The Temptations may refer to at least two groups

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.

I'll Be In Trouble
The Temptations Lyrics

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If you decide to make me blue, I'll be in trouble
If you decide to be untrue, I'll be in trouble
'Cause no matter what you do or say, I know I'm gonna love you anyway
So if that's what you want to do, I'll be in trouble

If you decide one day you want to make a change, love
You want to leave me here and love a total stranger
Well, no matter what you do or say, I know I'm gonna love you anyway

So if that's what you want to do, I'll be in danger

I'll do everything I can to make you stay
Keep you by my side (by my side, baby)
'Cause I love you in such a way
Your leaving would hurt my pride

If you decide you want to go, I'll be in trouble
I can't prepare myself and soul, I'll be in trouble
So no matter what you do or say, I know I'm gonna love you anyway
So I just want you to know, I'll be in trouble
Oh, yeah

If you decide you want to go, I'll be in trouble
I can't prepare myself and soul, I'll be in trouble
So no matter what you do or say, I know I'm gonna love you anyway
So I just want you to know, I'll be in trouble

I'll be in trouble (so much trouble)

If you ever leave me, baby (I'll be in trouble)
If you deceive me (so much trouble)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Temptations' song "I'll Be in Trouble" describe a situation where the singer's partner has the power to hurt him deeply. The first two lines of the chorus serve as a warning to the partner - if they make certain choices, the singer will experience trouble. This is a vulnerable admission of how much the singer relies on their partner, and how much they stand to lose if their partner decides to leave or be unfaithful.

In the second verse, the singer adds more detail to the scenario. He describes a potential situation in which the partner decides to leave him for someone else. Again, the singer admits that he will still love his partner no matter what they do, but now there's an added element of danger. The phrase "I'll be in danger" suggests that if the partner were to leave or betray him, the singer could be emotionally, if not physically, harmed.

The final verse features the singer pleading with his partner not to leave him, promising to do anything to make them stay. He admits that his pride would be hurt if they were to leave, and he could not prepare himself for the heartache of losing them. Despite the potential for hurt, he is still willing to love them regardless, and just wants them to be aware of the trouble their choices could cause.

Line by Line Meaning

If you decide to make me blue, I'll be in trouble
If you choose to make me sad or unhappy, it will cause me a great deal of stress and difficulty.

If you decide to be untrue, I'll be in trouble
If you choose to be disloyal or unfaithful, it will be very hard for me to deal with emotionally.

'Cause no matter what you do or say, I know I'm gonna love you anyway
Regardless of your actions or words, my affection for you will not change.

So if that's what you want to do, I'll be in trouble
If hurting me is your intention, then it will cause me significant problems or difficulties.

If you decide one day you want to make a change, love
If you ever feel like you want to make a change to our relationship for any reason,

You want to leave me here and love a total stranger
You want to abandon our love and start a relationship with someone completely new.

Well, no matter what you do or say, I know I'm gonna love you anyway
Regardless of your decision, I will still have feelings of love for you.

So if that's what you want to do, I'll be in danger
If you choose to leave me for someone else, it would put me in a precarious or unsafe situation.

I'll do everything I can to make you stay
I will make every effort possible to convince you to remain with me.

Keep you by my side (by my side, baby)
I want to ensure that you remain close to me and not go elsewhere.

'Cause I love you in such a way
The depth of my love for you is enormous and undeniable.

Your leaving would hurt my pride
If you choose to leave me, it would damage my self-esteem and confidence.

If you decide you want to go, I'll be in trouble
If you choose to leave me, it would be difficult for me to manage the emotional fallout.

I can't prepare myself and soul, I'll be in trouble
It is impossible for me to ready myself for the intense emotional distress I would feel if you left.

I'll Be In TroubleThe Temptations Lyrics

I'll Be In Trouble
The Temptations Lyrics