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.
Keep On Truckin
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One, two
One, two, three
Keep on truckin', baby
Got to get to your good lovin'
Shame, a double shame on me, yeah
Love, I let it control me, yeah
From just one kiss I am inspired
To love lovers and climb over the fire
And I'll keep on truckin', baby
I got to keep on truckin'
I got to get to your sweet lovin'
Baby, that's bad, so hard to bear, yeah
Yes, babe, you're hard to bear, yeah
I've got fever rising with desire
It's my love Jones and I feel like I'm on fire
And I'll keep on truckin', baby
I got to keep on truckin'
Got to get to your good lovin'
Feelin' good
No, you can't stop the feelin'
Feelin'
No, you can't stop the feelin'
No, not now
I'm feelin' love of express of lovin'
Diesel-powered straight to you, I'm truckin'
In old temptation's rain, I'm duckin'
For your love through sleet and snow, I'm truckin'
The song "Keep On Truckin" by The Temptations is an ode to perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of love. The opening lines of the song are a rhythmic one-two-three count, setting the tempo for what will be a groovy, soulful journey. The lyrics are a clever juxtaposition of love and trucking metaphors, creating a unique and memorable song. The opening lines of "Keep on truckin', baby, I got to keep on truckin'" directly convey the message of persistence as the singer is on a mission to "get to your good lovin'." The shame and regret that the singer feels for previously letting love control him are further explored in the lyrics. Despite these setbacks, the singer finds inspiration from a single kiss and resolves to continue "climbing over the fire" to get to the object of his desire. The feverish desire and "love Jones" are metaphorical representations of the singer's burning passion toward the person he loves, and he is ready to go to great lengths to reach them, even through sleet and snow.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two
Let's get ready to start something.
One, two
Counting along to start the song properly.
One, two, three
The song is officially starting now.
Keep on truckin', baby
Let's keep moving forward and not give up.
I got to keep on truckin'
I must continue to push forward and not give up.
Got to get to your good lovin'
I must reach your love and affection.
Shame, a double shame on me, yeah
I am ashamed of my mistakes and regret my actions.
Love, I let it control me, yeah
I allowed my love for someone to take control, for better or for worse.
From just one kiss I am inspired
One small gesture can ignite a passion inside of me.
To love lovers and climb over the fire
I am willing to go to great lengths to pursue love and overcome obstacles.
And I'll keep on truckin', baby
I will continue to persevere and not give up.
I got to keep on truckin'
I must keep going despite the challenges.
I got to get to your sweet lovin'
I must reach your love and affection.
Baby, that's bad, so hard to bear, yeah
It's difficult to cope with the problems in our relationship.
Yes, babe, you're hard to bear, yeah
You are difficult to deal with, but I still want to be with you.
I've got fever rising with desire
My passion and desire for you is growing stronger.
It's my love Jones and I feel like I'm on fire
My craving for your love is like a powerful addiction that's consuming me.
Feelin' good
I am feeling great/motivated.
No, you can't stop the feelin'
Nothing can stop me from feeling this way.
Feelin'
I am motivated by my emotions and passion.
No, you can't stop the feelin'
Nothing can stop me from my passion and drive.
No, not now
I won't stop right now, I must keep moving forward.
I'm feelin' love of express of lovin'
I am expressing my love and desire through this song.
Diesel-powered straight to you, I'm truckin'
I am coming to you with intense energy and vigor.
In old temptation's rain, I'm duckin'
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I am still going to pursue you.
For your love through sleet and snow, I'm truckin'
I will go through any obstacles or hardships to get to your love.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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