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 Need Your Lovin
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Da da da da da da da ho ho
You say you gonna leave me, for the arms of another.
You say my love for you is no good and we can't go any further.
But have pity on me.
I was blind but know I see.
Stay with me and never walk out of my life.
Because,
Oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin')
Oh, oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin', baby)
in spite of all the wrong I've done, I'll make it up to ya.
Even if it takes all my life, I'll prove my love to ya.
So please don't go away.
With me always stay, 'cause I love you.
And I couldn't stand it being away, girl.
Oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin')
Oh, oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin', baby)
Girl, restore the faith you had in me.
I'm beggin' you down on my knees.
Please don't take your love from me.
Don't leave me, don't leave.
Forgive this fool, for causing your heart to suffer.
Remember two wrongs don't make a right, it'll only make things tougher.
So have little sympathy, on a poor fool like me.
And stay with me, please don't walk out of my life.
Because
Oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin')
Oh, oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin', baby)
Oh baby, baby, baby. (I need your lovin')
Oh, woo, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin', baby)
Oh oh oh (I need your lovin')
I need your lovin' baby, baby, baby. (I need your lovin', baby)
Oh, woo, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin')
I need it, I need it.
The Temptations’ “I Need Your Lovin’” is a love song about a man pleading with his partner not to leave him for someone else. The lyrics portray the desperation of a man who realizes that he has made several wrongs, but he is now willing to do anything to make things right. The phrase “Da da da da da da ho” creates a call-and-response pattern, with the lead singer calling while the other members respond with “ho.” The song’s bassline is simple and funky, which is typical of Motown’s signature sound.
The song’s first verse talks about the woman leaving him for another person. The man acknowledges that he has done wrong, but he wants another chance. He begs her not to leave him but instead to stay with him forever. The chorus reiterates that he needs her love, and even though he has made mistakes, he will do anything to prove his love to her. The second verse opens with the man begging the woman to restore her faith in him. He admits that he was foolish and caused her hurt, but he would make it right. The song ends with a plea for forgiveness and a request not to leave him.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you gonna leave me, for the arms of another.
You have told me that you are leaving me for someone else.
You say my love for you is no good and we can't go any further.
You claim that my love for you is insufficient and that we cannot continue our relationship.
But have pity on me.
Please take mercy on me.
I was blind but know I see.
I was unaware of my mistakes, but now I understand what I did wrong.
Stay with me and never walk out of my life.
Please remain with me always and never abandon our relationship.
Because,
My next statement gives the reason why I need you to stay.
Oh, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin')
I require your love and affection.
in spite of all the wrong I've done, I'll make it up to ya.
Despite the mistakes I have made, I promise to make it up to you.
Even if it takes all my life, I'll prove my love to ya.
I will do anything to demonstrate my love for you, even if it takes the remainder of my life.
So please don't go away.
I am asking you to stay with me.
With me always stay, 'cause I love you.
Please remain with me always because I love you.
And I couldn't stand it being away, girl.
I would not be able to endure separation from you.
Girl, restore the faith you had in me.
Please renew your trust in me.
I'm beggin' you down on my knees.
I am pleading with you, even to the point of kneeling.
Please don't take your love from me.
Please do not withdraw your love from me.
Don't leave me, don't leave.
Please do not abandon me.
Forgive this fool, for causing your heart to suffer.
Please, pardon me for making you endure pain.
Remember two wrongs don't make a right, it'll only make things tougher.
Recall that two mistakes do not correct a situation and will only exacerbate the issue.
So have little sympathy, on a poor fool like me.
So, please do not be too hard on an unfortunate individual like myself.
And stay with me, please don't walk out of my life.
Please stay with me and do not terminate our relationship.
Oh baby, baby, baby. (I need your lovin')
Oh, my love, my love, my love. I require your love and affection.
Oh, woo, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin', baby)
Oh, I really need your love and affection, darling.
Oh oh oh (I need your lovin')
Oh, I need your love and affection.
I need your lovin' baby, baby, baby. (I need your lovin', baby)
I require your love and affection, my darling.
Oh, woo, I need your lovin'. (I need your lovin')
Oh, I truly need your love and affection.
I need it, I need it.
I desperately need your love and affection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FREDERICK PAUL GORDON, VINCENT F. BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Majeedah Shabazz
Paul in the background also added great soul to this song! He sounded wonderful! I love the background!
Alexandra Dillard
You can clearly hear Paul on this one!
Ron Patton
One of the best bass lines ever played.
Clarence Henley
Ron Patton true that!!
Chris Gibbons
I almost manage to play parts of it 😮
Danny Navarez
One of theTemps best song.Eddie was their best singer no doubt.
Tanika Carswell
When Eddie Kendrick’s says “Cause I love youuuuu” Literally sends chills up my spine
jeffrey conyers
The only soul group that could honor all lead singers' material on a box set.
Clarence Henley
The baseline is so amazing, James Jameson the man!!!
rollerchickable
I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH THANK YOU FOR SHARING, EDDIE AT HIS BEST, RIP ALL OF MY TEMPTATIONS THAT GOD HAVE CALL HOME, GOD BLESS OTIS WILLIAMS.