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.
Isn't She Pretty
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
Oh, isn't she a doll (She's a doll, now)
Uh huh, she's so fine. (So fine)
Gee, I wish she was mine.
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
She's the kind of girl all of my life, now.
I wanted it, to be my wife.
Because
She's got it, without a doubt.
She really knocks me out.
I can't do without her love.
Oh
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
Oh, isn't she a doll? (Hey, she's a natural doll, now)
"Oh do you know, you know you're a pretty little thing?"
"I really want to be your man."
"No, no, no, do you know why?"
"Why?"
"You ain't got just what it takes."
Oh
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
Oh, isn't she a doll (Hey, she's a natural doll, now)
Every time she comes near me.
My words just-a disappear.
Here she comes now.
Jus' the walk.
Listen to her sweet, sweet talk.
I can't do without her love.
Oh
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
Oh, isn't she a doll (She's a doll, now)
She, so fine, so fine, so fine.
I, I wish she were mine, all mine.
She, so fine, so fine, so fine.
I, I wish she were mine, all mine.
She, so fine, so fine, so fine.
I, I wish she were mine, all mine.
The Temptations' hit "Isn't She Pretty" is a classic R&B love song that expresses the singer's admiration for a beautiful girl. The song opens with a repetitive "Oh, isn't she pretty" line emphasizing the captivating nature of the girl's beauty. The singer then admits that he wishes the girl was his and highlights her qualities that make her a perfect partner. The song is an ode to the girl's beauty, charm, and the effect she has on the singer.
The chorus of the song is followed by a conversation in the bridge between the singer and the girl. The singer compliments the girl's beauty and says he wants to be her man, but he soon realizes that he lacks what it takes to win her over. This interaction heightens the tension and adds a layer of realism to the song's romantic theme.
Overall, "Isn't She Pretty" is a catchy and upbeat love song that celebrates a girl's beauty while also expressing the emotional conflict experienced by the singer because of his feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh
The singer is excited and captivated by the girl he is describing
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
He finds her stunningly beautiful
Oh, isn't she a doll (She's a doll, now)
He thinks of her as an irresistible, perfect girl
Uh huh, she's so fine. (So fine)
He is repeating how attractive he finds her
Gee, I wish she was mine.
He wishes that she was his girlfriend
She's the kind of girl all of my life, now.
He has always dreamed of meeting someone like her
I wanted it, to be my wife.
He wants to spend the rest of his life with her and marry her
Because
There is a specific reason he is so captivated by her
She's got it, without a doubt.
He believes that she is incredibly attractive and charming
She really knocks me out.
He is overwhelmed by her beauty and personality
I can't do without her love.
He loves her deeply and cannot imagine life without her
Oh, isn't she pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, ah pretty, pretty
He is again admiring her beauty
Oh, isn't she a doll? (Hey, she's a natural doll, now)
He loves everything about her and cannot believe how perfect she is
"Oh do you know, you know you're a pretty little thing?"
He is telling the girl how he feels about her
"I really want to be your man."
He wants to have a serious relationship with her
"No, no, no, do you know why?"
The girl is questioning his attraction to her
"Why?"
He is curious about her question
"You ain't got just what it takes."
He is telling her that she does not have what he is looking for in a partner
Every time she comes near me.
He is constantly drawn to her
My words just-a disappear.
He is left speechless by her beauty
Here she comes now.
He is eagerly anticipating her arrival
Jus' the walk.
He finds her movements particularly attractive
Listen to her sweet, sweet talk.
He finds her voice and words irresistible
She, so fine, so fine, so fine.
She is incredibly attractive to him
I, I wish she were mine, all mine.
He desires to have a romantic relationship with her
She, so fine, so fine, so fine.
He is repeating how attractive he finds her
I, I wish she were mine, all mine.
He is restating his strong desire to be with her
She, so fine, so fine, so fine.
He is once again praising her beauty
I, I wish she were mine, all mine.
He repeats his desire to be with her
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY, EDDIE J. KENDRICK, OTIS C WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind