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.
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
The Temptations Lyrics
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That day I'll always remember, yes I will
'Cause that was the day that my daddy died
I never got a chance to see him
Never heard nothin' but bad things about him
Momma I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
Momma just hung her head and said, son
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Papa was a rolling stone (my son, yeah)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day in his life
And Momma, some bad talk goin' round town sayin' that
Papa had three outside children
And another wife, and that ain't right
Heard some talk Papa doing some storefront preachin'
Talking about saving souls and all the time leechin'
Dealing in dirt, and stealing in the name of the Lord
Momma just hung her head and said
Papa was a rolling stone (my son)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Papa was a rolling stone (dad gumma it)
Where ever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Momma
I heard Papa called himself a jack-of-all-trades
Tell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave
Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal
To pay his bills
Hey Momma
Folks say Papa never was much on thinking
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
Momma I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
Momma looked up with a tear in her eye and said, son
Papa was a rolling stone (well, well, well, well)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone (lone, lone, lone, alone)
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
(I said) Papa was a rolling stone (yes he was, my son)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
My daddy was
Papa was a rolling stone (yes he was, yeah)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
The Temptationsā classic hit āPapa Was a Rollinā Stoneā tells the story of a young manās search for understanding and closure after his fatherās passing. The song is centered around a conversation between the man and his mother, where he inquires about the truth behind his fatherās life. The third of September is a day that he will always remember, as it is the day that his father died. He never got to see him, and all he has heard are bad things about him. He turns to his mother, hoping to find some clarity, but all she can do is hang her head and admit that his father was a rolling stone. The term ārolling stoneā means that someone is constantly moving, never staying in one place for too long. Papaās hat was his only true home, and when he died, all he left his family was the knowledge that he could never stay in one place.
The conversation between the man and his mother reveals that Papa never worked a day in his life and was known for chasing women and drinking. He was a jack-of-all-trades, but it never led to any stability in his life. In fact, he had three outside children and another wife, which is why he left his immediate family alone when he died. Papa was a preacher, but he used his sermons to steal and deal in dirt. The songās lyrics suggest that Papaās life was marked by constant movement, a lack of responsibility, and a selfish streak. The man turns to his mother for answers, but all he can find is the truth that his father was a rolling stone.
Line by Line Meaning
It was the third of September
The date of September 3rd is important and memorable.
That day I'll always remember, yes I will
The day of September 3rd is still fresh in the singer's memory.
'Cause that was the day that my daddy died
The singer's father passed away on September 3rd.
I never got a chance to see him
The artist never had the opportunity to meet his father.
Never heard nothin' but bad things about him
The artist only knows negative things about his father.
Momma I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
The singer is asking his mother to be honest with him about his father.
Momma just hung her head and said, son
The mother is feeling sad and uncomfortable about the topic.
Papa was a rolling stone
The father was a man who traveled around, never staying in one place for too long.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
The father was comfortable living anywhere he found himself.
And when he died, all he left us was alone
When the father passed away, he left his family with no comfort or support.
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day in his life
There are rumors that the father never had a job or worked for a living.
And Momma, some bad talk goin' round town sayin' that
There are negative rumors circulating about the father in the community.
Papa had three outside children
There are claims that the father had children with other women outside of his family.
And another wife, and that ain't right
The father had another wife outside of the singer's mother, which isn't acceptable.
Heard some talk Papa doing some storefront preachin'
There have been rumors about the father preaching on the street.
Talking about saving souls and all the time leechin'
However, he was accused of taking advantage of people while he was preaching.
Dealing in dirt, and stealing in the name of the Lord
The father was believed to be involved in shady dealings, even while claiming to serve God.
Hey Momma
The singer is addressing his mother again for more information.
I heard Papa called himself a jack-of-all-trades
The father claimed to be skilled in many areas.
Tell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave
The artist is wondering if the father's lack of focus contributed to his early death.
Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal
People are saying that the father would do anything to get money.
To pay his bills
This behavior was specifically related to covering his expenses.
Folks say Papa never was much on thinking
The father wasn't known for being thoughtful or considerate.
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
The father was more interested in partying and pursuing romantic relationships.
Momma looked up with a tear in her eye and said, son
The mother is emotional but willing to share more information.
Well, well, well, well
The song repeats the line 'well, well, well' for emphasis.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
The father lived life on the road, never settling down in one place.
And when he died, all he left us was alone (lone, lone, lone, alone)
The father didn't leave behind any real support or companionship after his death.
My daddy was
The artist is acknowledging that the father was, in fact, his real dad.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@drwdo
My grandfather is/was one of the violins in the intro. Heās on several Motown tracks and played 46 years in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He died in May, and when we miss him we listen to music. ā¤ļø š
@msl5253
Hey Drwdbo
Beautiful story and sorry for your loss with your grand father.
@elenaarman-tang7811
R.I.P. to your very talented grandfather ššā¤
@alfredszabo1817
God bless him š ā¤ļø
@alfredszabo1817
My grandpa had to play on Russian guitar šø, he had no choice on his faith!
@naumnaumoski3816
God bless him
@walter9724
The intro itself could be used in any 1970s movie car chase scene. I'm 46 and I was raised on this music. And I'm a white Australian
@hendrikdebruin4012
I am a white African and I agree mate.
@potterj09
41 here. My dad knew a lot about film and The Blues Brothers was always a cool film we shared. I play guitar now because of it.
@user-qg5xo6wu1e
That baseline. The horns. The strings. Back when every section had to be recorded separately. This is amazing.