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.
How Could He Hurt You
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh yeah, oh yeah, hmm listen
Baby, I know that you really think he loves you
And it would hurt you so if you knew the things that I knew, baby
'Cause I see the things that he does behind your back
And I ask myself, how can he treat you like that?
'Cause if I had your love I'd never let you go and I just don't know
How could he hurt you?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he treat you so bad?
(How could he treat you so bad?)
How could he lie to you?
(How could he lie to you?)
Have the nerve to say that he loves you
How could he hurt you, baby?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he cheat on you?
(How could he cheat on you?)
And say that he cares for you, yeah yeah
He don't deserve to say that he loves you, umm umm
I know you think that your love is pure and true
How long can it take for you to see the pain he's causing you?
If I had the chance I know I'd be the perfect man, huh
'Cause he couldn't really know what a good thing he has
If I had your love I'd never let you go and I just don't know
How could he hurt you?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he treat you so bad?
(How could he treat you so bad?)
How could he lie to you?
(How could he lie to you?)
And have the nerve to say that he loves you
How could he hurt you, baby?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he cheat on you?
(How could he cheat on you?)
And say that he cares for you, you, you, you, yeah
He don't deserve to say that he loves you, hmm
He don't deserve a lady half as good as you
(He don't, no, half as good as you)
If I had your love I'd do the things that he don't do
(If I had your love, he don't do)
He plays you for a fool 'cause he thinks you need him
(He plays you for a fool, oh yeah)
But if you let me, let me, I said I'll show you what love's all about
How could he hurt you?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he treat you so bad?
(How could he treat you so bad?)
How could he lie to you?
(How could he lie to you?)
Nerve to say that he loves you
How could he hurt you?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he cheat on you?
(How could he cheat on you?)
And say that he cares for you
Don't deserve to say that he loves you
How could he hurt you?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he treat you so bad?
(How could he treat you so bad?)
How could he lie to you?
(How could he lie to you?)
Nerve to say that he loves you
I'm gonna be a man to you, baby
(How?)
I know just how to treat my lady?
(How?)
Said, I'm gonna be true, I know just what to do
I'm gonna love you, love you, love you, love you, love you
(He says, he says that he loves you)
How could he hurt you?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he treat you so bad?
(How could he treat you so bad?)
How could he lie to you?
(How could he lie to you?)
Nerve to say that he loves you
How could he hurt you?
The Temptations’ song “How Could He Hurt You” is a heartfelt ballad that explores the singer’s feelings towards a woman who is in a toxic relationship. The lyrics express concern for the woman, who is unaware of the “things that he [her partner] does behind her back.” The singer, on the other hand, understands the pain that the woman is experiencing and, in the chorus, questions how her partner could treat her so badly.
The song explicitly characterizes the singer as the “perfect” man for the woman, in contrast to her current partner. The singer believes that he would never hurt the woman, and he questions how her partner could “cheat on [her] and say that he cares for [her].” The lyrics convey a sense of disbelief on the part of the singer that someone could claim to love another person and still treat them so poorly. The singer concludes with a promise to treat the woman kindly if given the chance, saying that he will show her what love is all about.
Overall, “How Could He Hurt You” is a song that is both empathetic and hopeful. The singer recognizes the woman’s pain and seeks to provide her with a better option. The lyrics suggest that love can be kind and supportive, and that no one should have to settle for less.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I know that you really think he loves you
You believe that he loves you so much, but it's not true.
And it would hurt you so if you knew the things that I knew, baby
If you only knew what he has been doing behind your back, it would hurt you badly.
'Cause I see the things that he does behind your back
I know what he has been doing behind your back.
And I ask myself, how can he treat you like that?
I wonder how he can treat you so badly when you're such a good person.
How could he hurt you?
How could he hurt you when you don't deserve it?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he treat you so bad?
How could he treat you so badly when you love him so much?
(How could he treat you so bad?)
How could he lie to you?
How could he lie to you when you trust him so dearly?
(How could he lie to you?)
Have the nerve to say that he loves you
How could he have the audacity to say that he loves you while he's hurting you at the same time?
How could he hurt you, baby?
How could he hurt you when you don't deserve it?
(How could he hurt you?)
How could he cheat on you?
How could he cheat on you when he knows how much you love him?
(How could he cheat on you?)
And say that he cares for you, yeah yeah
How could he claim that he cares for you when he's doing such terrible things to you?
He don't deserve to say that he loves you, umm umm
He doesn't deserve to say that he loves you after everything he's done to you.
I know you think that your love is pure and true
You believe that the love you have for him is pure and true.
How long can it take for you to see the pain he's causing you?
How long until you see that he's actually causing you pain instead of love?
If I had the chance I know I'd be the perfect man, huh
If I had the opportunity to be with you, I know I'd treat you perfectly.
'Cause he couldn't really know what a good thing he has
He doesn't appreciate you as much as he should and doesn't realize what a good thing he has.
He don't deserve a lady half as good as you
He doesn't deserve someone as amazing as you.
(He don't, no, half as good as you)
If I had your love I'd do the things that he don't do
If you gave me your love, I would treat you better than he ever could.
(If I had your love, he don't do)
He plays you for a fool 'cause he thinks you need him
He mistreats you because he thinks you're dependent on him.
(He plays you for a fool, oh yeah)
But if you let me, let me, I said I'll show you what love's all about
If you give me a chance, I'll show you what true love really is.
I'm gonna be a man to you, baby
I'll be a real man to you, someone who will always love you and treat you well.
(How?)
I know just how to treat my lady?
I know exactly how to treat a woman as special as you.
(How?)
Said, I'm gonna be true, I know just what to do
I'm going to be honest with you and do all the things that he never could.
I'm gonna love you, love you, love you, love you, love you
I'll love you more than you've ever been loved before.
(He says, he says that he loves you)
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DARCY ALDRIDGE, REX RIDEOUT, RONNIE GARRETT, TONY KURTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Linda Wyche
Another Gem from the Phoenix Rising Album! The voices behind this song (The Temptations) are beyond priceless. Terry Weeks, Barrington "Bo" Henderson, Otis Williams, Ron Tyson and Harry McGilberry (rest in love). Temptations FOREVER!!!🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Ferlicia Bell
THIS SONG IS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE I WAS LISTENING TO THE TEMPTATIONS YESTERDAY AND AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I STILL LOVE THEM THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS INCLUDING
FALSE FACES. STAY
WOULD NEVER GET TIRED OF THIS MUSIC
Roz Britton
I love this song! Barrington Henderson didn't miss a beat after Dennis Edwards departed the group but Dennis Edwards will always be my favorite Temptation.
13Babeloe
Album still a classic.
Diana Perkins
This is a classic. Who is still jamming this in 2019??
PATRICIA LAFAYETTE
It is now 2021..... I'm on it!
Shon's Shenanigans🌀🌪
2021 baby!!!!!
Jacinta Wilson
2022 and I'm still rocking to it!
Daryl Patton
2022!
Zaria Boosie
Shit 2022!!!