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 The Exception To The Rule
The Temptations Lyrics
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A new heart to break and leave feeling blue
For you're a handsome guy
Girls just can't pass you by
I'm the exception to the rule
I know you think I'm just acting the part
Of the girl with the cold, cold heart
And it won't take long for you to capture me
With your innocent but meaningful plea
But you won't capture me
I'm the exception to the rule
You tell me
Darling that's where you're wrong
That your love for me is, oh so strong
That you will soon, very soon make me give in
I know that nine girls out of every ten
Wants you to be their man
But there I am again
That one in ten
So it's useless for you to try and change me
Because I won't give in, my friend
You could fool all the girls with your lies
About you being so sweet and kind
But oh no, not me
I'm the exception to the rule
Give it up
I'm the one you can't fool
I'm the one
I'm the exception to the rule
Give it up
I'm the one you can't fool
I'm the one
The exception to the rule
Give it up
I'm the one you can't fool
I'm the one
I'm the one you can't fool
In "I'm The Exception To The Rule," The Temptations sing about a woman who has no interest in the charms of the male subject of the song. The man is depicted as a ladies' man who cannot seem to keep a relationship going for very long. However, the woman here claims that she is the exception to the rule and that she will not be another heart that he breaks. She is well aware of his reputation and is not convinced that he is genuinely interested in her. She insists that she will not give in to his "innocent but meaningful plea" and remain true to herself, regardless of his efforts to change her mind.
The lyrics of "I'm The Exception To The Rule" reflect the importance of personal boundaries and the decision to resist the charms of someone who may not have the best intentions. The woman in this song is proud to be different and has the strength to stand up for herself and not be swayed by popular opinion. The song ultimately suggests that being true to oneself is the most important thing, even when faced with peer pressure to act differently.
Line by Line Meaning
Each day you've got someone new
You change lovers every day
A new heart to break and leave feeling blue
You leave your former lovers heartbroken and sad
For you're a handsome guy
You are an attractive man
Girls just can't pass you by
Women find you irresistible
But I can, my friend
But I am not like other women, I can resist you
I'm the exception to the rule
I am the one who can resist your charms
I know you think I'm just acting the part
You believe I am pretending to not be interested
Of the girl with the cold, cold heart
You believe I am unemotional and hard-hearted
And it won't take long for you to capture me
You think you can win me over easily
With your innocent but meaningful plea
You believe your words are convincing and genuine
But you won't capture me
But you won't win my heart
You tell me
You try to convince me
Darling that's where you're wrong
But you are mistaken
That your love for me is, oh so strong
You claim you love me deeply
That you will soon, very soon make me give in
You believe you will soon win me over
I know that nine girls out of every ten
Most women are unable to resist you
Wants you to be their man
Most women desire a relationship with you
But there I am again
But I am different from the rest
That one in ten
I am part of the minority who is not interested
So it's useless for you to try and change me
Your attempts to change my mind are futile
Because I won't give in, my friend
Because I am firm in my decision to resist you
You could fool all the girls with your lies
Your lies may deceive most women
About you being so sweet and kind
Your deception about your personality being sweet and kind may work on others
But oh no, not me
But I am not fooled by you
Give it up
You need to give up trying to win me over
I'm the one you can't fool
I am not easily deceived by your tactics
I'm the one
I am the exception to your usual success
The exception to the rule
I am the one who is not interested in you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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Norma J.
Every time I listen to this song it sounds new again, Dennis and Eddie really put their all in this one, goosebumps all over again.
Can't understand why anyone would put a thumbs down to this gem:(
lexious jordan
Brings back some great memories. Awesome. There will never be another group like the Temptations.
Sharon Mayo
Never!
Marius Allen
So unrated I just don't understand it
Dino fox
This was my favorite album by the Temps. So many, and I owned every one. This one was fantastic then less than a year later came "Solid Rock" "1990"" A song for You" These guy were smoking, they had taking it to a new level. The complex harmonies were different than earlier albums.
Nicholas Smith
Norman Whitfield was one hell of a producer! What a totally complete package all in all. There will never be an even close to such ever again; production, musicianship, and of course vocally! Bless to have been a part of such a wonderful era!
Norma J.
I don't know what it is about this song that makes me want to play it over and over every time I listen to it. I am so sorry it's not one of Temptations longer songs, that part where Dennis "rolls" out with the drums just blows my mind every time!
Carl Felton
I have always loved this song, Eddie and Dennis doing their thing. A nice Gem tucked away on the "Sky's the Limit" album.
Ronald Prater
You are so right
Ujima Jame
Don't forget Otis' spoken vocals at the beginning.