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 Look Back
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no hiding place
(You can't run it, you can't hide it, you can't run it)
Love has problems I know but they're problems
We'll just have to face
Oh yeah, yeah
If you just put your hand in mine
We're gonna walk and don't look back
(Don't look back)
And don't look back, oh yeah yeah
And don't look back baby
(Don't look back)
(The places behind you, let them remind you)
If your first lover broke your heart
There's something that can be done
(You don't run it, you don't hide it, you don't run it)
Don't end your faith in love
Because of what he's done
So if you just put your hand in mine
We're gonna leave all our troubles behind
Keep on walking and don't look back
Forget about the past now
Don't look back, baby (don't look back)
Keep on walking and don't look back (don't look back)
(The places behind you, let them remind you)
Love can be a beautiful thing
Though your first love let you down
Oh yeah, yeah
'Cause I know we can make love bloom, baby
The second time around
Oh yeah, yeah
So if you just put your hand in mine
We're gonna leave all our troubles behind
Keep on pushing and don't look back
Now, till I say, we won't look back, girl
Keep on walking and won't look back
Forget about the past now, baby
And don't look back
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, don't look back
The lyrics to The Temptations' song "Don't Look Back" encourage the listener to confront and overcome the obstacles that may arise in a romantic relationship. The song suggests that love has its own problems, but that those problems can be confronted and dealt with. The singer acknowledges that past experiences may make it difficult to trust again, but urges listeners to keep moving forward and to not dwell on the past. Instead, he urges listeners to focus on the present and future, to hold hands, and to leave their troubles behind as they walk confidently forward.
The song is also a celebration of the redemptive power of love. It acknowledges that heartbreak is a painful experience, but suggests that love is worth pursuing even if it may involve some struggles. The song encourages the listener to be open to the possibility of new love, to have faith in oneself and one's ability to love and be loved.
Overall, the message of The Temptations' "Don't Look Back" is one of resilience, hope, and perseverance. It acknowledges that love may not be easy, but suggests that it is worth the effort and that the rewards of a strong, meaningful relationship are worth the challenges that may arise along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
If it's love that you're running from
Don't try to avoid love if you're scared of it
There's no hiding place
You can't avoid love, it's always there
(You can't run it, you can't hide it, you can't run it)
You can't escape it, no matter how hard you try
Love has problems I know but they're problems
Love has its difficulties, but they are worth facing
We'll just have to face
We must confront the issues that come with love
If you just put your hand in mine
If we join together and support each other
We're gonna leave all our troubles behind
We can overcome any obstacles in our lives
We're gonna walk and don't look back
We must keep moving forward and not dwell on the past
(Don't look back)
Don't focus on the negative experiences you've had
And don't look back, oh yeah yeah
Keep pushing forward and focus on the future
And don't look back baby
Let go of any past relationships or experiences
(The places behind you, let them remind you)
Your past experiences can serve as reminders, but don't let them hold you back
If your first lover broke your heart
If you've been hurt before in a past relationship
There's something that can be done
Don't give up on love completely, there's still hope
(You don't run it, you don't hide it, you don't run it)
You can't avoid love, you must face it head on
Don't end your faith in love
Don't lose hope in finding love
Because of what he's done
Don't let past hurt prevent you from finding love in the future
Keep on walking and don't look back
Keep moving forward and don't dwell on the past
Forget about the past now
Leave the past behind and focus on the present
Love can be a beautiful thing
Love can have positive and wonderful aspects
Though your first love let you down
Even if your past relationship hasn't worked out
'Cause I know we can make love bloom, baby
I believe that we can create a beautiful and successful relationship
The second time around
Even if things haven't worked out in the past, we can try again
Keep on pushing and don't look back
Keep pressing forward and don't let the past weigh you down
Now, till I say, we won't look back, girl
We will keep moving forward until we have succeeded
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, don't look back
Keep focusing on the future and don't dwell on the past, baby
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RONALD WHITE, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@guygonzalez3893
The best Temps group! Thank you Lord for lettin me grow up in the Motown era!! Maybe that's what the world needs today?? More Motown!!!
@daleamaral5195
Hey bro im responding to this 2 yrs later, i hear you man. Im 66 years old and this music will live on forever, We were blessed to gtow up in a wonderful time.
@Nitroden0516
Yes they do!!! I wish these days would come back!!! This generation will NEVA KNOW what real music is!!!!
@Gr8LilLady
Paul Williams was Definitely the SOUL of the ORIGINAL TEMPTATIONS! May he R.I.P. 😪❤
@ShadowHawk4219
As much as i loved David Ruffin's lead vocals, man, Paul Williams singing this is unbelievable, i wish he had more lead vocals for the Tempts, what a voice. Rest in Peace Paul, David, and Eddie, along with all the other Motown greats like Levi Stubbs, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Mary Wilson, and Junior Walker. And i will not forget Motown's in house band, The Funk Brothers, incredible music.
@gangwaycrypto1537
I swear
@arielajoy122
Still brings tears to my eyes-RIP PAUL WILLIAMS
@wymell9724
I still remember Paul Williams I at verdell bar on Plymouth
@wymell9724
I never thought that you committed suicide I will never believe it
@ar2481
Only those who know understood the impact Paul had on this group..ALWAYS did his thang! R.I.P. Paul W. we miss you!