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.
For Better Or Worse
The Temptations Lyrics
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I'll say yes in that little church
Will you marry me boy?
For better or worse.
We can't find a home
Just a room without any view
We'll walk our favorite march
I see the priest standing before you and me
In my mind's eye I can see how it will be.
When he says to you
For better or worse
Do you take this girl for your wife?
I'll say yes, yes I do for all of my life.
For better or worse
I'll make you love every new day
Bringing breakfast to your bed
I'll spoil you that way.
I can't hardly wait for a boy
Baby, can you?
I know he'll be cute
Cause he'll be like you.
I see the priest standing before you and me
In my mind's eye I can see how happy we'll be.
I see the priest standing before you and me
In my mind's eye I can see how happy we'll be.
The Temptations' song For Better Or Worse is a love song that describes a couple’s journey from when they first met to their marriage. The song is about the commitment the couple is making to each other, to stand by each other through thick and thin, for better or worse. The lyrics start with the proposal when the man asks the woman to marry him in a little church. They both agree to walk together, and the lyrics describe their current situation of not having a home, but at least they have each other.
The song continues with the man picturing the wedding ceremony in his mind. He envisions the priest asking him if he takes the girl as his wife, and he gladly replies, “yes, I do,” with the intention of loving her for the rest of his life. He further sings about fulfilling the role of a doting husband, bringing breakfast in bed and spoiling his beloved wife as much as he can. The woman expresses her desire for a baby, saying how cute he would be just like his father.
The song’s lyrics touch on the foundation of a strong, committed relationship, where the desire is not to be with someone just when times are good but to stay committed even when things get tough. It highlights the importance of support, love, and devotion that is required in any successful partnership.
Line by Line Meaning
For better or worse
I am willing to go through any situation with you.
I'll say yes in that little church
I am ready to commit to you in front of God and our loved ones.
Will you marry me boy?
I am asking you to make a lifelong commitment to me.
We can't find a home, Just a room without any view
We may not have much, but as long as we have each other we can make it work.
We'll walk our favorite march, But least I'll have you.
Even though the road ahead may be tough, having you by my side makes it bearable.
I see the priest standing before you and me, In my mind's eye I can see how it will be.
I imagine our wedding day and how happy we will be together.
For better or worse, Do you take this girl for your wife? I'll say yes, yes I do for all of my life.
I promise to love and cherish you in every situation for the rest of my life.
I'll make you love every new day, Bringing breakfast to your bed, I'll spoil you that way.
I will do everything I can to make your life enjoyable and show you how much I care.
I can't hardly wait for a boy, Baby, can you? I know he'll be cute, Cause he'll be like you.
I am excited to start a family with you and have children who resemble you.
I see the priest standing before you and me, In my mind's eye I can see how happy we'll be.
I envision a happy life with you and the memories we will create together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HINTON JOE, JOE HINTON, PAMELA JOAN SAWYER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind