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.
Run Charlie Run
The Temptations Lyrics
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But you forget all you learned on Monday
You see your smiling face can't hide
How you hate your brother inside
So I'ma telling you
Run, Charlie, run
Look the niggers are coming
Run, Charlie, run
Look the niggers are coming
(The niggers are coming?)
You built this great big beautiful city
But you ran away and left it to die, what a pity
You could have made friends with your neighbor
But you are much too prejudiced to try, tell me why
So I'ma telling you
Run, Charlie, run
Look the niggers are coming
(The niggers are coming?)
Run, Charlie, run
Look the niggers are coming
(The niggers are coming?)
But the greatest wrong, you know you've done
Is you passed this sickness onto your son
(Your one and only boy)
He came into this world with a mind so clean
You took it, molded it, and made it mean
So I'ma telling you
Run, Charlie, run
Look the niggers are coming
(The niggers are coming?)
Run, Charlie, run
Look the niggers are coming
(The niggers are coming?)
The Temptations' song "Run Charlie Run" is a powerful commentary on racism in America during the Civil Rights era. The lyrics describe a man who goes to church on Sunday but forgets all he learned on Monday. Despite putting on a smiling face, this man hides a deep-seated hatred for his fellow man. He is encouraged to run away from the impending arrival of Black people, who he refers to using a racial slur.
The song highlights the great irony of American society at the time. White people, who built the cities and the society, were often the ones most fearful of integration and equality. The lyrics implore this man to confront his prejudice and make friends with his Black neighbors. The greatest tragedy of racism, the song argues, is that it is passed down through generations, corrupting even the most innocent and pure minds.
"Run Charlie Run" is a powerful and uncompromisingly honest work that gives voice to the enduring struggle for equality in America.
Line by Line Meaning
I watch you go to church on Sunday
I see you attend church on Sundays
But you forget all you learned on Monday
But you forget everything you learned as soon as the day shifts to Monday
You see your smiling face can't hide
Your smiling face doesn't conceal
How you hate your brother inside
The hatred you feel towards your fellow man is concealed inside
So I'ma telling you
Therefore, I'm going to tell you
Run, Charlie, run
Escape, Charlie, escape
Look the niggers are coming
Pay attention, the black people are coming
The niggers are coming?
Are the black people really coming?
You built this great big beautiful city
You constructed this grand and stunning city
But you ran away and left it to die, what a pity
But then you abandoned it, leaving it to decay, which is a great tragedy
You could have made friends with your neighbor
You could have befriended your neighbor
But you are much too prejudiced to try, tell me why
But your prejudices prevented you from attempting this, so I ask why?
But the greatest wrong, you know you've done
You're aware that the most significant harm you've caused
Is you passed this sickness onto your son
Is the fact that you passed these destructive beliefs to your own son
(Your one and only boy)
(The only child you have)
He came into this world with a mind so clean
He entered the world with an unsullied mind
You took it, molded it, and made it mean
You shaped it into something malicious
So I'ma telling you
Therefore, I'm going to tell you
Run, Charlie, run
Escape, Charlie, escape
Look the niggers are coming
Pay attention, the black people are coming
The niggers are coming?
Are the black people really coming?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAN FOREMAN, MAURICE C. KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind