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 Gotta Know Now
The Temptations Lyrics
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Just me and you, girl.
Everything is going our way.
But I know there's gonna come a day.
When you're gonna meet somebody new.
And he'll tell that his love is true.
Remember I'm your man, while he's holding your hand.
That I love you so and I, I, I gotta know
If his words are sweet and tender will your heart surrender.
I gotta know now, yeah, right now.
If he bought you silks and lace would he soon take my place?
I gotta know now, yeah, right now.
I'm not putting our love to the test.
But I want to do what's best.
Either you will or you won't or you do or you don't.
But I love you so, and I, I gotta know.
One more thing,
When I'm old and gray, will you love me the same way.
I gotta know now, yeah, right now.
When the chips are down, will you still be around.
I gotta know now, yeah, right now.
No need in carryin' on.
If our love will soon be gone.
Will you turn and go when I need you so.
Tell me the truth.
Cause I, I, I gotta know.
I, I, I gotta know now, right now, right now, right now
I, I, I gotta know now, oh I gotta know now, baby.
The Temptations' song "I Gotta Know Now" is a soulful and somewhat anxious ballad about a man's fear of losing his love to another man. The song highlights the insecurity felt in relationships that are seemingly perfect in the present but contain the fear of an uncertain future. As the song progresses, the singer reveals his worries about what could happen if his love encounters someone else, and he feels that he has to know what's on her mind. He requests total honesty from her, even if it means the end of the relationship, as he believes it is better to know the truth and deal with it now than to carry on in uncertainty.
The lyrics of the song raise some very relevant questions about relationships, and the doubts and worries that can creep in. The fear of losing someone we love is a universal fear that everyone can relate to, and the singer expresses it so passionately. He seems to suggest that relationships are not just about the present; they also require some level of trust and commitment to a future where things might not always be as charming as they are in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
Right now we're sitting on top of the world.
We're currently in a great place in our relationship.
Just me and you, girl.
It's just the two of us together.
Everything is going our way.
Our lives and relationship are going well.
But I know there's gonna come a day.
I'm aware that in the future something may change.
When you're gonna meet somebody new.
You'll meet someone else.
And he'll tell that his love is true.
He'll profess his love for you.
Remember I'm your man, while he's holding your hand.
Keep in mind that I'm still here for you, even if someone else is there.
That I love you so and I, I, I gotta know
I want to make sure that our love is still strong.
If his words are sweet and tender will your heart surrender.
If he says all the right things, will you fall for him?
If he bought you silks and lace would he soon take my place?
If he lavishes you with gifts, would he replace me in your heart?
I'm not putting our love to the test.
I'm not trying to make things difficult between us.
But I want to do what's best.
I just want to do what's right for us.
Either you will or you won't or you do or you don't.
You'll either love me or you won't.
One more thing,
There's something else I need to ask.
When I'm old and gray, will you love me the same way.
Will you still love me when we're both old?
When the chips are down, will you still be around.
Will you stand by me when things get tough?
No need in carryin' on.
There's no point in continuing if our love won't last.
If our love will soon be gone.
If our love is going to end.
Will you turn and go when I need you so.
Will you leave me when I need you the most?
Tell me the truth.
Just be honest with me.
Cause I, I, I gotta know.
I really need to know the answer to these questions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind