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.
Reach Out And Touch
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
(Just try)
Take a little time out of your busy day
To give encouragement
To someone who's lost the way
(Just try)
Or would I be talking to a stone
If I asked you
To share a problem that's not your own
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
(Just try)
If you see an old friend on the street
And he's down
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
(Just try)
Try a little kindness you'll see
It's something that comes very naturally
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you
Reach out and touch
Why don't you (Why don't you)
Reach out and touch somebody's hand
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
The Temptations's song Reach Out And Touch is a call to action to make the world a better place by reaching out to others with empathy and kindness. The lyrics encourage listeners to take a moment out of their busy lives to offer encouragement or to simply lend an ear to someone who may be struggling. The song emphasizes the power of small acts of kindness and how they can truly make a difference in someone's life.
The opening line, "Reach out and touch somebody's hand" sets the tone for the entire song, as the Temptations call upon listeners to connect with others on a personal level. They urge everyone to make a conscious effort to improve the world by "giving" and "sharing", rather than focusing solely on their own problems and concerns.
Throughout the song, the Temptations emphasize the universality of human experience, reminding us that our problems and struggles are not unique and that we can all relate to one another on some level. They encourage us to be kind and empathetic, and to make a genuine effort to help others whenever possible.
Overall, Reach Out And Touch is a timeless call to action that continues to resonate with listeners today. The Temptations remind us of the power of human connection and how our actions, no matter how small, can truly make a difference in someone's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Reach out and touch
Make an effort to connect with others
Somebody's hand
Help someone in need or offer support to someone who may be struggling
Make this world a better place
Do your part in improving the world we live in
If you can
If it is within your ability or means
Take a little time out of your busy day
Make an effort to prioritize giving encouragement to others over the distractions of daily life
To give encouragement
Offer words or actions that lift someone's spirits and motivate them to keep going
To someone who's lost the way
To someone who may feel lost or uncertain about their path in life
Or would I be talking to a stone
This rhetorical question suggests that the listener's lack of empathy or action would make them seem cold and unfeeling
If I asked you
If I were to request something of you
To share a problem that's not your own
To ask for help with an issue that does not directly affect you
We can change things if we start giving
By giving our time and resources to those in need, we can make a positive difference in the world
Why don't you
This repeated question encourages the listener to take action and reach out to others
If you see an old friend on the street
If you happen to encounter someone you know
And he's down
If he seems discouraged or unhappy
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
This expression means to consider the other person's perspective and imagine yourself in their situation
Try a little kindness you'll see
By offering kindness to others, we can see the positive impact it has on both the recipient and ourselves
It's something that comes very naturally
Kindness is a simple and innate human quality that requires little effort to exhibit
Why don't you (Why don't you)
Again, this repetition is meant to encourage action and connection
Reach out and touch somebody's hand
Make a physical or emotional connection with someone, reach out for support or offer support to those who need it
Make this world a better place
Collectively make the world a better place through small acts of kindness and support
If you can
When and if it is within your capability and means
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carol Reevey
Reach Out And Touch Somebodys Hand make this world a better lplace . Thank you Temptations
Micaï. Claude.
Super Temptations !
Faraaz Alarakhia
Question, Who were or was the original creator and first singer of this song?