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 Doing It All
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you and I should ever break up
Said I'd never be weak enough to break down
And speak of a chance that we might make up
But I'm doing it all now baby, doing it all
Yes, I'm doing it all now baby, doing it all
To make sure, oh, that you never, never, never, never, never leave me
Don't leave me, don't leave me
Said that extra things that takes to make a woman sure
That a man's love is really true
Well, the thing's that I was too strong of a guy
To ever break down and do
But I'm doing it all now, baby, doing it all
Yes, I'm doing it all now, baby, doing it all
To make sure, oh, that you never, never, never, never, never leave me
Please don't ever, ever, ever, ever, ever leave me
(Don't leave me)
Baby
(Don't leave me)
[Incomprehensible]
Yes I am on, ooh babe, yes I am on
The Temptations’ song “I'm Doing It All” is a soulful and emotional ballad that speaks about the singer's commitment towards making sure that his lover never leaves him. The song starts with the singer mentioning the promises he made to himself about never giving up on the relationship and never becoming weak and breaking down while talking about the possibility of a break-up. The singer then goes on to say that he is now doing all the things that he said he was too strong to do before, putting in every extra effort to prove his love and commitment to his partner.
The lyrics of the song are an expression of the singer's deep desire and commitment towards his partner. He is willing to do anything and everything to ensure that his partner never leaves him. The repetition of the phrase “never, never, never, never, never leave me” emphasizes the singer's desperation and determination to hold on to the relationship.
Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of love and commitment, and the singer's vulnerability and honesty about his struggles to keep the relationship intact make it all the more relatable and emotional.
Line by Line Meaning
Said I would never be the one to give up us
I once promised to hold onto our relationship no matter what
If you and I should ever break up
In case our romantic connection falls apart
Said I'd never be weak enough to break down
I thought I was strong enough to never cry about it or want to get back together
And speak of a chance that we might make up
And never mentioned anything about the possibility of reconciling with each other
But I'm doing it all now baby, doing it all
But now, I'm putting in all the effort and willingness to do anything to win you back
To make sure, oh, that you never, never, never, never, never leave me
I'm trying my best to make sure that you won't ever leave me
Please don't ever, ever, ever, ever, ever leave me
I'm begging you to stay with me forever
Said that extra things that takes to make a woman sure
I previously believed that women needed certain things to be convinced of the authenticity of a man's love
That a man's love is really true
To confirm that my affection towards you is genuine
Well, the thing's that I was too strong of a guy
I used to think that being strong meant not giving in or showing vulnerability
To ever break down and do
Which is why I never allowed myself to display any signs of weakness or submission
Baby
Darling
[Incomprehensible]
Unintelligible
Yes I am on, ooh babe, yes I am on
I am determined and fully invested in this pursuit of keeping us together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CORNELIUS GRANT, EDDIE J. KENDRICK, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tinamariarandez
Any song eddie sings is good!!
Norma J.
Thanks for sharing this gem with us.
C 5200
TNR-vintage. The Temps doing it well as usual. ✌ ☺
Mark Rauson
Despite the problems the temptations had in their lives strong singing group
rollerchickable
THE TEMPTATIONS AT THERE BEST SING IT EDDIE , LOVE YOU AND I MISS ALL THE TEMPTS. THAT GOD CALL HOME .
Darryl Pope
This song was done for the “With A Lot O’ Soul” album; but it didn’t make the cut.
Jean R
Were a lot of tracks that are on the Emperors of Soul Box set not released until the box set itself was released? For ex. 'I Got Heaven Right Here on Earth' lead by David. Was that song released on a vinyl or just shelved until release of the boxset?
Ujima Jame
Shelved until the release of the box set. But the quality of some of the stuff they had on the shelf was better than some of the product other companies were putting out at that time!
Ray Boyles:xudu yxu uuhcsdhxdx:: hcuux
I love this song should have made the cut!
Mark Rauson
This song I'm doing it all had this potential to sell lots of copies had a lots of soul to do so, ,,