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'm A Bachelor
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a bachelor - I've got to speak my voice
Listen here...
I've been a lot of places in my lifetime
I've had a lot of women that I thought was mine - many times
There's not many things in life that I won't do - naw
That I'm a bachelor...It's not by choice
I'm a bachelor - I've got to speak my voice
Well...
I really want a girl I can bring my money to - yes I do
And do all the things that the sweet thing wants me to - yeah
But I'm not rushing, I'm taking it one step at a time
Cause when I find that girl, she'll know that she's mine
Until I do, I'm a bachelor...It's not by choice - naw
I'm a bachelor - I've got to speak my voice
(I want bachelors all over the world to say it with me)
I'm a bachelor (I'm a bachelor)...It's not by choice - Say it again
I'm a bachelor (I'm a bachelor) - I've got to speak my voice - yeah
Don't want nobody to feel sorry for me - naw
I ain't askin' for no charity
Ain't got but one goal, just one goal in life
I wanna be happy, and find myself a wife
Until I do, I'm a bachelor (I'm a bachelor)...But not by choice - naw
(I'm) I'm a bachelor (I'm a bachelor) - I've got to speak my voice
Sometimes it makes me wanna...
Woo eww eww, (well) dih dih dih dihhh
Woo eww eww, I can't help myself
Woo eww eww, dih dih dih dihhh
Woo eww eww
I'm a bachelor
All of you married men
I envy you (yes I do, yes I do)
I wish I was married too - yes I do
All of you married men
I envy you (yes I do, yes I do)
I wish I was married too - yes I do
Heyyy
Woo eww eww, dih dih dih dihhh
Woo eww eww, dih dih dih dihhh
The Temptations' "I'm A Bachelor" is a song about a man who is single and looking for love. He talks about his past experiences with women and how he's still looking for the right one. He's not in a rush, and he wants to take things one step at a time until he finds the girl he's meant to be with. The lyrics convey that despite his loneliness, being a bachelor is not a choice he made out of preference or because he wants to avoid commitment. The song also implies that being single has its ups and downs but ultimately, he wants to find happiness with someone he can love.
The song's refrain "I'm a bachelor" is repeated several times, emphasizing the singer's single status. The song speaks to the struggles of single life and the desire for companionship, something many people can relate to. The use of "woo eww eww" in the hook is also notable as it adds a playful and catchy element to the song.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was written and produced by Norman Whitfield, who produced much of The Temptations' music in the 60s and 70s. Whitfield was known for incorporating social and political commentary into his music, but "I'm A Bachelor" is a departure from that. It was meant to be a light-hearted and fun song.
Another interesting fact is that the song was released in 1967, at the height of the sexual revolution and the feminist movement. It can be seen as a response to the changing norms around relationships and marriage during that time.
In terms of the music, the song features the classic Motown sound with a catchy bassline, guitar riffs, and soulful vocals. The use of the horns adds a festive element to the song that complements the playful lyrics.
The chords for the song are as follows:
Intro: G7
Verse: G7, C7, G7, D7
Chorus: G7, F7, C7, D7
Overall, "I'm A Bachelor" is a catchy and fun song that speaks to the universal desire for love and companionship. It stands out in The Temptations' repertoire as a departure from their usual social commentary but remains a beloved classic.
Interesting facts:
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a bachelor...It's not by choice
Being a bachelor is not something I actively chose
I'm a bachelor - I've got to speak my voice
I want to express how I feel about my life as a bachelor
I've been a lot of places in my lifetime
I have had many life experiences
I've had a lot of women that I thought was mine - many times
I have been in relationships with many women, but none have lasted
There's not many things in life that I won't do - naw
I am open to trying new things and living my life to the fullest
But I'm still a lonely man, and I've got to tell you
Despite my experiences, I still feel lonely and want more in my life
I really want a girl I can bring my money to - yes I do
I want a partner to share my life and resources with
And do all the things that the sweet thing wants me to - yeah
I am willing to compromise and do what my partner wants to make them happy
But I'm not rushing, I'm taking it one step at a time
I am being patient in my search for love and not rushing into anything
Cause when I find that girl, she'll know that she's mine
When I find the right person for me, I will know and they will know that we belong together
Until I do, I'm a bachelor...It's not by choice - naw
I will continue to be a bachelor until I find the right person, but it's not because I want to be
Don't want nobody to feel sorry for me - naw
I don't want pity from anyone for my single status
I ain't askin' for no charity
I don't want anyone to give me anything out of pity
Ain't got but one goal, just one goal in life
My only goal in life is to be happy with a partner
I wanna be happy, and find myself a wife
I want to find love and companionship to achieve happiness
Sometimes it makes me wanna...
My desire for love can be overwhelming at times
All of you married men
I am envious of those who have found love and marriage
I wish I was married too - yes I do
I want to have a partner and be married like those I envy
Woo eww eww, (well) dih dih dih dihhh
Vocal expression of my longing and frustration
Contributed by Jordyn H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.