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.
Just Like I Told You
The Temptations Lyrics
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Can't you see that you'll be in good hands
I can lift you off of your feet
I just wanna keep it rolling
I'm not trying to be controlling
You can play a part in my show
Do some entertaining meet my needs
Promise I'll be nice Geppetto
Puppeteering in stilettos
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
I can pull a string until it's good enough
But don't you love it, love it
When you're my puppet, puppet
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
I can pull a string until it's good enough
But don't you love it, love it
When you're my puppet, puppet
You know that I'm not here tell you
All you can and cannot do
But you make it way too easy
I can get what I've been wanting
Maintenance is almost nothing
Don't gotta be so hard to handle
Why you puttin' all the games on me
No I don't wanna do it Rambo
But you know I'll do whatever
Cut you off the first offender
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
I can pull a string until it's good enough
But don't you love it, love it
When you're my puppet, puppet
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
I can pull a string until it's good enough
But don't you love it, love it
When you're my puppet, puppet
Girl I wanna break free but I can't get out
You know that you got me, you got me right now
Girl I wanna break free but I can't get out
You know that you got me, you got me right now
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
I can pull a string until it's good enough
But don't you love it, love it
When you're my puppet, puppet
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
I can pull a string until it's good enough
But don't you love it, love it
When you're my puppet, puppet
The lyrics of The Temptations's song Just Like I Told You revolves around the idea of control and manipulation in a romantic relationship. The singer expresses a desire to take charge and manipulate their partner, likening them to a puppet being controlled by a puppeteer. The singer assures their partner that they are in good hands and not being controlled, even though the song suggests otherwise. There is an attempt to convince the partner that they should willingly play a part in the manipulative game, and that they will enjoy being the puppet.
The song continues to detail this power dynamic throughout the lyrics, with the singer insisting that they are not trying to be controlling and that their partner should be grateful for their attention. They argue that it is easy for the partner to comply with their desires, and that the benefits of being with the singer outweigh any negative aspects of the relationship. The lyrics depict a situation where the partner is feeling overwhelmed and trapped, but also perhaps somewhat complicit in the manipulation.
Overall, the song Just Like I Told You is a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing and confronting manipulative behaviors in a relationship. It highlights the potential harm that can come from attempting to control one's partner, and the need for open communication and mutual respect.
Line by Line Meaning
I just wanna get you near me
I want you to be close to me.
Can't you see that you'll be in good hands
I can take care of you and make you feel safe.
I can lift you off of your feet
I can make you feel elevated and special.
I just wanna keep it rolling
I want to continue our relationship and make it stronger.
I'm not trying to be controlling
I don't want to dominate you or make you do anything against your will.
You can play a part in my show
You can be a part of my life and participate in my journey.
Do some entertaining meet my needs
You can help me fulfill my desires or needs.
Curtain closing making shadows
The end is near and we are entering a darker phase of our relationship.
Promise I'll be nice Geppetto
I promise to treat you kindly and not manipulate you like a puppet.
Puppeteering in stilettos
I am in control and holding the strings, even in high heels.
Don't you get the feeling that you're tangled up
Do you not feel trapped or tied to me?
I can pull a string until it's good enough
I can manipulate and control the situation until I am satisfied.
But don't you love it, love it
But do you not enjoy it?
When you're my puppet, puppet
When you are under my control and doing what I want.
You know that I'm not here tell you
I am not here to dictate or control you completely.
All you can and cannot do
Limiting your actions is not my intention.
But you make it way too easy
You are too willing and compliant, making it easier for me to manipulate you.
I can get what I've been wanting
I can satisfy what I desire with your help.
Maintenance is almost nothing
It requires little effort to maintain this level of control.
Don't gotta be so hard to handle
You do not have to be difficult to deal with or resist me all the time.
Why you puttin' all the games on me
Why are you playing hard to get or making it seem like a game?
No I don't wanna do it Rambo
I do not want to be aggressive or forceful like Rambo.
But you know I'll do whatever
But you know I will do anything necessary to get what I want.
Cut you off the first offender
I will not hesitate to end this relationship as soon as I feel offended or hurt.
Girl I wanna break free but I can't get out
I want to free myself, but I feel trapped and unable to escape.
You know that you got me, you got me right now
You have control over me at the moment.
Writer(s): Otis Williams, ISAIAS GAMBOA
Contributed by Christian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
daladyj707
Lead singer Terry Weeks did his thang on this track. His vocals are amazing. So smooth, sensual, and beautiful at the same time!
Lavencia Jean
daladyj707 WOW!!!!! The whole TRACK!! Man!! I love this ❤️❤️❤️
arthur reliford
African American music at it's finest. The lead is damn good, his voice leading the violins, guitar, and the group, until his final urging....Just like I tooooold you (your love is here)
Arnetta Session
Such a beautiful song❤
Decater Starks
Arnetta Session
Rob Brown
This album is a masterpiece... True work of art... Very underrated track... Real grown folks music... Terry Weeks voice was perfect for this remarkable song... Temptations fan for life 💯💯✌💗
Jerra Maurice
Whatever happened to him
savannah314
OMG!! I love this song!! Especially at 2:26-2:29 ❤️❤️❤️
Rita Walker
This is my favorite song.
Keyy Joi
Me too