IF You Don
The Temptations Lyrics


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Ow, people gather round me, it's whom it may concern
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, don't let the Jones
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

Overall Meaning

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
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Comments from YouTube:

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.

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