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.
Do You Really Love Your Baby
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you care
Do you really love your baby
Do you really really care
I really wanna know
Do you mean what you say
When you say that you love me, baby
If you're going away
Will she come back to find me playing?
Never
You're away on your love boat
Now do you love any other
Do you dare if the temptation is there?
How much do you dare?
Do you really love her?
Do you love her
Do you really love your baby
Do you love her
Now I know what it is
When you're touched by that lovely feeling
And if you're going away
If you need someone for sensual healing, all right
There comes a time when you hunger
And you hate being, being far away
What do you do when the temptation is there?
How much do you dare?
Do you really love your baby
Do you care?
Do you really love your baby
Do you love her
It's not easy to love someone
'Cause being free is a lot of fun
Do you know what you're gonna do
I've got me feeling, don't you ever lose
Do you love your baby
Do you love her
There comes a time when you hunger
And you hate being, being far away
What do you do when the temptation is there?
How much do you dare?
Do you really love your baby
Do you care?
Do you love her
Do you really love your baby
Do you really, really care?
Do you love her?
Do you love your baby
Do you love her
Do you love your baby
Do you care?
The Temptations' song "Do You Really Love Your Baby" appears to be about questioning the depth of someone's love for another person. The line "Do you really love your baby, do you care?" suggests doubt about whether the person loves and cares for their partner. The following lines "Do you mean what you say when you say that you love me, baby" and "Now do you love any other, do you dare if the temptation is there?" further show that the singer is concerned about the fidelity of their partner and the genuineness of their love.
The chorus's repetition of "Do you really love your baby, do you love her" drives home the importance and urgency of answering the question. The line "It's not easy to love someone 'cause being free is a lot of fun" suggests that the singer understands the temptation to stray from a committed relationship but wonders if the person is willing to give up that freedom for the sake of their love.
Overall, the song seems to be a plea for honesty and commitment in a relationship, with the singer asking their partner to prove their love and care.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you really love your baby
Are you truly in love with your significant other?
Do you care
Do you genuinely care about your significant other?
Do you really really care
Do you care for your significant other with an utmost degree?
I really wanna know
I am genuinely curious and want to know your true feelings.
Do you mean what you say
Are your words true and sincere?
When you say that you love me, baby
When you tell me you love me, do you really mean it?
Tell me now
Please express the truth to me at this moment.
If you're going away
If you have to leave for some reason,
Will she come back to find me playing?
Will your significant other seek someone else while you're away?
Never
I hope that never happens.
You're away on your love boat
You're living your life and enjoying love while being away.
Now do you love any other
Do you have feelings towards someone else?
Do you dare if the temptation is there?
Would you succumb to a temptation even if it harms your relationship?
How much do you dare?
To what extent would you compromise on your relationship?
Do you really love her?
Do you genuinely love your significant other?
Now I know what it is
I understand the true meaning of love now.
When you're touched by that lovely feeling
When you experience the beauty of love,
If you're going away
If you have to leave for some reason,
If you need someone for sensual healing, all right
If you long for physical comfort, it's okay to seek it.
There comes a time when you hunger
At times, you crave for something or someone dearly.
And you hate being, being far away
Being apart from someone you love is intensely distressing.
What do you do when the temptation is there?
What action do you take when faced with a temptation?
Do you really love your baby
Do you genuinely love your significant other?
It's not easy to love someone
It's a difficult task to love someone sincerely.
'Cause being free is a lot of fun
However, being single and free has its own advantages.
Do you know what you're gonna do
Do you know how you will proceed with your relationship?
I've got me feeling, don't you ever lose
I have a strong feeling for you, don't let it die.
Do you love your baby
Do you genuinely love your significant other?
Do you really, really care?
Do you genuinely care for your significant other with utmost intensity?
Do you love her?
Do you genuinely love your significant other?
Do you care?
Do you genuinely care about your significant other?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARCUS MILLER, LUTHER VANDROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind