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.
Love Is A Hurtin
The Temptations Lyrics
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For every single thrill there's another heartache
The road is rough
The going gets tough
Love is a hurtin' thing
Oh, love is a hurtin' thing
But when we're apart I walk the streets alone
One day happiness
The next day, loneliness
When love brings so much joy why must it bring such pain
Guess it's a mystery that nobody can explain
Maybe I'm a fool to keep on loving you
'Cause there may come a time you'll break my heart in two
But I want you so
I want you though I know that
Love is a hurtin' thing
Oh, love is a hurtin' thing
The Temptations' song "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" deals with the ups and downs of love. The opening lines, "For every little kiss there's a little teardrop, for every single thrill there's another heartache," set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics detail how, despite the joy and happiness that love can bring, it can also bring pain and heartache. The chorus, "Love is a hurtin' thing, oh, love is a hurtin' thing," is a simple, yet powerful statement that captures the essence of the song.
The verses paint a picture of the contrasting emotions that come with love. When the singer is with their partner, they feel like a king on a throne, but when they are apart, they feel lost and alone. The lyrics acknowledge the unpredictability of love, with lines like "One day happiness, the next day, loneliness." The singer questions why love must come with so much pain, calling it a "mystery that nobody can explain." Despite the uncertainty and potential for heartbreak, the singer admits to wanting to continue loving their partner, even though they may end up hurt in the end.
Overall, "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" is a relatable and timeless song about the complexities of love, and how it can be both wonderful and painful at the same time.
Line by Line Meaning
For every little kiss there's a little teardrop
Even the smallest pleasures of affection are accompanied by sorrow and tears.
For every single thrill there's another heartache
Every moment of excitement and happiness is followed by disappointment.
The road is rough
The journey through love is not easy.
The going gets tough
The challenges of love often become difficult to handle.
Love is a hurtin' thing
Love can cause pain and suffering.
Oh, love is a hurtin' thing
Love can bring pain and sorrow.
When you're in my arms I'm a king on a throne
Being with you gives me absolute joy and happiness.
But when we're apart I walk the streets alone
When we're not together, loneliness and sadness take over me.
One day happiness
One moment I am happy and content.
The next day, loneliness
The next moment, I am alone and sad.
When love brings so much joy why must it bring such pain
Even though love can bring immense joy, it comes with suffering and sorrow.
Guess it's a mystery that nobody can explain
The reasons for love's pain and suffering are unknown and inexplicable.
Maybe I'm a fool to keep on loving you
Despite the pain and suffering caused by love, I still continue to love you.
'Cause there may come a time you'll break my heart in two
I fear that one day, you might cause me immense heartbreak and pain.
But I want you so
Despite the possibility of pain, I want to be with you.
I want you though I know that
I still want to be with you even though I know it may bring pain.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Ben Raleigh, Dave Linden
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind