em, here's to the night, like Eve 6
My partner ain't gotta put the dough in the deep dish
Mic check, can you hear me?
I'm loud as a symphony
Smoke in my lungs, I'm a chimney
Get it in your head like epiphanies
Realize I am Prince Akeem, I roll with the semi
So many repent me, part of ‘em resent me
They think I'm Lucifer, I think God blessed me
I was in hell while you rappers on Jet ski's
How in the fuck can yo raps represent me?
I was on ten, now I'm on fifty
I just spent a hundred, tell ‘em roll it up quickly
I just got a hundred missed calls from the city
Keep it 100, everybody fuck wit me
Keep it 100, Kells, Keep it 100
Fuck ya'll, you don't know nothing
I keep it 3 thou like Andre
I done been an Outkast since I came up out mom's stomach
I been smoking weed since I was a fetus
Lil bad mothafucka, needed Baby Jesus
Tryna be a millionaire, where the fuck Regis?
Leaders of the new school and we all teachers
First lesson: blue skies, blue dream, red eyes and catch red eye
Fuck the real world, Kells
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, stay real
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, for real
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, stay real
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, for real
If ya'll ride wit me, roll one up and get high wit me
Turn it up and then vibe wit me, fuck the real world
If ya'll ride wit me, roll one up and get high wit me
Turn it up and then vibe wit me
Kells!
24/7 I'm putting in work
Came from the gutter, no stain on my shirt
You know the Land is where champions birthed
So I hold the title till I land in the dirt
Motorcycles, auto-rifles, and purp
Overnight they think I tripled my worth
Gotta stay ready, these haters will lurk
But this ain't what you want, now I'm feelin like dirt
(This ain't what you want)
Sing that shit to ‘em like Gerald Levert
Couldn't sleep on me with Ambien first
Let the kid nap like an Amber alert
Wake up and you know I had to get turnt
Bottle of Jameson matching my shirt
Back on the road, gotta pack up the merch
And I smoke so much tree that I damage the earth
Yeah, EST watch it
Don't make me get on my young shit
Don't get me talking that gun shit
Don't make me turn this whole thing to a function
Don't make assumptions
I'm from the C, I ain't talkin bout Compton
I'm from the 6, I ain't talkin Toronto
Bitch I'm from Cleveland, you know the motto
I'm the city's Lucky Luciano, the gunner!
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, stay real
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, for real
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, stay real
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, for real
It is important to note that the lyrics in question are not from The Temptations' song "Blue Bird," but from Machine Gun Kelly's song "Blue Skies."
"Blue Skies" by Machine Gun Kelly is a song about success, hard work, and staying true to oneself. In the opening lines, he refers to the idea of "nothing but blue skies," or the concept that the future is bright and full of hope. He then goes on to describe his journey from poverty to success, with references to his past struggles and present achievements.
Throughout the song, Machine Gun Kelly reflects on his fame and his relationships, often with a sense of gratitude and humility. He also speaks to the idea of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity or criticism. In this way, "Blue Skies" can be seen as a song about overcoming obstacles, both personal and external, on the road to success.
Overall, "Blue Skies" is a powerful and introspective song that speaks to Machine Gun Kelly's journey and his mindset along the way. It is a celebration of success, hard work, and perseverance, and a testament to the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams if they stay true to themselves and put in the effort.
Line by Line Meaning
Blue skies
Life is good, things are looking up.
There's nothing but blue skies
Everything is positive and optimistic.
Blue skies (see me)
I am doing well and others can see it.
There's nothing but blue skies
Everything is positive and optimistic.
(Throw it up when you see me)
I am someone to be celebrated and respected.
Look, never had a cent now I got a bent
I used to be broke, but now I have money.
I ain't talkin Bentley's, I'm talkin' a bitch
I have a woman that I am seeing.
I got her bent over she bustin' them splits
We are engaging in sexual activities.
Lookin' up at the star, I'm tellin' her make a wish
We are enjoying each other's company and sharing special moments.
Hoes come around me tryna leave rich
Women try to take advantage of me for my money.
But I give ‘em no shit so they leave pissed
I do not tolerate people trying to use me.
Fuck ‘em, here's to the night, like Eve 6
I do not care about those who try to use me, let's have a good time regardless.
My partner ain't gotta put the dough in the deep dish
My friend does not need to pay for dinner.
Mic check, can you hear me?
I want to make sure everyone is listening to what I have to say.
I'm loud as a symphony
I have a strong voice and message that needs to be heard.
Smoke in my lungs, I'm a chimney
I smoke cigarettes excessively.
Get it in your head like epiphanies
My message is important and should be remembered.
