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.
Don't Ask My Neighbors
The Temptations Lyrics
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Is there's some cause that I should doubt you
Oh I can see boy that you don't know me very well
You're so unsure
And you run here and there to ask my feelings
Friends only I guess, they can't really say
Don't ask my neighbor
Don't ask the friends I hang around
Don't be afraid to come to me
Don't ask my neighbors, come to me
Don't be afraid of what ya see
You'll find I love you, come to me
Don't be afraid
You ask all my friends if I'm the same girl
You don't understand, you think I'm changing
[Chorus]
Don't ask my neighbors, come to me
Don't be afraid of what ya see
You'll find I love you, come to me
Don't be afraid
The Temptations' song "Don't Ask My Neighbors" is a plea to a lover who is unsure about their relationship. The singer is being questioned about their feelings, and they are trying to convince the lover not to ask their friends or neighbors, but to come to them directly. The singer explains that they can see the lover doesn't know them very well, and that they are so unsure about their relationship that they are asking others about the singer's feelings. The chorus is a repetition of the plea, with a message that the lover should not be afraid to come to them.
The song's lyrics demonstrate that the singer knows themselves well, but the lover's lack of understanding creates doubts. The emphasis is on the importance of communication to strengthen a relationship. The emotional uncertainty in the lyrics is accentuated by the languid melody of the song. The music is a mix of jazz, R&B, and pop, with a calm pace that underscores the singer's message of reassurance.
" Don't Ask My Neighbors" was released in 1977 by the Temptations and quickly became a hit song, reaching number twelve on the US R&B chart. The song's lyrics were written by Skip Scarborough, who was known for penning hits for a variety of Motown artists. The music was arranged by Paul Riser, who had previously worked with the Temptations on several other songs.
Line by Line Meaning
You're wondering if I care about ya
You're curious about whether or not I have feelings for you
Is there's some cause that I should doubt you
Is there any reason for me to second-guess your intentions
Oh I can see boy that you don't know me very well
I can tell that you don't truly understand who I am as a person
You're so unsure
You're lacking confidence in yourself and in our relationship
And you run here and there to ask my feelings
You constantly seek out my friends to inquire about my emotions
Friends only I guess, they can't really say
My friends may not be able to accurately convey my true feelings towards you
Don't ask my neighbor
You shouldn't rely on gossip or hearsay to determine our relationship
Don't ask the friends I hang around
You shouldn't rely on my friends to speak on my behalf regarding our relationship
Don't be afraid to come to me
Don't let fear prevent you from seeking out direct communication with me
Don't ask my neighbors, come to me
Avoid seeking out rumors or opinions and instead come talk to me directly
Don't be afraid of what ya see
Don't let external factors or perceptions cloud your judgment of me or our relationship
You'll find I love you, come to me
If you come to me directly, you'll find that I do indeed have feelings for you
You ask all my friends if I'm the same girl
You inquire with my friends about whether or not I've changed as a person
You don't understand, you think I'm changing
You lack understanding and believe I may be becoming someone different
Don't ask my neighbors, come to me
Avoid relying on external opinions and instead have direct communication with me
Don't be afraid of what ya see
Don't let external perceptions influence your judgement of me or our relationship
You'll find I love you, come to me
If you come to me directly, you'll find that I do indeed have feelings for you
Don't be afraid
Don't let fear control your actions or prevent you from pursuing our relationship
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SKIP SCARBOROUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind