Message From a Black Man
The Temptations Lyrics


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Melvin: Yes, my skin is black,
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
'Cause I'm comin' through, oh!

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

Overall Meaning

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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