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.
FAREWELL
The Temptations Lyrics
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I can hear you say my name
I can almost see your smile
Feel the warmth of your embrace
But there is nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?
My child, see the sadness in your eyes
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that you are
Never thought this day would come so soon
We had no time to say goodbye
How can the world just carry on?
I feel so lost when you are not by my side
But there is nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?
So sorry your world is tumbling down
I will watch you through these nights
Rest your head and go to sleep
Because my child this is not our farewell
This is not our farewell
The Temptations' song "Farewell" is a bittersweet ballad about a love that has come to an end. The song's lyrics provide insight into the intense emotions experienced by someone who is saying goodbye to a lover. The chorus of "Boom, Boom, Boom" emphasizes the heavy hearts of the singers as they try to come to terms with the situation. The vocals are powerful and emotive, conveying a sense of sadness and heartbreak.
The song's verses describe a conflicted individual trying to make sense of their feelings while acknowledging the love they have for their partner. However, the reality that the vow of love has been broken and the law of love has spoken is undeniable, leaving the singer no choice but to say goodbye. The lyrics stand out because they convey a sense of simultaneous love and regret for the relationship, adding depth to the song's meaning.
One can interpret "Farewell" as a reminder that despite the pain of saying goodbye, it is sometimes necessary to move forward and find a better match. The last lines of the song suggest that, despite their heartbreak, there is someone out there who truly cares and will be there for them. The lyrics offer hope that one day, they will find a love that is deserving of their affections.
Line by Line Meaning
Boom
repeated sound effect
Farewell, my love.
Saying goodbye to a loved one
I love you more than anything.
Expressing strong love and affection
No one knows the good you bring
Eddie: to me.
Acknowledging someone's positive impact on their life
But I've got to set you free. (Boo oh)
Realizing the need to let go of the person you love
Goodbye, (goodbye) my love. (My love)
I'm gonna cry, (gonna cry) my love. (My love)
Feeling emotional and sad about the impending separation
The vow of love you broken.
The law of love has spoken
to you.
Recognizing the end of a relationship due to broken promises
Oh, why couldn't you be true? (Why couldn't you be true?)
Questioning why the other person wasn't faithful
So long, baby.
You know, it's so hard
It's really hard to find someone in this wide world, who's really true.
Expressing difficulty in finding trustworthy people
I guess it's just meant for me to be unhappy.
But I believe, I really do believe that somewhere someone is waiting for me.
Maintaining hope for a better future despite present sadness
Aw, she's there, (she's there) my love. (My love)
Somewhere, (somewhere) my love. (My love)
Believing that there is someone out there for them
Someone who cares.
And still be there
Eddie: with me.
Wanting someone who cares and stands by them
Oh my darling, can't you see? (Boo oh)
How wonderful it would be, yeah. (Boo oh)
Imagining a future with someone who loves and cares for them
Farewell, to you.
Farewell, my love.
We're
Through.
We're through.
Finalizing the end of the relationship
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: OSCAR C. HOLLEMAN, RENE J. MERKELBACH, ROBERT WESTERHOLT, SHARON J. DEN ADEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind