I Second That Emotion
The Temptations Lyrics


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Maybe you'll wanna give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat.
And maybe you'll go away and never call,
And a taste of honey is worse that none at all.
Oh little girl!

In that case I don't want nobody
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
If you got the notion,
I second that emotion.
So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion.

Maybe you'll think that love will tie you down
And you don't have the time to hang around.
Or maybe you'll think that love will make us fools,
And so it makes you wise to break the rules.
Oh little girl!

In that case I don't want nobody
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
If you got the notion,
I second that emotion.
So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion.

In that case I don't want nobody
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
If you got the notion,
I second that emotion.




So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion.

Overall Meaning

The Temptations' "I Second That Emotion" is a love song that describes the uncertainties and hesitations in a relationship. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that the girl he wants may only want a short-term fling without any attachments. He knows that "a taste of honey is worse than none at all," but he still can't help but want her anyway. He urges her to love him, but only if she's in it for the long haul with "a lifetime of devotion."


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I second that emotion," which is a common term used in parliamentary procedure to show support for a statement. The singer is essentially saying that he supports and agrees with the girl's feelings if she decides to love him for a lifetime.


Overall, the song is about the fear of getting hurt and the uncertainty that comes with falling in love. The singer wants love and is willing to take a chance on it, but only if it's the real deal with devotion and commitment.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe you'll wanna give me kisses sweet
Perhaps you'll show temporary affection towards me


But only for one night with no repeat.
But it will be a transient interaction without any future prospects


And maybe you'll go away and never call,
And subsequently, you might depart without maintaining any communication


And a taste of honey is worse than none at all.
Thus, any fleeting moments of happiness will eventually be regrettable


Oh little girl!
An expression of sadness or frustration towards the situation


In that case I don't want nobody
If that's how things are going to be, I don't want anyone


I do believe that that would only break my heart
It is my perception that such actions would only hurt me emotionally


Oh, but if you feel like lovin' me
However, if you do have genuine feelings for me


If you got the notion,
If you have a strong urge or desire


I second that emotion.
I wholeheartedly support your decision to love me


So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
Therefore, if you are willing to commit to me for the rest of our lives


I second that emotion.
I give my full endorsement to that choice




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALFRED CLEVELAND, ALFRED W CLEVELAND, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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