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.
Message From a Black Man
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that's no reason to hold me back
Eddie: Why don't you think about it,
Think about it, think about it, think about it,
Think about it...
I have wants and desires,
Just like you
So move on the side
Temptations: No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Eddie and Temptations: No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now, oooh...
Melvin: Yes, your skin is white...
Does that make you right?
Eddie: Why don't you think about it,
Think about it, think about it, think about it,
Think about it...
This is a message
A message to y'all,
Together we stand,
Divided we fall, oh!
Dennis: Black is a color
Just like white,
Tell me how can a color determine whether
You're wrong or right,
We all have our faults...
Yes we do
Eddie: So look in your mirror
Temptations: Look in the mirror
Eddie: What do you see?
Temptations: What do you see?
Eddie: Two eyes,
Temptations: Two eyes,
Eddie: A nose, and a mouth just like me, oh!
Eddie: Your eyes are open
But you refuse to see,
The laws of society
Were made for both you and me,
Because of my color,
I struggle to be free
Sticks and stones,
May break my bones
But in the end,
You're gonna' see my friend, oh!
Temptations: No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
(chorus repeated several times through music, or "the bridge")
(after a few minutes, above chorus is repeated
as song nears end, and then...)
Temptations: Say it loud!
No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Temptations: Say it loud!
No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Temptations: Say it!
No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Temptations: Say it loud!
No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Temptations: Say it loud!
Dennis: I'm black and I'm proud!
Temptations: No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Temptations: Say it loud!
Dennis: I'm black and I'm proud!
Temptations: No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
fade to end
The Temptations' song Message From a Black Man is a powerful commentary on racial discrimination and inequality. The lyrics are sung by individual members of the group, each over a simple bassline and drum groove. The lyrics describe the frustration and indignation that comes with being treated unfairly simply because of one's skin color. The song challenges the listener to think critically about their own prejudices and to consider the ways in which racism continues to affect the lives of Black individuals.
The song begins with Melvin proclaiming that his Blackness is not a reason to hold him back. He asserts that he has wants and desires just like anyone else, and demands that he be allowed to achieve them. This sentiment is echoed by Eddie, who asks the listener to imagine themselves in Melvin's position. He asks if they would be willing to be held back simply because of the color of their skin. The Rolling Stones' song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" is quoted in the song, but subverted to deliver a powerful message of perseverance. The group asserts that no matter how hard their oppressors try to hold them back, they cannot be stopped.
Dennis offers a more conciliatory message, pointing out that Black and white individuals are all human and all have faults. He suggests that the way to overcome racism is to recognize our shared humanity and work together to build a better world. Eddie returns with a more confrontational message, pointing out that laws which were ostensibly designed to benefit everyone in society often have a disproportionate impact on Black individuals. He suggests that racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice, but something that is built into the very structure of our society. However, the song ultimately ends on a note of triumph, with the group proudly proclaiming their Blackness and insisting that they cannot be stopped.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, my skin is black,
My skin color is black and it should not be a reason to hold me back
But that's no reason to hold me back
My skin color should not be the reason for discrimination or limitations
Why don't you think about it,
Have you ever considered the implications of judging someone based on their skin color?
Think about it, think about it, think about it,
Reflect on this matter deeply, it’s not just a surface-level issue
I have wants and desires,
I have needs, aspirations and desires like any human being
Just like you
Despite our differences, we share commonalities
So move on the side
Step aside, I'm on my way
'Cause I'm comin' through, oh!
I won't let my skin color prevent me from fulfilling my goals
No matter how hard you try
Regardless of your efforts
You can't stop me now
You cannot prevent me from achieving my objectives
Yes, your skin is white...
Your skin color is white, which does not make you superior or better than me
Does that make you right?
Does your skin color mean you are always correct or justified?
This is a message
This is a message that conveys a powerful statement
A message to y'all,
A message addressed to everyone
Together we stand,
We need to join forces to work towards common goals
Divided we fall, oh!
If we remain separated, we will not achieve our objectives
Black is a color
Black is merely a color, which should not have negative connotations or be associated with discrimination
Just like white,
White is also just a color, devoid of any inherent superiority
Tell me how can a color determine whether
How can a mere color define the worth or capabilities of an individual?
You're wrong or right,
Skin color should not be the basis of judging someone as wrong or right
We all have our faults...
We all possess flaws or imperfections
So look in your mirror
Self-reflect and examine your own prejudices and biases
What do you see?
What does your reflection reveal to you?
Two eyes,
As human beings, we share similar physical features
A nose, and a mouth just like me, oh!
Regardless of our physical differences, we are still human beings who share commonalities
Your eyes are open
You are aware of the issue at hand
But you refuse to see,
You are deliberately ignoring or denying the reality of the issue
The laws of society
The regulations implemented by society
Were made for both you and me,
These laws apply to everyone, regardless of their skin color
Because of my color,
Due to my skin color
I struggle to be free
I face challenges and obstacles due to discrimination and systemic racism
Sticks and stones,
Physical violence or harmful words
May break my bones
I may succumb to physical harm and suffering
But in the end,
Ultimately
You're gonna' see my friend, oh!
You will inevitably recognize my worth and achievements, regardless of my skin color
Say it loud!
Speak out with boldness and strength
I'm black and I'm proud!
I am proud of my skin color, heritage and identity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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