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.
MA
The Temptations Lyrics
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The back woods of Mississippi
She drank moonshine, chewed tobacco
Raised 16 children all by herself
Never looked much like a lady
You see mama ruined her body raisin' her babies
Spend her evenings sitting in a rockin' chair
Talking 'bout ma ,talkin' 'bout ma
Yeah, yeah, yeah, talking 'bout ma
Talkin' 'bout ma
Every once in awhile when ma would get depressed
She'd go to the cabinet and get paw's guitar
Sit herself down in the rockin' chair
Start strummin' and hummin', ha ha, yeah
That was ma's way of lettin' off steam
In plan old English you could see
That ma was doin' her thing
Every once in awhile she'd shout, "Let it all hang out"
Oow talkin' 'bout ma, talking 'bout ma
Yeah, yeah, yeah, talking 'bout ma
Talking 'bout ma
The Temptations' song "Ma" is a touching tribute to a strong and resilient mother who raised 16 children on her own in the back woods of Mississippi. The song's lyrics describe how Ma was not the typical picture of a lady, as she drank moonshine and chewed tobacco, but she was always willing to share what little she had with others. The singer notes that Ma's body was "ruined" from raising her children, but she would spend her evenings sitting in a rocking chair, strumming her husband's guitar to let off steam.
The song also mentions how Ma would occasionally get depressed, but would turn to playing the guitar as a source of comfort. The singer emphasizes that Ma was always "doin' her thing," and able to "let it all hang out" when she needed to. The song ultimately ends with a final tribute to Ma, declaring "talking 'bout ma" in a chorus.
Overall, "Ma" is a touching anthem that celebrates the strength and resilience of a mother who overcame poverty and adversity to raise her children with love and kindness. Through her tough exterior and untraditional ways, Ma remained a powerful and inspiring force in her children's lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Born in a log cabin in the back woods
Ma was born in a small cabin located deep in the forest of Mississippi.
The back woods of Mississippi
Ma was born in the poorly developed rural area of Mississippi.
She drank moonshine, chewed tobacco
Ma drank a homemade alcoholic beverage called moonshine and chewed tobacco, which is a practice of spitting tobacco juice.
Raised 16 children all by herself
Ma single-handedly brought up 16 children without the help of a partner.
Never looked much like a lady
Ma did not meet the typical standards of femininity.
You see mama ruined her body raisin' her babies
Ma's body was changed by raising so many children.
Spend her evenings sitting in a rockin' chair
Ma would spend her evenings relaxing on a rocking chair.
Never had much o nothin but was always willin to share
Although Ma did not have much, she was always generous with what she had.
Every once in a while when ma would get depressed
Occasionally, Ma would become sad and upset.
She'd go to the cabinet and get paw's guitar
Ma would retrieve her father's guitar from the cabinet.
Sit herself down in the rockin' chair
Ma would sit in her favorite rocking chair.
Start strummin' and hummin', ha ha, yeah
Ma would begin to play the guitar and sing quietly to herself, enjoying the music.
That was ma's way of lettin' off steam
Playing the guitar and singing helped Ma relieve her frustration and tension.
In plan old English you could see
Ma expressed herself in simple English with no formality.
That ma was doin' her thing
Ma was doing what made her happy.
Every once in awhile she'd shout, "Let it all hang out"
Occasionally, Ma would express her emotions loudly and without holding back.
Oow talkin' 'bout ma, talking 'bout ma
The lyrics are dedicated to talking about and celebrating Ma.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, talking 'bout ma
The lyrics repeat the message of talking about, praising, and honoring Ma.
Talking 'bout ma
The song is a tribute to Ma and her life experiences.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Norman J. Whitfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jorge Farfán
su majestad el soul en todo su esplendor creci con esta música hacia años que no escuchaba este temota que nota uff gracias al Internet la ultima vez fue en vinilo imaginense
FaveRTs.com
You can’t spell Masterpiece without “Ma” ❤️
itzlagana
i love this song
Seth Anderson
itzlagana I love that guitar solo.... sweet!!!
Steve Turner
What a tune. Eight track blaster back in the day
JazzSize
A song that's saying something. Attitude and love
Steve Turner
This a proper banger from the temps takes me back to when I was 21 playing it over and over in my car on the old 8 track.
Sherry Hunter
I still have some 8 tracks, lol
Trip Hop Universe
+Steve Turner for me it is one of the groups that has marked my childhood in the 70s ;)
Tom Davies
Talkin' bout ma! Love it