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.
Fading Away
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like smoke from a cigarette, it's fading away
Fading away, fading away
It hurts me to think about, how love where there was no doubt
Like a cloud when the sun comes out, it's fading away
Fading away, fading away
Hmm, you've changed and it's showing, baby
You've changed and it's showing
Tell me, where is your love going
The plans we were making up, for I'll never breaking up
Like dreams when you're waking up, are fading away
Fading away, fading away
The good times we shared a lot, when you really cared a lot
Like steam from a coffee pot, it's fading way
Fading away, fading away
[Chorus]
Like smoke from a cigarette, of dreams that you soon forget
Our love from the day we met, it's fading away
Fading away, fading away
[Chorus x2]
The Temptations' song "Fading Away" is a poignant ode to a relationship that's slowly fading away. The song's lyrics are wistful and bittersweet, with the band members singing about the way that their love used to feel, and the pain they're experiencing as it begins to slip away. The opening lines of the song set the tone perfectly: "The feeling we used to get, whenever our lips met / Like smoke from a cigarette, it's fading away." What was once an intense, all-consuming love has now become a mere shadow of its former self, and the singers are mourning the loss of what they once had.
Throughout the song, "Fading Away" paints a picture of a love that's fading fast. The lyrics talk about the way that the couple's plans for the future are crumbling, and the good times they once shared are becoming distant memories. The chorus of the song lament that the once-affectionate partner has become distant and unfocused, and the singers are left wondering where their love went. All told, "Fading Away" is a powerful and evocative song about the pain of losing love and the struggle to hold onto something that's already slipping away.
Line by Line Meaning
The feeling we used to get, whenever our lips met
The feeling of warmth and affection that we used to get whenever we kissed is slowly disappearing.
Like smoke from a cigarette, it's fading away
Just like how smoke from a cigarette disappears into thin air, our love is also fading away.
Fading away, fading away
The repetition of these words emphasizes the gradual loss and disappearance of love.
It hurts me to think about, how love where there was no doubt
The fact that the love they had, which was once unquestionable, is now fading away pains the artist.
Like a cloud when the sun comes out, it's fading away
The love that was once bright and prominent is now disappearing like a cloud that fades away when the sun comes out.
Hmm, you've changed and it's showing, baby
The singer has noticed a change in their partner, and it's becoming increasingly evident.
You've changed and it's showing
This line is a repetition of the previous line, but emphasizes the fact that the change in the partner is becoming more and more apparent.
Tell me, where is your love going
The artist is asking their partner where their love is going, implying that their partner's change might be causing the gradual loss of love.
The plans we were making up, for I'll never breaking up
The artist and their partner had made future plans together, assuming they would never break up, but those plans are now falling apart.
Like dreams when you're waking up, are fading away
Just like how dreams fade away when you wake up, the plans they had made together are disappearing.
The good times we shared a lot, when you really cared a lot
The singer is reminiscing about the times they had when their partner truly cared for them.
Like steam from a coffee pot, it's fading way
The good times they shared are now dissipating like steam from a coffee pot.
Of dreams that you soon forget
This line refers to the fact that the love they once had is now becoming like a forgotten dream.
Our love from the day we met, it's fading away
The love they shared from the moment they met is now gradually disappearing.
[Chorus x2]
The chorus repeats at the end to emphasize the message that their love is fading away and their partner has changed.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT ROGERS, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WARREN MOORE, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William Low
Still...one of the classic songs from a group that supplied us with many a masterpiece in there time together
Robert Bright
The bass line absolutely compliments the lead vocals and carries the song.🎼🎸🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎼
Robert Velez
One of Eddie Kendricks finest performances!
Joyce Griggs
You don't forget songs like this. Thank you You Tube!
willcat
THE MIRACLES and their style is ALL OVER this record !! 3 of them WROTE it, (Smokey, Bobby, and Pete) and one of them PRODUCED it . That even sounds like MARV TARPLIN on GUITAR !!
Mrs Jones
MY Temptations! All the ORIGINALS! They sound SOooo Good! 😪❤
richard gardener
Have always loved The Funk Brothers mastery on this track and the key change,
Lois Weiss
always had a thing for this song. work it Eddie Kendricks
Arlene Davis- Robinson
Loved every song they made. Was a favorite group
mrstanbmw
I can relate to this song, you change and its showing ain't nothing you do