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 Hear A Symphony
The Temptations Lyrics
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For a feeling that's so new, so inviting, so exciting
Whenever you are near, I hear a symphony
A tender melody pulling me closer, closer to your arms
Then suddenly, oh, your lips are touching mine
A feeling so divine 'til I leave the past behind
I'm lost in a world made for you and me
Ev'ry time your lips meet mine my baby
Baby, baby, I feel a joy within
Don't let this feeling end
Let it go on and on and on now baby
Baby, baby, those tears that fill my eyes
I care not for myself but for those
Who've never felt the joy we've felt
Whenever you are near
I hear a symphony each time you speak to me
I hear a tender rhapsody of love, love
Baby, baby, as you stand up holding me
Whispering how much you care
A thousand violins fill the air now
Baby, baby, don't let this moment end
Keep standing close to me
Oh so close to me, baby, baby
Baby, baby, I hear a symphony, a tender melody
Ah it goes on and on
The Temptations' classic song "I Hear A Symphony" is a tender love ballad that expresses the adoration the singer has for their partner. Throughout the verses, the singer expresses gratitude for the love they have been given, describing it as "so new, so inviting, so exciting." The chorus is where the title of the song comes to life, as the singer lyrically describes how their partner's presence or touch feels like a symphony playing sweet and tender melodies. The singer expresses the strength of their love by emphasizing how they feel lost in a world made for only them, and how the presence of their partner fills them with joy they do not want to let end.
The song's message is one of love, gratitude, and admiration. The singer is thankful for the affection they have received and marvels at the power their partner has over them. The power is so intense that it feels like an orchestral arrangement playing sweet, emotional music every time the singer is near their partner. The song's emotional weight and brilliant delivery are what make it a timeless classic that captures the essence of love.
Line by Line Meaning
You've given me a true love and ev'ry day I thank you love
I am grateful for the true love you have given me, and I express my gratitude to you every day.
For a feeling that's so new, so inviting, so exciting
The feeling of being loved by you is fresh, alluring, and exhilarating.
Whenever you are near, I hear a symphony
Your mere presence makes me feel ecstatic and overwhelmed with emotion, as if I am listening to beautiful orchestral music.
A tender melody pulling me closer, closer to your arms
Your presence evokes a beautiful melody that draws me towards you, making me want to be closer to you and wrapped in your loving embrace.
Then suddenly, oh, your lips are touching mine
Our sudden kiss is an amazing and heavenly experience.
A feeling so divine 'til I leave the past behind
Our kiss is such a divine, spiritual experience that it makes me unable to focus on anything other than the present moment with you, forgetting everything else behind us.
I'm lost in a world made for you and me
I feel as if I am in an enchanted world, meant for just you and me, lost in each other's love.
Baby, baby, I feel a joy within
The love we share fills me with pure joy.
Don't let this feeling end
I don't want this overwhelming feeling of love to ever come to an end.
Baby, baby, those tears that fill my eyes
Even though I cry tears of joy, I am not crying for myself but for those who have never experienced such a beautiful love as ours.
I care not for myself but for those
Who've never felt the joy we've felt
I am concerned for those who have not experienced the same level of love and joy that we share together, and wish they could feel it too.
I hear a symphony each time you speak to me
Your spoken words have the same effect on me as beautiful music, filling me with a sense of awe and wonder.
I hear a tender rhapsody of love, love
Your words are imbued with a tender passion for love that touches me deeply.
Whispering how much you care
A thousand violins fill the air now
As you whisper words of love and care to me, it feels like thousands of violins are playing in the background, adding to the intensity of our moment together.
Keep standing close to me
Oh so close to me, baby, baby
Please continue staying so close to me, holding me tight, and never letting go.
Ah it goes on and on
This feeling of love and joy is endless and will go on forever.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Jr. Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind