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.
Impossible Dream
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
This is my quest to follow that star
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march
Into hell for a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world (and the world) will be better for this (the world will be better for this)
That one man (just one man) scorned and covered with scars (scorned and covered with scars)
Still strove (he still strove) with his last ounce of courage (with his very last ounce of courage)
To reach (to reach) the unreachable star (the unreachable star)
To fight (oh to fight) the unbeatable foe (the unbeatable foe)
To dream the impossible dream
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
To fight the unbeatable foe
To dream the impossible dream
The Temptations’ song “The Impossible Dream” speaks to the innermost desires and goals of the human spirit. The lyrics of the song inspire listeners to pursue their dreams despite the insurmountable challenges that may come their way. The song's opening verses introduce listeners to a series of impossible tasks that require one to exhibit courage and perseverance. From fighting an unbeatable foe to running where the brave dare not go, the song exhorts listeners not to give up when faced with difficult situations to reach for the impossible.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the “impossible dream” is a metaphor for chasing a cause or living with a special purpose. As the singer declares, “This is my quest to follow that star no matter how hopeless or how far,” he speaks about the importance of living a life devoted to a higher purpose, even when the world seems hopeless. He argues that by pursuing the impossible, we can unlock the potential to create a better and more just world. The song ultimately links the pursuit of the impossible dream to a commitment to live a life of sacrifice and devotion to a noble cause.
Line by Line Meaning
To dream the impossible dream
I strive to attain what seems impossible
To fight the unbeatable foe
I want to defeat the unbeatable enemy
To bear with unbearable sorrow
I am ready to accept even the most difficult of sorrows
To run where the brave dare not go
I am brave enough to go where others dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
I strive to correct what others believe is impossible to correct
To love pure and chaste from afar
I have a deep and pure love that is distant
To try when your arms are too weary
I continue to strive even when my strength is failing
To reach the unreachable star
I am trying to achieve what is impossible to achieve
This is my quest to follow that star
My mission in life is to pursue this impossible dream
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
I will not be discouraged by how impossible the dream may seem
To fight for the right
I am committed to fighting for what is right
Without question or pause
I will fight without hesitation or doubt
To be willing to march
I am ready and willing to put in the work and effort required
Into hell for a heavenly cause
I will endure even the most painful experiences to achieve my goal
And I know if I'll only be true
I believe that as long as I stay true to myself,
To this glorious quest
and stay the course for this impossible dream,
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
then I will be at peace in my heart even after I am gone
When I'm laid to my rest
after I die
And the world (and the world) will be better for this (the world will be better for this)
The world will benefit from my struggle and effort
That one man (just one man) scorned and covered with scars (scorned and covered with scars)
Even if I am rejected and pay a heavy price
Still strove (he still strove) with his last ounce of courage (with his very last ounce of courage)
I will still persist with everything I have
To reach (to reach) the unreachable star (the unreachable star)
to achieve an impossible dream
To fight (oh to fight) the unbeatable foe (the unbeatable foe)
and to overcome an undefeatable enemy
To dream the impossible dream
This is my dream - to achieve what others believe is impossible
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joe Darion, Mitchell Leigh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind