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.
Firefly
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shine your light tonight.
Assist the moon and stars
In helping us
To ease our troubled minds.
Firefly, firefly:
Golden night of serenity, yeah;
And maybe she won't worry
When there ain't nothing I can do.
When sea runs dry,
And the stars fall from the sky;
She's a vulnerable flower,
And she believes in me.
Even when I had to lie,
I shouldn't have lied
To make the world feel alright.
Firefly, firefly.
Um, um, um, sometimes I feel
I have the weight of the world
On my shoulders, But knowing the
Strength she sees in me,
I smile because she believes me.
Firefly, firefly:
Golden night of serenity;
Show me the light naturally,
And maybe she won't worry
When ain't nothing I can do.
When sea runs dry,
And the stars fall from the sky;
She's a vulnerable flower,
And she believes in me.
Even when I had to lie,
I shouldn't have lied
To make the world feel alright.
Firefly, firefly.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, firefly,
You make the world feel alright.
In The Temptations' song "Firefly," the singer turns to a symbol of light and hope in the midst of a difficult situation. He calls on the firefly to shine its light and assist the moon and stars in easing their troubled minds. The singer is concerned about his partner and her vulnerability, but he finds comfort in her belief in him. He admits to lying to make the world feel alright but recognizes that he shouldn't have done so. The firefly serves as a reminder that there is still hope even when things seem dark.
While the song can be interpreted in a romantic context, the lyrics can also apply to any situation where someone is struggling to find hope and guidance. The firefly is a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The singer's desire for his partner's peace of mind is a universal sentiment that many can relate to.
Some listeners have also noted the significance of the firefly as a symbol of transformation and metamorphosis. The insect begins its life as a grub-like creature and transforms into a winged, light-producing adult. In this way, the firefly can represent the singer's own personal growth and evolution.
Line by Line Meaning
Firefly, firefly:
Addressing the firefly, asking it to shine light.
Shine your light tonight.
Requesting the firefly to shine its light tonight.
Assist the moon and stars
In helping us
To ease our troubled minds.
Asking for the firefly to assist the moon and stars in soothing our troubled minds.
Golden night of serenity, yeah;
Describing the night as peaceful and beautiful.
Show us the light naturally,
And maybe she won't worry
When there ain't nothing I can do.
Asking the firefly to naturally show us light to ease our worries, especially for her.
When sea runs dry,
And the stars fall from the sky;
She's a vulnerable flower,
And she believes in me.
Describing her vulnerability and the belief she has in me, even in tough times.
Even when I had to lie,
I shouldn't have lied
To make the world feel alright.
Firefly, firefly.
Admitting to a mistake of lying to make things alright and asking the firefly to shine light.
Um, um, um, sometimes I feel
I have the weight of the world
On my shoulders, But knowing the
Strength she sees in me,
I smile because she believes me.
Expressing the burden of responsibilities but also highlighting the strength she sees in me, bringing a smile.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, firefly,
You make the world feel alright.
Acknowledging the role of the firefly in making the world feel alright.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JESSE BOYCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardjohnson7203
There will never be another base singer like the great Melvin Franklin!! REST IN peace!!
@early60srcool
Melvin Franklin was the BEST bass singer I’ve ever heard! That voice gives me chills! I grew up with Motown! Thank you Berry Gordy for producing songs and singers I’ll remember the rest of my life!😊❤️
@billmattocks04
@@early60srcool 1!
@kelceymccray5265
The most underrated song thank u temptation
@cathyleolomax6163
They need to put this song back on radio. Bring those rates up. For real.
@rickypainter1097
Beautiful unreachable melodies by anyone else.
@jeffreyworthen7033
I agree..........it is a very underrated song.
@artymunoz5060
Melvin’s poetry alone could give chills to a man in the desert
@danielalexandermclachlanga3781
great line, a belter as is said in Scotland
@henriettaparks586
BEAUTIFULL!!! WONDERFULL!! RICHARD!!! WAS SHINING IN THIS ONE!!! MELVIN ALWAYS ON POINT!!! 2020 STILL LISTENING!!!