Psychedelic Shack
The Temptations Lyrics


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Yeah
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
Where you can really do your thing, oh yeah
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

Overall Meaning

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
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@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.



All comments from YouTube:

@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

43 More Replies...

@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 🥺..

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