Realize I am Prince Akeem, I roll with the semi
I am a powerful and influential person that should be respected.
So many repent me, part of ‘em resent me
Some people appreciate me, but others do not.
They think I'm Lucifer, I think God blessed me
Some people view me as evil, but I see myself as a good person.
I was in hell while you rappers on Jet ski's
While other rappers were enjoying their success, I was struggling.
How in the fuck can yo raps represent me?
Other rappers do not understand my struggle.
I was on ten, now I'm on fifty
I have gone from feeling low to feeling much better.
I just spent a hundred, tell ‘em roll it up quickly
I have enough money to buy lots of drugs and party.
I just got a hundred missed calls from the city
People are trying to get in touch with me.
Keep it 100, everybody fuck wit me
Everyone respects and likes me because I am authentic.
Keep it 100, Kells, Keep it 100
I always keep it real.
Fuck ya'll, you don't know nothing
I do not care about those who do not respect me or understand my struggle.
I keep it 3 thou like Andre
I am like Andre 3000, keeping it real and authentic.
I done been an Outkast since I came up out mom's stomach
I have always felt different and struggled to fit in.
I been smoking weed since I was a fetus
I have been using drugs for a long time.
Lil bad mothafucka, needed Baby Jesus
I have struggled with my behavior and needed help.
Tryna be a millionaire, where the fuck Regis?
I am trying to become rich and successful.
Leaders of the new school and we all teachers
We are leaders and role models for others.
First lesson: blue skies, blue dream, red eyes and catch red eye
Lesson number one is that life is good, and we should enjoy it. We can smoke weed and party, but also be successful.
Fuck the real world, Kells
I do not care about the problems and struggles of everyday life, I just want to have fun and enjoy myself.
If ya'll ride wit me, roll one up and get high wit me
If you support me, let's smoke some weed and have fun together.
Turn it up and then vibe wit me, fuck the real world
Let's turn up the music and party together, forget about our problems.
24/7 I'm putting in work
I am always working hard towards my dreams and goals.
Came from the gutter, no stain on my shirt
I came from a rough background, but I have succeeded and made something of myself.
You know the Land is where champions birthed
My hometown of Cleveland is where successful and influential people come from.
So I hold the title till I land in the dirt
I will continue to be successful and be influential until I die.
Motorcycles, auto-rifles, and purp
I enjoy motorcycles, guns, and drugs.
Overnight they think I tripled my worth
Suddenly, people think I am much more successful and wealthy.
Gotta stay ready, these haters will lurk
I need to be prepared for people who do not like me or want to take me down.
But this ain't what you want, now I'm feelin like dirt
Those who try to take me down will regret it, and I am not focusing on that negative energy.
(This ain't what you want)
I am warning people not to try and mess with me.
Sing that shit to ‘em like Gerald Levert
I am singing my message to my audience like the famous singer Gerald Levert.
Couldn't sleep on me with Ambien first
People should not underestimate me and my drive to succeed.
Let the kid nap like an Amber alert
I am taking a break like a child who has gone missing (an Amber Alert).
Wake up and you know I had to get turnt
I am energized and ready to party.
Bottle of Jameson matching my shirt
I am drinking whiskey and it matches my outfit.
Back on the road, gotta pack up the merch
I am leaving and need to pack up my merchandise.
And I smoke so much tree that I damage the earth
I smoke a lot of weed and it is harmful to the environment.
Yeah, EST watch it
My supporters from my label EST are watching my every move.
Don't make me get on my young shit
Do not underestimate my abilities or try to take me down.
Don't get me talking that gun shit
Do not make me talk about violent or dangerous things.
Don't make me turn this whole thing to a function
Do not make me turn this situation into a big event.
Don't make assumptions
Do not make assumptions about me or my life.
I'm from the C, I ain't talkin bout Compton
I am from Cleveland, not Compton (a famous area in California).
I'm from the 6, I ain't talkin Toronto
I am not from Toronto (another famous city), but from Cleveland.
Bitch I'm from Cleveland, you know the motto
I am proud to be from Cleveland and represent it.
I'm the city's Lucky Luciano, the gunner!
I am the influential and successful person from the city, like the famous gangster Lucky Luciano.
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, stay real
Celebrate with me, smoke some weed with me, and always stay true to yourself.
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, for real
Celebrate with me, smoke some weed with me, and mean it.
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, stay real
Celebrate with me, smoke some weed with me, and always stay true to yourself.
Throw it up when you see me, roll one up when you see me, for real
Celebrate with me, smoke some weed with me, and mean it.
Writer(s): Ivan Howard, Kelly Crisp
Contributed by Lincoln Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.