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 Your Thing
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do what you wanna do
I can't tell you
Who to sock it to
It's your thing
Do what you wanna do now
I can't tell you
If you want me to love you, maybe I will
I need you woman, it ain't no big deal
You need love now, just as bad as I do
Make's me no difference now, who you give your thing to
It's your thing (It's your thing)
Do what you wanna do
I can't tell you
Who to sock it to
It's your thing (It's your thing)
Do what you wanna do now
I can't tell you
Who to sock it to
It's your thing (It's your thing)
Do what you wanna do
I can't tell you
Who to sock it to
I'm not trying to run your life,
I know you wanna do what's right,
Ah, give your love girl, do whatever you choose,
How can you lose, with the stuff you use?
It's your thing (It's your thing)
Do what you wanna do
I can't tell you
Who to sock it to
It's your thing (It's your thing)
Do what you wanna do
Don't let me tell you
Who to sock it to
Let me hear you say it's my thing (It's your thing),
I do what I wanna do......
In The Temptations’ song “Do Your Thing,” the lyrics suggest that individuals should have the freedom to make choices and live their lives as they see fit. The chorus, “It’s your thing, do what you wanna do, I can’t tell you who to sock it to,” emphasizes this message of personal autonomy. The song offers a message of empowerment and encourages people to be true to themselves and pursue their dreams.
The verses suggest that while the singer is interested in the love interest of the song, they do not feel the need to control or influence their partner’s decisions. “If you want me to love you, maybe I will” implies that the singer is open to a relationship, but not at the expense of their partner’s individuality. The lines “I’m not trying to run your life, I know you wanna do what’s right” reiterate the message of independence and freedom of choice.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to live life on their own terms, to pursue their passions and desires, and to reject the pressure of others to conform or follow conventional paths. It is a call to embrace one’s individuality and to not be afraid to pursue what makes them happy.
Line by Line Meaning
It's your thing
You have control over your life and actions
Do what you wanna do
Take action that aligns with your own desires and values
I can't tell you
I cannot impose my will or beliefs onto you
Who to sock it to
Who you should direct your affection towards is your choice
If you want me to love you, maybe I will
You have the power to influence my feelings towards you
I need you woman, it ain't no big deal
I desire your affection, but it is not the most important thing in my life
You need love now, just as bad as I do
You also have a desire for love and affection that is similar to mine
Make's me no difference now, who you give your thing to
I accept and respect your choice of partner, it does not affect my feelings towards you
I'm not trying to run your life
I do not seek to control or manipulate your decisions
I know you wanna do what's right
I trust in your ability to make good choices for your life
Ah, give your love girl, do whatever you choose
You have the freedom to express your love and affection in any way you see fit
How can you lose, with the stuff you use?
You have everything you need within yourself to make the right choices in life
Don't let me tell you
I cannot force my opinions or beliefs onto you
Let me hear you say it's my thing (It's your thing)
Reaffirm your right to make your own decisions and take control of your own life
I do what I wanna do......
I make choices and take actions that align with my own values and desires
Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.