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.
Man
The Temptations Lyrics
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spend her evenings sitting in a rockin chair never had much o nothin but was always willin to share .
talking bout ma, talkin bout ma.
yeah yeah yeah, talking bout ma, talkin bout maaaa.
every once in awhile when ma would get depressed, shed go to the cabnit and get paws 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"!
Ma, talking bout ma yeah yeah yeah talking bout ma talking bout maaaaaaaa
The lyrics to The Temptations' song "Ma" tell the story of a tough and hardworking woman who raised 16 children all by herself in the backwoods of Mississippi. Despite her rough exterior, she had a generous spirit and was always willing to share what little she had. The song describes her evenings spent in a rocking chair and her occasional bouts of depression, which she would alleviate by grabbing a guitar and strumming away. The phrase "let it all hang out" seems to suggest that this act of music-making was a release for Ma, a way to let go of her worries and feel free.
Interpreting the lyrics more broadly, "Ma" can be seen as a tribute to all the strong and resilient women who have faced adversity and yet still manage to find joy in the small things. The song emphasizes the importance of family and the sacrifices that mothers make for their children, while also nodding to the power of music as a form of expression and release.
Overall, "Ma" is a moving and heartfelt tribute to a remarkable woman who lived a difficult but meaningful life. The song reminds us to appreciate and celebrate the unsung heroes in our own families and communities, and to find solace in the things that make us feel truly alive.
Line by Line Meaning
Born in a log cabin in the back woods, 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.
Ma, the subject of the song, was born and raised in Mississippi, in a log cabin in the back woods. She was a tough woman who drank moonshine, chewed tobacco, and raised 16 children all by herself. She sacrificed her health and appearance to raise her children.
Spend her evenings sitting in a rockin chair never had much o nothin but was always willin to share.
Ma spent her evenings in her rocking chair, didn't have many possessions, but she was always willing to share what she had with others.
Talking bout ma, talkin bout ma. Yeah yeah yeah, talking bout ma, talkin bout maaaa.
The singer is repeating that they are talking about Ma, emphasizing her importance to the song.
Every once in awhile when ma would get depressed, shed go to the cabnit and get paws 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
When Ma was feeling down or upset, she would go to the cabinet and get an old guitar that belonged to her father. She'd sit in her rocking chair and start playing and singing, which was her way of coping with her emotions.
You could see that ma was doin her thing.
Ma was doing what made her happy and content, and it was apparent to anyone who saw her.
Every once in awhile she'd shout, 'Let it all hang out'! Ooow talking bout Ma, talking bout ma yeah yeah yeah talking bout ma talking bout maaaaaaaa
Occasionally, Ma would shout out for everyone to let loose and be themselves. This was another way of expressing herself and encouraging others to do the same. The singer is once again emphasizing that they are talking about Ma, and her unique personality and behavior.
Contributed by Liam A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AJ. McGowan
This song was ahead of it's time. Although it did not receive the recognition and accolades it deserves it is just as good and in some cases better than many of the songs of that era. Eddie was at his best and the background harmonies were amazing.... Rest in peace my brothers.....
Jimmie Perryman
This piece is a fine example" why Eddie is the best ever'
Dino fox
This song fits today, even more so than then!!!
Peter Arvo
If you listen to this on vinyl its slower and lifts the song to even greater heights
Hartmut Boehm
Das ist einfach gut!
OldschoolMusicJunkie
Ja
henry clemons
still in2020 and beyond4/15/20