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.
Camouflage
The Temptations Lyrics
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I know you wonder, why I never cry
But let me tell you, happiness, my happiness
Is just a camouflage, just a camouflage for a broken heart
They call me the joker 'cause I, I'm so gay
But I'm just a clown 'cause I'm really not that way
'Cause all my happiness, my happiness
Is just a camouflage, just a camouflage for a broken heart
I said it is now, yes, it is now, for a broken heart
They call me the joker 'cause I, I'm so gay
But I'm just a clown 'cause I'm really not that way
'Cause all my happiness, my happiness
Is just a camouflage, just a camouflage for a broken heart
Yes, it is now, yes, it is now, for a broken heart
Ooh baby, for a broken heart
Yes, it is now, I said it is now, for a broken heart
The lyrics to The Temptations' song Camouflage speak to the idea that sometimes people may appear happier than they truly are on the surface. The singer acknowledges that he is always seen smiling, even in the presence of the person he loves, who is presumably the cause of his heartache. He acknowledges that people call him a joker, someone who always plays, and a clown, someone who isn't serious. However, he proclaims that his happiness is just a camouflage, intended to hide the pain and suffering he endures underneath. The singer implores the object of his affection to open their eyes and see that he is crying and dying, despite his outward appearance.
The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy, as the singer is unable to express his true emotions and appears to be putting on a facade in order to get through his pain. The idea of a camouflage suggests that the singer must hide his emotions in order to blend in with society and not draw attention to himself. He is aware that people perceive him as someone who is always happy and carefree, but beneath the surface he is deeply unhappy and struggling. This sense of inner turmoil and conflict is a common theme in many soul and R&B songs.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, I'm smiling.
I may appear happy on the outside.
Everytime you pass me by.
When you walk by me.
I know you wonder, why I never cry.
You may be curious why I never express sadness.
But let me tell you, happiness.
However, my apparent happiness is just an illusion.
(Happiness)
It's not genuine happiness that I feel.
My happiness (Happiness)
The happiness that I display (but is not real).
Is just a camouflage. (Camouflage)
It's merely a façade to cover up my true emotions.
They call me the joker. (I'm a joker)
People may call me a joker or clown.
'Cause I, I always play.
Because I like to joke around a lot.
But I'm just a clown. (I'm a clown)
But in reality, I am not a happy person.
'Cause I'm really not that way.
I'm not truly a cheerful or lighthearted person at my core.
Oh, is just a camouflage.
My external appearance is meant to hide my inner pain.
(Open your eyes and see I'm crying)
Please see that I am actually sad and hurting.
Wee-Ooo (Hey, hey, hey)
Just a vocalization.
I love you.
I have feelings of love for you.
Oh, yes I do.
Very much so.
Ooo, baby.
An endearing term to address the other person.
I gotta broken heart. (I've got a broken heart.)
My heart is broken, and I feel very sad.
Just a care of love.
It's simply the result of experiencing heartbreak from love.
Ooh
Exclamation sound.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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