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.
IF You Don
The Temptations Lyrics
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I'm not trying to run your life
But you're never too old to learn, huh
Stop worrying about your neighbors and the fancy things they got
'Cause if you do you'll find it sure, you're gonna wind up on the spot
Don't let the Jones get you down, oh down
One more time
Don't let the Joneses
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
Woo, woo oh oh oh
Huh, you may not believe it but nine times out of ten it's true
The people you're trying to keep up with
Are trying to keep up too
Remember that old saying, all that glitters ain't gold
Take heed, don't ignore it until your money time will hold, oh
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
Hear me now, now
Don't let the Joneses
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
Who-har-har-who-who, who-har-har-do-do-do-do
You're lying to yourself but you don't even know it
You're so busy following the Joneses, you ain't got time to show it
Keeping up with the Joneses, it'll only makes your life a mess
Bill collectors, tranquilizers and getting deeper in debt
You better leave
The Joneses alone
Tell 'em one more time
You better leave, oh leave
The Joneses alone
Joneses got a new car today
Here's what you should say
Harray for the Joneses
Instead you worry till your whole head turns gray
Worry 'bout the Joneses
Remember it's their car and they're the ones who had to pay
So leave Jo-Jo-Joneses alone
Listen, your car might be old, but remember it never fails to get you where you want to go
Oh, don't let the Jones
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
Hear me now, now.
Don't let the Joneses
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
Do do do do do do
Do do do do do do
You're doing fine
Don't let the Joneses get you down
Now listen, if you see something you want and you know you can't afford it
The very next thing for you to do is start saving towards it
The Joneses have been a downfall for many persons, you see
So people, take my advice and let the Joneses be, ow
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
Hear me now, now
Don't let the Joneses
Don't let the Jones
Don't let the Joneses
Get you down, oh down
You're doing fine
Don't let the Joneses get you down. (Who)
You're doing fine
Don't let the Joneses get you down. (Who)
Do do do do do do
Do do do do do do
The Temptations song entitled "Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down" is a powerful anthem that encourages people to stop worrying about what their neighbors or the Joneses have and to stop trying to keep up with them. The song's lyrics stress that if one focuses solely on their neighbors' possessions, they can end up being in a financially difficult situation. Instead, they should focus on saving for what they want and not worrying about what others have. The message of the song is to appreciate what you have and not get too caught up in material possessions.
The underlying message of the song refers to the pressure individuals feel to keep up with their peers and neighbors. This pressure can often lead people to buy things they cannot afford, which can cause them financial difficulties in the long run. The song conveys that it's okay to have less and still be happy. One should focus on what they have and not what their neighbors have, as this is the recipe for true happiness.
Overall, The Temptations' song "Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down" is a powerful reminder for individuals to stay true to themselves, live within their means, and focus on their own goals and dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Ow, people gather round me, it's whom it may concern
The singer is addressing everyone who is listening
I'm not trying to run your life
The singer is not trying to control anyone's life
But you're never too old to learn, huh
The singer is offering advice and insight for listeners of any age
Stop worrying about your neighbors and the fancy things they got
Don't compare yourself to others and their material possessions
'Cause if you do you'll find it sure, you're gonna wind up on the spot
If you keep comparing yourself to others, you'll end up in a bad situation
Don't let the Jones, don't let the Jones
Don't compete with the Jones family
Don't let the Jones get you down, oh down
Don't let the Jones family's success ruin your happiness
Who-har-har-who-who, who-har-har-do-do-do-do
N/A
You may not believe it but nine times out of ten it's true
The artist believes that most of the time their advice is valid
The people you're trying to keep up with
The people you envy and compare yourself to
Are trying to keep up too
Those you compare yourself to are also trying to keep up with someone else
Remember that old saying, all that glitters ain't gold
Don't be fooled by appearances
Take heed, don't ignore it until your money time will hold, oh
Listen to the saying now, or your finances will suffer later
You're lying to yourself but you don't even know it
The singer believes that listeners are deceiving themselves
You're so busy following the Joneses, you ain't got time to show it
Listeners are too preoccupied with keeping up with their neighbors to see their own problems
Keeping up with the Joneses, it'll only makes your life a mess
Competing with your neighbors will only lead to a chaotic life
Bill collectors, tranquilizers and getting deeper in debt
Bills will pile up and anxiety will increase as you try to keep up with others' spending
You better leave
Stop
The Joneses alone
Don't worry about the Jones family
Joneses got a new car today
The Jones family bought a new car
Here's what you should say
The artist is offering advice on how to react to the Jones family's new purchase
Harray for the Joneses
Be happy for them
Instead you worry till your whole head turns gray
Don't worry to the point of causing stress and anxiety
Worry 'bout the Joneses
Don't worry about the Jones family
Remember it's their car and they're the ones who had to pay
The Jones family bought the car and paid for it themselves
So leave Jo-Jo-Joneses alone
Don't compare yourself to or worry about the Jones family
Listen, your car might be old, but remember it never fails to get you where you want to go
Be appreciative of what you have and what it can do for you
Do do do do do do
N/A
You're doing fine
You're doing well
Now listen, if you see something you want and you know you can't afford it
If you want something but can't afford it
The very next thing for you to do is start saving towards it
Start saving money to eventually afford the item
The Joneses have been a downfall for many persons, you see
The artist believes that the Jones family has caused a lot of harm
So people, take my advice and let the Joneses be, ow
The artist's advice is to not worry about or compare yourself to the Jones family
You're doing fine
You're doing well
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Levan Moore
This woman was underrated she’s a great singer it requires fantastic singing to sing with the temptations and hold your own
Rodney Harper
You got that right she's got the chops to do it thumbs up to you thanks
Antony Brown
I agree with you 100% She is totally underrated
bradly2007
Remembering those great days when Jean played all the clubs in Los Angeles and blew the roof off hitting those amazing notes in "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and numerous other magnificent performances, timeless legendary performance just about tops them all...Bravo Jean, love and miss you in LA!
Rory O'Neill
You cannot mistake Jean Carns voice for anybody else, just a superstar, sadly missed but left a great legacy of music for all of us soul fans to enjoy. Thank you Jean, God bless you.
james sturgissr
1-6-2019 i'm just reading this comment but, Jean Carn is alive and well living in the Atlanta Ga. area. FACT.... and more FACT
Antony Brown
@james sturgissr I was going to say the same thing she is still alive she is 73 years old
Michael Karlsson
Jean Carne was probably the most underrated singer in Soul and R&B history despite that everyone knew her unique, world class legendary and soulful voice range. This is the best cover version and no other even comes close. Not even Patti Labelle. I love your music and your voice and your music will lives on forever and always. R.I.P. God bless you.
W. Walter Watson
I believe Jean is still with us. I searched the internet and there are no death notices, only updates about shows, etc.
Robert Harlan
@W. Walter Watson Of course you are correct. I don't know what this guy is thinking.