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.
Psychedelic Shack
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Yeah
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
People, let me tell you 'bout a place I know, to get in it don't take much dough
It's got a neon sigh outside that says
Come in and take a look at your mind
You'll be surprised what you might find
Strobe lights flashing from sun up to sun down
People gather there from all parts of town
Right around the corner, you know it's just across the track
People I'm talking abut the psychedelic shack
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at, yeah
You can have your fortune told, you can learn the meaning of soul
There ain't no such a thing as time
Incense in the air, peace signs painted everywhere
I guarantee you this place will blow your mind
They got music so high you can't get over it
So low you can't get under it
Right around the corner, you know it's just across the track
People I'm talking abut the psychedelic shack
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, millionaires, kings and queens go there to do their thing
You might see anybody there, yeah
Bearskin rugs, tails and minks
It don't really matter what you wear
Take off your shoes, sit on the floor
Join in and be what you wanna be, don't you know it's
Right around the corner, you know it's just across the track
People I'm talking abut the psychedelic shack
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at, yeah, oh yeah
They got a cat there shoutin' the blues, talkin' 'bout payin' some dues
People walkin' round reciting poetry, yeah
Screaming guitars and a thousand colored lights
People, I'm telling you this place is really out of sight
You can have your fortune told, you can learn the meaning of soul
I can tell you the place will blow your mind, don't you know it's
Right around the corner, you know it's just across the track
The Temptations’s “Psychedelic Shack” is a song about a place where people can be free and explore their minds. The “Psychedelic Shack” is described as a place that is welcoming to all and where people of all walks of life gather to express themselves. The neon sign outside the shack beckons people to come and see what’s inside. There is incense in the air and peace signs painted everywhere, making it a peaceful and calm environment for people to just be themselves.
The song speaks to the freedom of expression that was prevalent in the counterculture movement of the era. The psychedelic culture embraced the escapism found within the songs subject matter. The repetitive nature of the chorus reinforces the sense of unity and camaraderie present within the song lyrics.
Overall, the song is about a space that allows people to escape the troubles of the outside world and be themselves without fear of judgment. It’s about coming together as a community and enjoying life without limits or restrictions.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
An expression of excitement and anticipation
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
The place to be for good times and mind-blowing experiences
People, let me tell you 'bout a place I know, to get in it don't take much dough
An invitation to share about a cheap and accessible place worth visiting
Where you can really do your thing, oh yeah
A promise of freedom to express oneself authentically
It's got a neon sigh outside that says
Come in and take a look at your mind
You'll be surprised what you might find
A description of a welcoming sign inviting patrons to introspect and discover new insights
Strobe lights flashing from sun up to sun down
People gather there from all parts of town
An observation of the variety and inclusivity of the psychedelic shack
You can have your fortune told, you can learn the meaning of soul
A list of the available services and experiences at the psychedelic shack
There ain't no such a thing as time
Incense in the air, peace signs painted everywhere
I guarantee you this place will blow your mind
A promise of timelessness, peacefulness, and mind-blowing awesomeness at the psychedelic shack
They got music so high you can't get over it
So low you can't get under it
A hyperbolic expression of the music's impact and ubiquity
Millionaires, kings and queens go there to do their thing
You might see anybody there, yeah
A statement of the psychedlic shack's social diversity and popularity
Bearskin rugs, tails and minks
It don't really matter what you wear
Take off your shoes, sit on the floor
Join in and be what you wanna be, don't you know it's
An affirmation of the shack's organic and accepting vibe, and a call to action to fully engage in the experience
They got a cat there shoutin' the blues, talkin' 'bout payin' some dues
People walkin' round reciting poetry, yeah
Screaming guitars and a thousand colored lights
People, I'm telling you this place is really out of sight
A poetic and sensory description of the psychedelic shack's artistic and cultural richness and vibrancy
Right around the corner, you know it's just across the track
People I'm talking abut the psychedelic shack
A reminder of the shack's accessible and convenient location
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
A final endorsement and tribute to the psychedelic shack
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DavidRichardson95
So happy to see these vintage clips of these iconic artists and entertainers doing their thing. Right in time for Black Music Month.
RIP Dennis Edwards
RIP Paul Williams
RIP Melvin Franklin
RIP Eddie Kendricks
and RIP David Ruffin.
#BlackMusicMonth
@jaylene.turner6524
The Temptations at that time:
Last surviving founding member
Otis Williams
(Tenor/Baritone)
Founding member
Melvin Franklin
(Bass)
Founding member
Eddie Kendricks
(First Tenor/Falsetto)
Founding member
Paul Williams
(Baritone)
Dennis Edwards
(Replaced David Ruffin)
(Tenor)
This was in 1970.
@jaylene.turner6524
Jonathan Clary
You need to do your research.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Your Temptations’ history knowledge is horrible.
Start studying with interviews and ask Otis Williams some questions on his Facebook page.
You need to study hard.
@Irishman10704
I love those moments when Paul’s eyes go wide when he sings even though he was in pain in here you can tell he still loved performing for the fans.
@kamscott4201
It was catching up to him sickle cell. But he did good. Its a fact he was on meds right here. He had gained weight in the face
@Irishman10704
@@kamscott4201 If I could give him a hug and tell him you got this I would. I just wish I could’ve prevented what happened to him.
@kamscott4201
@@Irishman10704 yea , he's my favorite temptation. & you could tell here he was feeling it. He is always up from with blue. & his hands look limp starting at 3:18. & sickle cell slows your motion as well.
@Irishman10704
@@kamscott4201 Blue was always such a good friend. He made sure he looked out for Paul and even tried to look out for Eddie (even though they had the worst relationship in the group).
@kamscott4201
@@Irishman10704 yea I know I read in the beginning they certainly didn't get along but grew to like each other. Otis said he didn't always get along with Eddie either. He said recently Eddie & him got into it one time & Paul stepped in & said Eddie, Otis is right on this one. Paul was the soul of that group. Otis even said he came off as an old soul when they would talk
@charris580
Even in pain Paul still had the vocals...
@judethaddeus9856
Who said he was in pain?
@natewhite3522
I never really her Otis sing it is rare for me
@Theefemaleoutlaw
Look at how he’s moving the clots in his legs were building up and it caused soo much pain 🥺..