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.
Friendship Train
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Said the world today is in a desperate situation
Stealing, burning, fighting, killing
Nothing but corruption
It look like mankind in on the eve of destruction
Oh yes it is now people let me tell you now
We've got to learn to live with each other
No matter what the race, creed or color
Is love and understanding get aboard the friendship train
Everybody shake a hand make a friend now
Listen to us now, we're doing our thing
On the friendship train
We've got to start today to make tomorrow
A brighter day for our children
Oh calm down people now we can do it
I can prove it but only if our hearts are willing
So get aboard the friendship train
Everybody, shake a hand, shake a hand
Yes I'm talking about the friendship train
Get on board shake a hand, make a friend
It don't matter what you look like
People or who you are
If your heart is in the right place
In the right place
Talking about the right place
You're welcome aboard now
This train stands for justice,
This train stands for freedom
This train stands for harmony and peace
This train stands for love
Come on get on the friendship train
People listen to me now
Harmony is the key my sisters and brothers
Oh yes it is I say
Harmony is the key my sisters and brothers
People can't wait cause another day might be too late
Come on get on the friendship train
The Temptations’ song “Friendship Train” is a call to unity and brotherhood during a time of social and political upheaval in the United States. The lyrics acknowledge the desperate situation of the world in the late 1960s, with signs of corruption and destruction everywhere. Against this background, the singer calls for people to learn to live with each other, regardless of race, creed, or color. The message is clear: what the world needs now is love and understanding, and we can all get aboard the “friendship train” to make it happen.
Throughout the song, the singer encourages listeners to shake hands and make friends, to welcome others aboard the train no matter what they look like or who they are. The train stands for justice, freedom, harmony, and peace, and the key to realizing these values is by working together in friendship. The song’s optimistic message is reinforced by the lively Motown beat and the infectious call-and-response chorus, which invites listeners to join in the party.
Overall, “Friendship Train” is a powerful and uplifting song that speaks to the enduring human need for connection, compassion, and community. It reminds us that no matter how broken the world may seem, we can always come together and make a difference, one handshake and one friendship at a time.
Line by Line Meaning
Calling out to everyone across the nation
The Temptations are addressing all people in the country.
Said the world today is in a desperate situation
The world is suffering and the situation is perilous.
Stealing, burning, fighting, killing
The world is plagued by crimes such as theft, arson, violence, and murder.
Nothing but corruption
The world is full of dishonesty and illegal acts.
It look like mankind in on the eve of destruction
Humanity seems to be nearing its end.
Oh yes it is now people let me tell you now
The situation is dire and the message needs urgent attention.
We've got to learn to live with each other
People need to coexist peacefully.
No matter what the race, creed or color
Regardless of skin color or cultural background, everyone deserves respect and acceptance.
I just got to tell you what the world needs now
The world requires a specific solution.
Is love and understanding get aboard the friendship train
The only way to bring peace is through relationships based on love and comprehension.
Everybody shake a hand make a friend now
Individuals should reach out to one another and form connections.
Listen to us now, we're doing our thing
The Temptations are advocating for their message and trying to reach as many people possible.
On the friendship train
This message is about bonding and social harmony.
We've got to start today to make tomorrow
We can't procrastinate and action needs to begin immediately.
A brighter day for our children
We are working towards giving our offspring a better future.
Oh calm down people now we can do it
People should remain peaceful and hopeful since positive change is possible.
I can prove it but only if our hearts are willing
Results can be seen only if people are willing to open their hearts.
So get aboard the friendship train
The audience is encouraged to participate in social bonding.
Everybody, shake a hand, shake a hand
Get to know people around you and reach out to them.
Yes I'm talking about the friendship train
This message concerns the importance of social bonding.
Get on board shake a hand, make a friend
People must make an active effort to bond with others.
It don't matter what you look like
Physical appearance isn't the only factor to consider when making friends.
People or who you are
Identity is important when forming relationships.
If your heart is in the right place
Benevolent intentions are crucial when it comes to socializing.
Talking about the right place
The objective is to make positive social connections.
You're welcome aboard now
Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the message regarding social harmony.
This train stands for justice,
This message represents fairness and equality.
This train stands for freedom
The message concerning social bonding allows people to be free but also emphasizes responsibility and social interdependence.
This train stands for harmony and peace
The central tenet of bonding is to promote balance and calmness.
This train stands for love
The message is fueled by Adoration and a desire for companionship.
Come on get on the friendship train
The urgency of social bonding is stressed once more.
People listen to me now
The message is being reiterated for maximum reflection.
Harmony is the key my sisters and brothers
The secret of social bonding is found in peaceful coexistence.
Oh yes it is I say
The artist remains convinced of the importance of social harmony.
People can't wait cause another day might be too late
People should act quickly since the future is uncertain.
Come on get on the friendship train
The artist tries to motivate people toward positive social action.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bettie Blakey
The Temptations never made a bad album!!!!....
Deborah Patterson
What a great album!!!!!!!!
Cessaly D Hutchinson
AMEN! Loved this since I was a teen! DC 1970’s.
Tom Davies
YES!!! Love it
cwartis
Everybody shake a hand,make a friend. Part Of The Solution.
Cessaly D Hutchinson
Exactly! STILL relevant TODAY!
GL AnnapolisTeam
At around 3 minutes in this has a pre-disco feel (not a bad thing).
MTN - A Rainbow Pastures Company
4:31 are the two sounds that are from the album “Sound Effects - Vol. 1” including “Diesel Engine (Long Train)” and “Large Crowd Applause”. That was on the Audio Fidelity label. Did Motown ever got permission to use it that Audio Fidelity had for their “Sound Effects” albums? It sure did.
regina
And I love the version from Undisputed Truth.
Colin Andrews
+regina f. Yup, I totally agree )))