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.
Everybody Needs Love
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you won't let me love ya
Say you want someone to trust in you?
Can't you see that's what I'm trying to do
I know you've been hurt before
And you're afraid to try love once more
Cause everybody needs love, oh yeah
Everybody needs love
Say you wanna be kissed? (Wanna be kissed)
But you won't let me kiss you (No no no)
Say you wanna be missed?
Can't you see how my arms are missing you
It's got you hurtin' so inside
that now from love you're trying to hide
Without love by your side, without love you can't survive (Do do do)
Cause everybody needs love, oh yeah
Everybody needs love, yeah yeah yeah
Eww ewww You need love
And I need love
Everybody needs love
So you wake up in the morning (Wake up in the morning)
Feeling all empty inside (Yeah yeah yeah)
I'll bet you I know what your trouble is
You need someone like me by your side
And I know you've been hurt before
But don't be afraid to try love once more
Cause without love you'll find you'll have no peace of mind (Do do do)
Cause everybody needs love, oh yeah
Everybody needs love, hey
You need love (yeah)
I need love (yeah)
Everybody needs love, love
Now now now now
You need love (yeah)
I need love (yeah)
Everybody needs love
Hey hey hey
You need love (yeah)
I need love (yeah)
Everybody needs love
Now now now now
You need love (yeah)
I need love (yeah)
Everybody needs love
The Temptations' "Everybody Needs Love" speaks to the universal need for love and connection. The lyrics express the frustration of trying to love someone who is closed off due to past hurts and fears. The singer of the song understands the pain of past hurt and tries to persuade his love interest to trust in him and be open to love again. The repetition of "everybody needs love" reinforces that love is a fundamental need for all humans.
The lyrics also touch on the fact that without love, a person is only "half alive" and cannot truly thrive. The song suggests that the pain of past hurt shouldn't hold one back from trying again, and that love is necessary for overall well-being. The upbeat and uptempo sound of the song reinforces the idea that love brings happiness and joy to one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Say you wanna be loved?
You desire love from someone.
But you won't let me love ya
But you won't let me be the one to love you.
Say you want someone to trust in you?
You wish to have someone you can trust in.
Can't you see that's what I'm trying to do
Can't you see that I'm trying to be that someone you can trust in?
I know you've been hurt before
I understand you've had experienced heartaches before.
And you're afraid to try love once more
It makes you hesitant to love again.
Without love by your side, you're only half alive (Do do do)
Living without love makes you feel incomplete.
Cause everybody needs love, oh yeah
Because every person requires love to live fully.
Say you wanna be kissed? (Wanna be kissed)
You desire to be kissed affectionately.
But you won't let me kiss you (No no no)
But you won't let me be the one to kiss you.
Say you wanna be missed?
You want someone to feel your absence when you're not around.
Can't you see how my arms are missing you
Don't you notice how I'm longing to have you in my arms?
It's got you hurtin' so inside
It has caused you pain within.
that now from love you're trying to hide
It has led you to hide and distance yourself from love.
Without love by your side, without love you can't survive (Do do do)
Living without love is unbearable and you need it to continue living.
Eww ewww You need love
You require love.
And I need love
And I also require love.
Everybody needs love
Every individual requires love.
So you wake up in the morning (Wake up in the morning)
When you wake up in the morning,
Feeling all empty inside (Yeah yeah yeah)
Feeling hollow and lacking something,
I'll bet you I know what your trouble is
I am willing to wager that I know the source of your trouble.
You need someone like me by your side
You require someone like me close to you.
Cause without love you'll find you'll have no peace of mind (Do do do)
Living without love will cause unease and disturbance in your inner self.
You need love (yeah)
You require love.
I need love (yeah)
I also require love.
Everybody needs love, love
Every single person needs affection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: EDWARD HOLLAND, NORMAN WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind