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 Feel Good
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You made a fool out of someone
(Out of someone)
You thought love was true
(Just having fun)
And oh, why do you wanna make me blue?
After all, I've been good to you
(I've been good to you)
Oh, yes I have
And I recall the time
You needed somebody and I made you mine
You needed a friend
So I took you in and treated you so kind
And oh, why do you wanna make me blue?
After after all, I've been good to you
(I've been good to you)
Oh, yes I have
And you know I've always been around
And I never, never, never let you down
And now you're telling me that you must go
You know that you're hurting me so
But there, there come a time
One day, one day, one day you gonna wake up and find
You'll come back to me on your bending knee
And you're gonna be crying
And oh, believe me, what I say it true, baby
After all, Lord I've been good to you
(I've been good to you)
Everyday and every way
(I've been good to you)
You know, you know, you know, baby
I've been so good
(I've been good to you)
The Temptations’ “I’ve Been Good to You” is a song about heartbreak and betrayal. The lyrics describe a romantic relationship where one person has taken the other for granted, despite the other person being supportive, caring, and faithful. The song captures the betrayal, hurt, and disappointment felt by the person who has been let down. The lyrics emphasize the sacrifices made and the care given, but still, the partner chooses to leave without any remorse.
The song starts with a sad tone, “Look what you’ve done, you made a fool out of someone…” It is clear that the singer trusted and believed in their partner, only to be disappointed in the end. Later in the song, the singer reminisces about the moments when they were there for the partner, saying, “You needed somebody and I made you mine... So I took you in and treated you so kind.” The lyrics are honest, raw, and emotional. The singer laments the fact that after being so good to the partner, they have been left alone.
Moreover, the lyrics also suggest that the partner may eventually regret leaving their loving partner. The lines “One day, one day, one day you gonna wake up and find, You'll come back to me on your bending knee” indicate that the partner will eventually recognize their mistake, but it will be too late. The singer emphasizes that despite what happens, they will always be there for their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Look what you've done
You have made a fool of yourself and hurt me in the process.
You made a fool out of someone
You have made a fool of me through your actions, despite my love for you.
(Out of someone)
Reinforcement of how I feel foolish due to your actions.
You thought love was true
You were under the impression that we had a genuine, loving relationship.
And found out that you were just having fun
You have come to the realization that you were only seeking enjoyment and not true love in our relationship.
And oh, why do you wanna make me blue?
Why would you purposely choose to make me feel sad and down?
After all, I've been good to you
Despite your behavior, I have treated you with kindness and love.
(I've been good to you)
Restatement of the fact that I have been a good partner to you.
Oh, yes I have
Emphasis on how I have been good to you despite your actions.
And I recall the time
I remember a specific moment in our past.
You needed somebody and I made you mine
When you were in need of a partner, I stepped up and became yours.
You needed a friend
During a difficult period, you required emotional support.
So I took you in and treated you so kind
I provided you with care and compassion during your time of need.
And you know I've always been around
I have consistently been present in your life.
And I never, never, never let you down
I have always been a reliable partner and have not failed you.
And now you're telling me that you must go
You have expressed to me that our relationship must end.
You know that you're hurting me so
You are fully aware that your actions are causing me emotional pain.
But there, there come a time
At some point in the future, a change will occur.
One day, one day, one day you gonna wake up and find
Eventually, you will realize the mistakes you have made.
You'll come back to me on your bending knee
You will return to me, humbly apologizing for your past behavior.
And you're gonna be crying
You will be expressing strong emotions of regret and sorrow.
And oh, believe me, what I say it true, baby
I am telling you the honest truth.
After all, Lord I've been good to you
Despite your behavior, I have remained a loving and supportive partner.
(I've been good to you)
Restatement of the fact that I have been a good partner to you.
Everyday and every way
Consistently throughout our relationship.
You know, you know, you know, baby
Reinforcement of the fact that you are fully aware of how I have treated you.
I've been so good
I have been an exceptionally good partner to you, in spite of how you have treated me.
(I've been good to you)
Restatement of the fact that I have been a good partner to you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GO GETTER
SONG written by Rude Boys (JOE LITTLE) AND THE LATE GERALD LEVERT ONE OF MY FAVORITE CUTS OFF THIS ALBUM